Energy
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Sanders and AOC have data centers in crosshairs, but research raises doubts about their criticisms
While data centers are accused of driving up electricity costs, a study by the Institute for Energy Research found no correlation between the number of data centers in a state and electricity rates. It also found that the more demand for electricity grew in a state, the lower its electricity rates. AOC and Bernie Sanders don't seem to get that.
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Wisconsin committee asks AG Kaul to stop use of privately funded attorneys
Senate President Mary Felzkowski, R-Tomahawk, said that the attorneys had salary and benefits paid by the Michael Bloomberg-funded New York University State Energy & Environmental Impact Center.
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Chevron denies conspiracy to increase Calif. gas prices
“Plaintiffs’ conspiracy theory also fails because it is nonsensical. If the goal was to conspiratorially increase prices, Defendants could have just raised their prices—there is no need for the convoluted, roundabout mechanism Plaintiffs invent here.”
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Phillips 66 says activist investor pushing major changes has a conflict of interest with Citgo bid
Elliott Investment Management argues that streamlining Phillips 66 would improve the company's performance, but critics point out that Elliott is in a bidding competition to acquire Citgo, which is a major competitor with Phillips 66.
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Pittsylvania rejects gas plant over health concerns
The Board of Supervisors voted 6-1 on April 15 to deny Balico LLC's rezoning request for 763 acres to build a 3,500-megawatt gas plant and data center campus.
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U.S. oil and gas industry warns tariffs, $50 a barrel target create uncertainty
The Fed’s first-quarter energy survey measured the condition of energy firms located in its district. Its company outlook index decreased 12 points, “suggesting slight pessimism among firms;” its outlook uncertainty index increased by 21 points.
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Push for local control of green energy projects moves forward
The bills would restore local control of projects rather than giving the Michigan Public Service Commission the power to make the decisions.
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Instead of 'drill, baby, drill,' U.S. rig counts falling, layoffs increasing
The rig count has dropped under the Trump administration, with the biggest losses reported in Texas, the oil and natural gas capital of the U.S. As of March 28, there were 290 rigs in Texas, down from 376 in March 2024, according to newly released Baker Hughes data.
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California is winning the war on 'Big Oil,' but experts say victory will bring higher gas prices
Valero Energy Corporation announced it will close its Benicia Refinery, which joins an exodus of oil companies leaving the state. Making up the lost refining capacity will come with steep costs at the pump.
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Truckers, builders celebrate repeal of carbon emissions rule for highways
Without the repeal, state transportation departments would have had to measure carbon dioxide emissions on federally funded highways, set goals for emissions reduction, and send the data to federal agencies.
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Activists use AI to identify climate 'deniers' and pressure social media companies to censor them
"Hot Air" created a database of online content the researchers call climate "misinformation." They are asking social media companies to moderate the content. Critics say they're disguising a campaign for censorship against climate skeptics as a concern for the spread of false information.
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Texas breaks jobs records again, but oil-gas sector outlier indicates volatility
Texas employers reported the largest labor force in state history again with a new record of 15,778,500, marking 57 of 59 months of growth. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force added 301,400 workers, more than any other state.
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Oil and gas drilling activity continues to slide in Louisiana and nationwide
In February 2025, the average number of drilling rigs operating in the United States stood at 590 — down 32 rigs from the same month in 2024, a 5.1% year-over-year decrease. The number of rigs targeting crude oil fell by 14, while those targeting natural gas dropped by 19. Natural