- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- June 25, 2020
Three Things to Know About Minnesota’s New Climate Lawsuit
On Wednesday, Minnesota became the latest state to file a climate lawsuit against the energy industry. This marks the first lawsuit of this kind to be filed after the failure of the New York Attorney General’s case against ExxonMobil last fall. At- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- June 19, 2020
Texas Court Criticizes Climate “Lawfare” Against Energy Producers
On Thursday, an intermediate appellate court in Texas reluctantly denied a petition filed by ExxonMobil that sought pre-suit discovery of attorney Matt Pawa and the California municipalities bringing public nuisance lawsuits against the company for the alleged damages caused by climate change.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- June 19, 2020
Latest Orphan Well Report Overestimates Number of Wells and Cost of Plugging
Orphaned wells have been making headlines recently as a potential source of methane emissions. The oil and natural gas industry and regulatory agencies have collaborated on identifying the number of these wells and finding solutions to the unique challenges they present, particularly since most of them were drilled in the 1800s and early 1900s.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- June 18, 2020
Report: U.S. Continued to Decrease Emissions In 2019 Alongside Increased Natural Gas Production, Demand
While global carbon emissions saw a slight increase in 2019, the United States continued its long-term trend of reducing these emissions – at the same time that natural gas production and demand continued to increase – according to BP’s 2020 Statistical Review of World Energy.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- June 16, 2020
Activist Consulting Firm Covers Its Tracks on Wikipedia
A consulting firm with dark money ties to the climate litigation campaign has taken the unusual and blatant step of editing its Wikipedia page in order to scrub away criticism and block transparency of its finances.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- June 16, 2020
Natural Gas Is Fundamental To Emissions Reduction Efforts
The Rocky Mountain Institute has campaigned in favor of electrifying everything – forcing people to use exclusively electric appliances under the false promise of solving CO2 emissions and climate change.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- June 10, 2020
Massachusetts AG Files Amended Complaint, Drops Claim Featured in Failed New York Attorney General Case
On Friday, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey filed an amended complaint in her lawsuit against ExxonMobil for allegedly deceiving Massachusetts investors and consumers about climate change-related risks.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- June 9, 2020
Natural Gas Beats Renewables in Providing Steady, Reliable Power in Emergencies
Natural gas is the best energy source to secure steady, cost-efficient power during natural disasters, according to a report by the consulting company The Brattle Group.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- June 8, 2020
Saying the Quiet Part Out Loud: Mass. Attorney General Admits Intention to Ban Fossil Fuel Use
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey called on the state’s Department of Public Utilities to investigate “the future of the natural gas industry” in Massachusetts this week, alleging that the use of the fuel didn’t align with the state’s 2050 climate goals.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- June 5, 2020
EPA Update Would Prevent Misuse of CWA On Infrastructure Projects
This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it would update Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, helping to accelerate and promote the construction of critical infrastructure projects.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- May 29, 2020
Reminder: Massachusetts Case Likely Faces Same Fate as New York
U.S. District Judge William Young issued an opinion today on his March decision to remand Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey’s lawsuit against ExxonMobil to state court.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- May 28, 2020
Climate Activists Are Attacking BP For Warning the Public About Climate Change
It’s been five years since anti-energy activists created the “____ Knew” campaign attacking energy companies for allegedly conspiring to hide climate change from the public, and in that time they’ve managed to rack up a stunning losing streak in the courts.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- May 27, 2020
U.S. Energy-Related CO2 Emissions Declined Amid Economic Growth In 2019
Energy-related CO2 emissions declined by 2.8 percent from 2018 to 2019, according to data recently published by the Energy Information Administration.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- May 27, 2020
U.S. Power Sector Meets Climate Targets 11 Years Ahead of Schedule
The U.S. electric power sector has surpassed the Obama Administration’s Clean Power Plan emissions reduction targets 11 years ahead of schedule, according to a new report by the Carbon Tax Center.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- May 13, 2020
Catalyst Organization Behind #ExxonKnew Acknowledges It Knew Too
A key organizer and funder of the “Exxon Knew” campaign – which hinges on the debunked allegation that ExxonMobil knew about climate change long before the public and subsequently tried to cover up this knowledge and mislead the public – also credits itself for its “early recognition” of the issue in the 1980s.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- May 8, 2020
U.S. Power Sector Sees Impressive Carbon Emission Reductions Amid Natural Gas Growth
The United States’ power sector has decreased carbon emissions by 32.2 percent and its carbon intensity by an impressive 33.7 percent since 2005, according to Carnegie Mellon University’s Power Sector Carbon Index, which looks at the carbon intensity of electricity production broken out by fiscal quarter.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- May 7, 2020
Misleading RMI Report On Gas Appliances Is Tone-Deaf to Low-Income Communities
As has become customary, Rocky Mountain Institute published another misinformed report espousing the harm of using gas stoves in households. RMI suggests replacing stoves in favor of empowering an electrification movement.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- May 6, 2020
The ‘You Absolutely Love To See It’ Act: Fringe Dems Want to Punish Oil and Gas Workers during Pandemic
Apparently aiming to make the terrible COVID-19 crisis even worse, a group of fringe Congressional Democrats introduced legislation on Tuesday which could leave oil and natural gas workers out of a job and undermine the very industry producing the energy and supplies necessary to get through the pandemic.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- May 6, 2020
Four Reasons Why U.S. Natural Gas Has Endured This Pandemic
Good news is on the horizon for U.S. natural gas despite the market challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to experts from the Baker Institute for Energy Studies.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- May 1, 2020
Idling Trucks for Climate Action: Climate Protesters Parade Through Empty D.C. Streets
Like much of the United States, the streets of Washington, D.C. have been quiet for the past few weeks after city officials shuttered bars, restaurants, and all but the most essential businesses to try to halt the spread of the coronavirus.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- May 1, 2020
Top Four Things to Know About Sierra Club-funded Report on Air Quality & Natural Gas
There is a growing push to electrify everything recently that’s being led by “Keep It In the Ground” (KIITG) groups eager to decrease natural gas demand to prevent further development of the resource.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- April 30, 2020
New Methane Emissions Calculations: Do As I Say, Not As I Do
Three Environmental Defense Fund-affiliated studies this month make some pretty alarming claims about oil and natural gas methane emissions in the Permian Basin and Gulf of Mexico.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- April 27, 2020
Sacramento Utility Employee’s Pro-Electrification Argument Doesn’t Hold Up To the Facts
A recent Utility Dive opinion piece published disparaging natural gas appliances in buildings ignores the many benefits the fuel provides to American households.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- April 24, 2020
KIITG Activists Tout Harvard Researchers’ Thin Claims Linking COVID-19 and Air Quality
Oil and natural gas companies have gone beyond providing needed energy and the resources required to make life-saving medical equipment by donating time, money and supplies in their communities – even while facing unprecedented challenges brought on by COVID-19 and the state of the oil market.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- April 24, 2020
Judge Rules ‘100% Renewables’ Researcher Must Pay Attorney Fees for His Dubious Lawsuit
A Stanford University professor who sued his critics and the journal that debunked his research overstating job benefits from a switch to 100-percent renewables was rebuffed by a D.C.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- April 23, 2020
What They’re Saying About Natural Gas Bans
There’s a worrying trend gaining traction in California, the Boston suburbs, and a few other liberal enclaves across the country. In the name of meeting ambitious decarbonization and emissions goals, a few dozen cities are considering – or have passed – ordinances that look to limit or outright ban natural gas in construction.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- April 21, 2020
Top 5 Emissions Reducing States Are Big Natural Gas Consumers
The switch to natural gas has helped the United States to dramatically reduce emissions, and is having similar impacts in individual states.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- April 21, 2020
Fringe Democrats Want To Cut Off Support To Oil And Gas Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic
The federal government has acted swiftly to provide economic support to American workers and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but a small, fringe group of congressional Democrats is arguing against the bipartisan support of the energy industry and its employees.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- April 16, 2020
New Climate Litigation Campaign Touts Failed Strategies From Failed Presidential Candidate
A new activist campaign has popped up seeking to promote climate litigation against major energy producers, but its leaders aren’t disclosing their donors and they’re endorsing a legal strategy that’s already a proven failure.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- April 16, 2020
EPA: Oil and Natural Gas Methane Emissions Continue to Fall
Methane emissions in the United States continue to decline according to updated data released this week in the Environmental Protection Agency’s final 2020 Greenhouse Gas Inventory.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- April 7, 2020
Four Things to Know About EDF’s New Permian Methane Estimates
The Environmental Defense Fund’s new calculations of methane leakage in the Permian Basin are still undergoing scientific review, but that didn’t stop the organization from releasing its figures – based on questionable methodologies and assumptions – alongside a map of alleged methane leaks in the basin.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- April 6, 2020
Honolulu Lawsuit Demonizes Oil and Gas Production, Seeks “Disgorgement of Profits”
The City and County of Honolulu launched its public nuisance climate change lawsuit against energy companies earlier this month and it’s become clear that there are ulterior motives beyond addressing the municipalities’ environmental challenges.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- April 6, 2020
Oil and Natural Gas Industry Responds to COVID-19 with Charitable and Community Assistance
As the COVID-19 pandemic worsens, the oil and natural gas industry has stepped up to meet the challenge with charitable contributions.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- April 3, 2020
Natural Gas: A Winning Strategy to Improve U.S. Indoor Air Quality
Natural gas has a key role to play in helping the United States to reduce emissions and improve air quality – both indoors and outdoors.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- April 1, 2020
Civil Rights Leaders Double Down on Natural Gas
Whether it’s used for electricity generation or to heat homes and cook meals, natural gas is providing tremendous savings for American consumers, especially low-income households – a fact that some of the country’s top civil rights leaders recently emphasized.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- March 30, 2020
Ohio Attorney General Says Climate Tort Lawsuits Put Constituents at a Disadvantage
Cities and counties suing energy producers for climate change are not “sophisticated litigants” and risk losing a substantial amount of any potential payouts to their attorneys’ fees, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said earlier this month.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- March 29, 2020
Truck Drivers Meeting Demand During COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic grows worse by the day and more people are ordered to stay in their homes, the American trucking industry is playing an indispensable role moving much-needed supplies around the country.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- March 27, 2020
Federal Judge Rejects Challenges to ‘Fracking Rule’ Repeal. What Does That Mean?
A federal judge in California recently upheld the Trump administration’s decision to repeal a 2015 rule (commonly known as the ‘Fracking Rule’) regulating hydraulic fracturing on public lands that was challenged by several states, including California, and environmental groups.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- March 26, 2020
Oil Alliance Discussions Underscore American Energy Progress
As oil prices remain below $25 per barrel, U.S. government officials are in discussions about establishing a new oil alliance with Saudi Arabia to stabilize international markets.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- March 26, 2020
Rhode Island Official: Climate Lawsuit Will Generate a “Sustainable Funding Stream”
One of the motivations behind Rhode Island’s ongoing public nuisance climate change lawsuit against energy producers is to secure a “sustainable funding stream” for the state, according to recently released documents.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- March 25, 2020
Democratic National Convention Embraces Green New Deal
As former Vice President Joe Biden looks to wrap up the Democratic presidential nomination, his party’s policy platform is taking shape with an embrace of the Green New Deal.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- March 19, 2020
Educator Turned Potential Profiteer in Climate Litigation Law Firm
Michael Burger – the Executive Director of Columbia University Law School’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law and a vocal advocate for public nuisance climate lawsuits against energy producers – has officially joined the crew of lawyers pursuing these frivolous cases in court.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- March 17, 2020
In Hearing on Massachusetts’ Exxon Lawsuit, Echoes of Failed New York Case
A federal district court in Massachusetts remanded Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey’s lawsuit against ExxonMobil back to state court today after a hearing over the proper jurisdiction for the case.Democratic Presidential Frontrunner Joe Biden Doubles Down on Plan to Ban Fracking on Public Lands
Former Vice President Joe Biden’s renewed push for a fracking ban on federal lands – which numerous studies show would eliminate jobs and threaten state budgets – comes as the industry deals with a sudden drop in commodity prices and global economic turmoil around the Coronavirus.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- March 9, 2020
Honolulu Just Sued Energy Companies Over Climate Change—Here’s What You Need to Know
Today, the City & County of Honolulu filed its long-anticipated public nuisance lawsuit against ExxonMobil and other major oil and gas companies seeking to hold them responsible for the effects of climate change in the Aloha State.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- March 6, 2020
Super Tuesday Voters Reject Radical Environmental Policies
Energy, the environment, and climate change have played prominent roles in the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries. Candidates have made these issues a key part of their platforms, pressured by environmental activists pushing for radical “Keep It In the Ground” policy proposals that would undercut American energy security, lead to a massive economic hit, and take away key fuels like natural gas that have helped dramatically lower emissions.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- March 4, 2020
Three Things To Know About The Latest Center for Western Priorities Spills Report
It’s that time of year again. The Center for Western Priorities is out with yet another report on oil and gas industry “spills,” and as has been the case in years’ past, it once again misrepresents data and leaves out crucial context on the industry’s strong mitigation record.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- February 27, 2020
Researchers Again Attempt to Connect Shale Operations to Sexually Transmitted Infections
A Yale researcher’s latest attempt to blame fracking for increased cases of sexually transmitted infections produced inconsistent conclusions that ignore trends seen elsewhere, but still prompted headlines claiming a link between shale operations and disease.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- February 27, 2020
Fracking Ban Would Cost American Families More Than $5,000 a Year, Report Shows
A ban on hydraulic fracturing – as proposed by some politicians and pushed by “Keep-It-In-The-Ground” activists – would have devastating consequences for families, according to a new report from the American Petroleum Institute.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- February 26, 2020
Natural Grid May Be Forced to Issue a Gas Moratorium…Again
Consumers in New York may face the consequences of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s efforts to stymie natural gas pipeline development across the Empire State once again.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- February 26, 2020
Activist Group Rewards Its Favorite Reporters
Earlier this month saw the announcement of the 2019 SEAL awards honoring environmental journalists who toe the activist line particularly well.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- February 21, 2020
Scientists Disagree With Key Findings In New Univ. of Rochester Methane Study
A new University of Rochester study claiming methane emissions from fossil fuel activities are higher than previously estimated is encountering criticism from the scientific community because of significant limitations and the fact that it is at odds with existing research.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- February 21, 2020
LNG Outlook: Robust Demand, Supply Driving a Lower Carbon Future
Global natural gas demand, increased supplies from U.S. producers, and investments in LNG capacity will continue to grow and generate additional environmental benefits, the recently released Shell LNG Outlook 2020 reports.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- February 14, 2020
Business Leaders Speak In Favor Of Proposed NEPA Reforms At Denver Hearing
Leaders from across Colorado and the nation spoke in favor of proposed reforms of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) at a White House Council on Environmental Quality hearing in Denver held earlier this week.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- February 14, 2020
Draft Federal Data: Oil and Natural Gas Methane Emissions Continue to Fall
U.S. methane emissions continue to decline despite significant increases in oil and natural gas development, according to the latest Environmental Protection Agency data.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- February 11, 2020
IPAA Testifies Before Council on Environmental Quality on NEPA Modernization
EID’s Will Allison testified today on behalf of the Independent Petroleum Association of America before the Council on Environmental Quality. The Denver hearing is the first of two such events for CEQ to hear commentary on its proposal to update the National Environmental Policy Act.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- February 10, 2020
Washington State Attorney General Sued for Dodging Transparency, Public Records Laws
On the same day that a handful of California municipalities seeking to revive their climate litigation crusade presented oral arguments before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the non-profit public interest law firm Government Accountability and Oversight (GAO) filed a lawsuit on February 5th against the office of Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson for obscuring its communications around pursuing climate litigation against America’s energy producers.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- February 5, 2020
LA Times Wades Back Into ‘Exxon Knew’ Controversy Ahead of California Trial
Today, a handful of cities and counties went before the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in an attempt to revive the failing climate litigation campaign.- Joe Barone, Shale Directories
- Blog
- January 31, 2020