PIPELINE NEWS
Alaska Public Media: Trump claims South Korea will invest $50B in Alaska gas pipeline. Not so fast, Korean officials say
The Hill: Trump puts Sullivan at center stage during Alaska pipeline reveal
Calgary Herald: Two seismic steps for major projects put Canadian energy on ‘cusp of a generational opportunity’
Press release: TC Energy Urges Congress to Pass bipartisan Permitting Reform
WASHINGTON UPDATES
Politico: Senate bipartisan permitting deal faces a House buzz saw
Press release: Capito, Lee, Whitehouse, and Heinrich Introduce Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026
Press release: Heinrich Outlines How Bipartisan American Affordability & Jobs Act Will Deliver Cheaper Energy, More Jobs, and Responsible Growth
Canary Media: Senate permitting bill could greatly expand power lines and clean energy
Reuters: Facing climate lawsuits, Big Oil again turns to US Supreme Court
The Hill: Calls for gas tax suspensions grow as Americans struggle with high prices
Politico: Trump says diesel export ban is still on the table
Politico: Trump’s ‘affordability’ car rule makes drivers pay more at the pump
Associated Press: Trump administration lowers fuel economy standards, critics say at a significant environmental cost
Politico: Democrats try to sell new data center agenda after killing Senate bill
Politico: Democrats block data center power legislation
KXL: Oregon U.S. Senator Wants to Keep Data Centers off Federal Land
STATE UPDATES
Daily Montanan: Montana officials praise repeal of power plant emission regulations, watchdog groups pan decision
Floodlight: NJ data center emitted staggering amounts of air pollution for nearly a year before regulators intervened
Nebraska Examiner: Among top Nebraska officials, Gov. Jim Pillen is the only one pushing for a diesel export ban
American Press: Documentary explores Louisiana’s intense carbon capture debate
EXTRACTION
Reuters: US tells France and Germany to release diesel stocks or face US export ban, sources say
IndexBox: Investment Shifts Toward Power Generation and Hard-to-Abate Industries
Politico: Australia’s climate chief promises harder line on misinformation
TODAY IN GREENWASHING
Fraser Valley Today: Hope-area First Nation receives pickup truck donation to boost emergency response
CKXS: Walpole Island Receives Fire Fighting Training Support
OPINION
Bloomberg: Alaska LNG’s $54 Billion Political Pitch Is Its Undoing
PIPELINE NEWS
Alaska Public Media: Trump claims South Korea will invest $50B in Alaska gas pipeline. Not so fast, Korean officials say
Eric Stone, 9/30/26
“President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that South Korea would invest more than $50 billion for the long-planned Alaska LNG project, a large majority of the project’s overall estimated cost,” Alaska Public Media reports. “...The secretary-general of South Korea’s ruling Democratic Party, Han Jeoung-ae, said on social media after Trump’s announcement that “the investment in the Alaska LNG project has not been finalized… “This statement by President Trump is considered to emphasize the US position on the Alaska LNG project.” On Sept. 22, South Korea’s minister of trade, industry and resources raised doubts over the commercial viability of the Alaska LNG project, saying only the Texas investment had been finalized, according to Korean media reports. Investments under the trade deal must be commercially viable, undergo legal and feasibility reviews and be reported to the country’s National Assembly, the Seoul-based Chosun Daily reported… “Asked at the White House briefing when the project would be completed, Glenfarne Group CEO Brendan Duval said work would begin soon and that gas would start flowing to Alaskans in three years… “It’s difficult to envision the project coming online that soon, given the massive amount of preparation necessary to build an Arctic gas pipeline with limited, seasonal windows to barge in materials and construct the project, Larry Persily, who worked in the Obama administration to advance the pipeline project, told APM. “It sounds like a political stunt from the president to attract attention, to get headlines.”
The Hill: Trump puts Sullivan at center stage during Alaska pipeline reveal
Mallory Wilson, 9/30/26
“President Trump put Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) in the spotlight Wednesday as he announced a $54 billion investment in a project to export natural gas from Alaska,” The Hill reports. “...Trump called the LNG pipeline a “big” project. “That’s why we have a lot of people from Alaska, including a very great governor and your great senator, Dan Sullivan,” he said in the Oval Office. He said Sullivan has “been working on this deal and other deals in Alaska … for almost 20 years.” “So, I want to thank, in particular, Dan Sullivan for getting this deal done,” he said. Sullivan, for his part, said he has worked “relentlessly” for this project in Alaska.”
Calgary Herald: Two seismic steps for major projects put Canadian energy on ‘cusp of a generational opportunity’
Chris Varcoe, 9/30/26
“Two big energy projects. Two big days for Canada. On Tuesday, the mammoth expansion phase of LNG Canada got the official go-ahead from its backers, kick-starting $33 billion of investment in the country,” the Calgary Herald reports. “On Thursday, the West Coast oil pipeline is expected to receive official designation as a project of national interest when the prime minister and premier travel to Fort McMurray, setting the table for future investment — if the initiative gets the final necessary approvals. These are heady times for the country’s energy sector, as these two multibillion-dollar projects — potentially involving more than $70 billion of capital expenditures — could supercharge Canada’s ability to get key commodities to more export markets… “We’re just on the cusp of a generational opportunity for our industry,” Dean Setoguchi, CEO of Calgary-based energy infrastructure company Keyera Corp., told the Herald… “If the oil pipeline ultimately receives a positive final investment decision — and, to be clear, there’s a lot of design work and consultations with Indigenous communities to be done — the province has estimated the pipeline could cost up to $43.7 billion to build… “The question today is not whether the oilsands will continue to grow, but rather how much additional growth could come, should new projects once again come forward,” Kevin Birn, S&P’s chief Canadian oil markets analyst, said in a release.”
Press release: TC Energy Urges Congress to Pass bipartisan Permitting Reform
9/30/26
“TC Energy applauds Senate leaders for reaching a bipartisan agreement on permitting reform and encourages Congress to swiftly advance this important legislation. “Reforming the permitting system is the single most impactful thing Congress can do right now to provide affordability relief to consumers,” said François Poirier, President and Chief Executive Officer of TC Energy. “Today’s permitting system was designed in the 1970s for a very different energy reality. We now have decades of experience designing, constructing, and operating energy systems in an environmentally safe and responsible way, yet the bureaucratic process continues to hinder development despite significant advancements in how we build. This bipartisan deal would help modernize that system by reducing unnecessary delays, improving certainty, and accelerating the projects needed to deliver more affordable and reliable energy for consumers, support economic growth, and strengthen America’s energy security, all while maintaining strong environmental protections… “We implore Congress to pass permitting reform legislation. The time for debate is over. It’s time to build.”
WASHINGTON UPDATES
Politico: Senate bipartisan permitting deal faces a House buzz saw
Nico Portuondo, 10/1/26
“The Senate’s newly announced bipartisan permitting reform package is set to hit a wall in the House, where one Democratic committee leader is already raising red flags over the legislation,” Politico reports. “House Natural Resources ranking member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) warned Wednesday most House Democrats will not support the Senate’s permitting legislation as written, urging them to resume negotiations after the midterm elections. “...Folding our hand now or in the lame duck makes no sense when we can keep working on this and, in a few more months, have a much better deal that works for everyone,” Huffman told Politico. Huffman is betting that Democrats will at least win control of the House and maybe the Senate, giving them greater leverage in negotiations with Republicans. He argues that lawmakers should push talks into next year… “Huffman has raised several objections to the legislation, including what he described as the erosion of key protections under environmental laws such as the Endangered Species Act. Major green groups also criticized the package after its announcement, arguing that it would roll back important environmental protections. “Democrats need to wake up to these dangerous ploys being pushed by Big Oil and Big Tech that Americans of all walks of life, in communities big and small, are overwhelmingly opposed to,” Food and Water Watch Director Jim Walsh told Politico.”
Press release: Capito, Lee, Whitehouse, and Heinrich Introduce Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026
9/30/26
“Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee; Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee; Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the EPW Committee; and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the ENR Committee, introduced the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 to reform the federal environmental review and permitting processes. This groundbreaking agreement will deliver cheaper energy, more jobs, and responsible growth across the United States. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act provides certainty that permitted energy and infrastructure projects will retain their permits absent extraordinary circumstances, violations of law, or court order, as well as targeted reforms for various energy projects. This legislation reflects input from members of Congress on both sides of the aisle and from a diverse group of stakeholders. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act also forces data centers to pay their fair share by requiring them to pay for all of their associated transmission costs… “Our Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act will help us get to ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on energy projects faster, while protecting important environmental safeguards and protecting the ability of Tribes to formally consult during these processes. It will mean more energy on the grid, more good-paying jobs, and lower electricity costs for families and businesses. And as data centers drive demand for more power, it will ensure they pay their fair share of the grid upgrades they require – not leave that bill to American families. Our bill puts teeth behind that principle,” said ENR Ranking Member Heinrich.”
Press release: Heinrich Outlines How Bipartisan American Affordability & Jobs Act Will Deliver Cheaper Energy, More Jobs, and Responsible Growth
9/30/26
“Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released a new fact sheet outlining key provisions of the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, legislation that he unveiled with U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee… “Creates greater certainty for projects permitted and financed across administrations by prohibiting any administration from delaying or blocking permitting of a class of energy projects – meaning no administration can block all solar, wind, or other class of energy project permits without facing legal action and fines… “Getting to a “yes” or “no” on permitting faster does not mean eliminating environmental protections, Tribal consultation, or the ability to challenge projects in court. This deal keeps important safeguards in place, while creating clear timelines and rules for permitting projects. Sets clear deadlines for environmental reviews — including a two-year deadline for Environmental Impact Statement reviews and a one-year deadline for Environmental Assessment reviews, with consequences for agencies that miss those deadlines. That means environmental reviews still happen, but not indefinitely. Establishes a new National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) consultation process that runs alongside National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews with a defined time limit, securing a statutory role for Tribes in determining how projects affect historic and cultural resources and protecting Tribes’ rights to formally consult during the processes — two things the Section 106 reforms attempted to eliminate. Limits the types of impacts that projects are required to mitigate, creating clearer boundaries around which effects a project must mitigate or minimize. Sets clear limitations on when and how a project may be legally challenged. Sets a 150-day deadline for legal challenges under the Clean Water Act (CWA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), NEPA, and NHPA. Generally limits who can bring a legal challenge to people or groups that participated in the relevant comment period or Tribal consultation process. Limits when a court can temporarily stop a project from moving forward, while preserving the existing ability to seek that relief under the Administrative Procedures Act. Allows states to handle endangered species consultations if they have demonstrated staffing, expertise, and resource capacity to do so. Clarifies the limits on state water-quality reviews (under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act) by limiting state certifications to water pollution directly caused by a specific source for gas pipelines and transmission lines and prohibiting use of the process to address unrelated issues. Prevents the federal government from changing the rules after the fact for certain wetlands and waterways by stopping the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from preemptively or retroactively removing areas of land from the federal water-quality certification process.”
Canary Media: Senate permitting bill could greatly expand power lines and clean energy
Jeff St. John, 9/30/26
“The U.S. Senate energy permitting bill unveiled Wednesday could streamline the buildout of high-voltage power lines across the country, potentially delivering billions of dollars in electricity cost savings and dramatically improving the power system’s reliability over the coming decade — if Congress manages to pass it into law,” Canary Media reports. “...It’s unclear how the Senate package will fare in the House of Representatives, which has been adjourned by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R) until after the November midterm elections… “Some environmental groups oppose reforms that would limit the time and scope of challenges to energy projects under federal environmental regulations, saying that such streamlining will unleash a harmful expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure. But clean energy groups including Advanced Energy United, the American Clean Power Association, and the Solar Energy Industries Association are backing the bill… “To be clear, the reforms in the Senate bill will also ease permitting and interconnection for the massive amounts of new fossil gas power plants being proposed across the country… “But clean energy groups argue that solar, batteries, and wind power are cheaper and faster to build than fossil-fuel power plants, giving them an advantage if the grid can accommodate new additions.”
Reuters: Facing climate lawsuits, Big Oil again turns to US Supreme Court
John Kruzel, 9/30/26
“Facing potential liability for harms related to climate change, major oil companies have again turned to the US Supreme Court, teeing up a case that could determine the fate of dozens of climate-related lawsuits by state and local governments against fossil fuel companies,” Reuters reports. “The dispute involves a bid by ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy to scuttle a lawsuit brought by officials in Boulder, Colorado, seeking to hold the companies liable for helping drive climate change and misleading the public about the risks of fossil fuels. The case will be argued next Monday on the first day of the court’s new nine-month term. It marks the latest example of energy-sector companies asking the justices to block climate-related liability or limit federal environmental regulation. Nearly 60 state and local governments have brought similar suits seeking billions of dollars from fossil fuel companies, with more continuing to be filed, Exxon and Suncor told the justices. A ruling by the top US judicial body in favor of the companies could lead to many of those cases being dismissed. President Donald Trump’s administration has backed Exxon and Suncor, arguing that federal law precludes Boulder’s claims… “The Boulder case involves whether federal law precludes certain state-law claims seeking damages for harms allegedly caused by the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. The justices also directed the parties to address whether the court has jurisdiction to decide the case at this stage.”
The Hill: Calls for gas tax suspensions grow as Americans struggle with high prices
10/1/26
“With gasoline prices hovering near $4.50 a gallon amid the Iran war, calls to suspend federal and state gas taxes are gaining momentum,” The Hill reports. “Multiple states, including Indiana and Georgia this week, have either suspended or reduced their own fuel taxes to ease prices at the pump elevated by the seven-month conflict… “This week, Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.), the latter of whom is running for the Senate in a tight race, introduced a bill to pause federal gas, diesel and aviation fuel taxes. Earlier this year, the pair introduced a separate bill that aimed to suspend the gas tax through Oct. 1… “Hoffer argued a suspension or repeal of the tax would ‘create a real fiscal problem’ for the Transportation Department’s Highway Trust Fund, which relies on revenue from the gas tax.”
Politico: Trump says diesel export ban is still on the table
James Bikales, 9/30/26
“President Donald Trump said Wednesday he hasn’t yet made up his mind on whether to impose a ban on diesel fuel exports, despite fierce pushback on the idea in recent days from the oil and gas industry and some of his own advisers,” Politico reports. “The White House is facing growing pressure to take steps to bring down record high diesel prices ahead of the midterm elections, and Trump indicated last week he would be open to restricting exports. But members of his Cabinet and top industry officials argue that such a move would end up raising prices for all types of fuel, including gasoline, and they have scrambled to present alternative measures to the president. “I’m thinking about it,” Trump said of the export ban at an Oval Office event. “I speak to [Energy Secretary] Chris [Wright] and [Interior Secretary] Doug [Burgum] about it a lot — they sort of think it’ll help diesel, but it might raise the price of other things.” “...It’s something that we think about and we talk about every day,” he said. “But it just seems that it would have a negative impact on gasoline, so that would go up a little bit, and diesel would come down a little bit.”
Politico: Trump’s ‘affordability’ car rule makes drivers pay more at the pump
Jean Chemnick, 9/29/26
“The Trump administration launched its fuel economy rule for cars Monday with promises of cutting costs for beleaguered voters, but the rule itself tells a different story: higher costs for consumers, balanced out by increased profits and lower costs for the U.S. oil and automotive industries,” Politico reports. “The rule that Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled Monday predicts that drivers will spend more to fill up the tanks of their model year 2031 cars — outweighing their own estimations of savings on car prices. And the department’s own regulatory analysis even suggests that those auto-industry savings on building new cars might not trickle down to the consumer. DOT estimated the new rule, which replaces Biden-era Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards for cars, would reduce car prices by $1,289 when it takes full effect in 2031. But fuel efficiency losses would mean motorists would spend $1,624 more to fill up an average model-year 2031 car. After factoring in other anticipated savings, DOT’s analysis found the rule will cost the average vehicle buyer in 2031 an additional $289.”
Associated Press: Trump administration lowers fuel economy standards, critics say at a significant environmental cost
Alexa St. John, Annie D’Innocenzio, 9/28/26
“The Trump administration on Monday released new fuel economy standards that relax regulatory requirements for automakers to control pollution from gasoline-powered cars and light trucks,” the Associated Press reports. “...The change furthers Trump’s promise to revoke policies that encouraged or created incentives for the production of electric vehicles and ultimately, will expose Americans to more planet-warming pollution from vehicles… “News of the revised standards immediately drew rebukes from environmentalists. The DOT said Monday that the rule would cut yearly oil consumption in 2050 by about 1.3 billion barrels as compared to yearly oil consumption in 2024. But when the 2024 standards went into effect, NHTSA estimated they would save 14 billion gallons of gasoline from being burned by 2050. The agency also said that while new fuel-efficient vehicles cost more up front, savings on gasoline over the lifetime of the car or truck would more than make up for that. Environmental groups estimate now, without stricter standards, cars could produce 22,111 more tons of carbon dioxide per year than under the Biden-era rules in 2035… “Katherine García, director of the Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All campaign, vowed the environmental group would fight the rule.”
Politico: Democrats try to sell new data center agenda after killing Senate bill
Amelia Davidson, Anthony Cruz, 10/1/26
“...Some Democrats who voted against the House-passed Ratepayer Protection Act are pointing to their own bills, while others are united behind ratepayer protection provisions in new bipartisan permitting legislation,” Politico reports. “The party will need to coalesce quickly, however, as Republicans are now lambasting Democrats for tanking the last shot at congressional action ahead of the midterm elections on the high electricity costs associated with data centers… “Following the vote, Democratic lawmakers Wednesday touted other preferred ways to regulate the construction of the facilities — such as bipartisan permitting legislation they say would bring tougher restrictions. A 417-page bipartisan permitting reform deal unveiled Wednesday includes a section on mandatory ratepayer protections from data centers.”
Politico: Democrats block data center power legislation
Amelia Davidson, 9/30/26
“A bill meant to curb energy price increases associated with data centers was blocked on the Senate floor Wednesday, effectively killing the chance for Congress to act on a controversial election issue ahead of the midterms,” Politico reports. “The Ratepayer Protection Act failed to reach the 60-vote threshold necessary to propel it forward on the Senate floor. It went down in a 57-43 vote, with Democratic Sens. Jon Ossoff (Ga.), Raphael Warnock (Ga.), Amy Klobuchar (Minn.) and Maggie Hassan (N.H.) joining all Republicans to vote in favor. Senate Democrats spent the past week claiming that the bill does not go far enough in protecting Americans from rising power prices. The legislation requires states to consider — but does not mandate — a framework ensuring data centers pay for all energy costs and grid updates.”
KXL: Oregon U.S. Senator Wants to Keep Data Centers off Federal Land
10/1/26
“A Bill to prevent data centers from being built on federal land, introduced by an Oregon Senator, is blocked in Washington DC.,” KXL reports. “Oregon Democrat Senator Ron Wyden introduced a bill to ban the sale of federal land to data centers. He says the Trump Administration wants to transfer more than 17,000 acres in six states, including Oregon, to build 12 data centers. The other states include Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Wyoming and Utah for data centers. “These lands are already being developed in my home state and across the west right now,” Wyden said. “This is an immediate threat to public lands that we have the opportunity and the requirement to address today in order to protect them,” Wyden continued… “Public lands are owned and paid for by the American people,” Wyden said. “Our taxpayers.” “The people get to decide what they do with their public lands, not the corporations,” Wyden continued. “And especially not Donald Trump.”
STATE UPDATES
Daily Montanan: Montana officials praise repeal of power plant emission regulations, watchdog groups pan decision
Micah Drew, 9/30/26
“Montana officials cheered a move by the Trump administration to roll back greenhouse gas emissions requirements for U.S. power plants, while environmental groups decried the change, which has already drawn one legal challenge,” the Daily Montanan reports. “...Documents supporting the new rule say that many of the technologies the requirements are based on — such as carbon capture and sequestration — have “not been adequately demonstrated, are unachievable, (and) threaten to impose massive costs on the power sector.” “...But advocacy groups and energy watchdogs say the move is a step backwards for the environment and public health. Anne Hedges, Executive Director of the Montana Environmental Information Center, told the Daily Montanan that Treasure State residents know the impacts of pollution-induced climate change, which include reduced snowpacks and increased wildfires. “These impacts are costly to people’s health, agricultural operations, wildlife, fisheries, and the state’s economy,” Hedges told the Montananl. “It’s irresponsible to roll back extremely modest regulations that provide a reasonable path to reduce the pollution that impacts our climate. Such an action goes against the will of the majority of Montanans and defies common sense.” A group of public health and environmental groups, including the American Lung Association and Environmental Defense Fund, have filed a federal lawsuit seeking a review of the EPA’s actions.”
Floodlight: NJ data center emitted staggering amounts of air pollution for nearly a year before regulators intervened
Evan Simon, 10/1/26
“DataOne, the Microsoft-linked New Jersey datacenter recently hit with a $1 million fine for running unpermitted generators, emitted large amounts of health-harming air pollution for nearly a year before state regulators stepped in, according to public records obtained by Floodlight. The Vineland facility’s 62 gas-fired generators became public in August after a Floodlight/Guardian visual investigation found them operating without permits. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection last week fined the company over the fleet but didn’t disclose how long the generators had been operating nor how much air pollution they had released into the surrounding community over the past year. Floodlight sent technical data about the generators — obtained through public records requests — to two experts to calculate the site’s emissions. “Our best estimate is that the generators emitted about 140 tons of NOx,” Xiaomeng Jin, an assistant professor at Rutgers Department of Environmental Sciences, told Floodlight. Her analysis would rank DataOne in the state’s top five NOx polluters of 2025, per EPA data.”
Nebraska Examiner: Among top Nebraska officials, Gov. Jim Pillen is the only one pushing for a diesel export ban
Juan Salinas II, 9/29/26
“Gov. Jim Pillen seems to be pushing for a federal diesel export ban on his own in Nebraska, as members of the state’s federal delegation oppose it or are hesitant,” the Nebraska Examiner reports. “Pillen sent a letter to President Donald Trump last week asking him to impose a diesel fuel export ban. Pillen’s move comes on the heels of other Republicans who have called for an export ban, feeling pressure on their reelection chances. Pillen also signed a pair of executive orders allowing refunds on state taxes on diesel fuel for vehicles transporting Nebraska seasonally produced products or livestock for the next 90 days and raising weight limits for those vehicles without requiring extra permits or fees… “Trump said last week that he is “seriously considering” a diesel export ban. Some oil industry experts warned that a ban could raise gas prices. Nebraska 1st Congressional District Rep. Mike Flood said he was open to an export ban during his debate against Democratic challenger Chris Backemeyer. But U.S. Sens. Pete Ricketts and Deb Fischer don’t think it is the right approach, their spokespeople told the Examiner.”
American Press: Documentary explores Louisiana’s intense carbon capture debate
9/30/26
“In Louisiana, there is passion surrounding the carbon capture debate. Louisiana Public Broadcasting explores questions surrounding safety, federal incentives, property rights, and the potential role of carbon capture and storage in reducing greenhouse gas emissions with the premiere of “Going Underground: Carbon Capture in Louisiana,” the American Press reports. “The program premieres at 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, on LPB. As greenhouse gas emissions rise, Louisiana is considering carbon capture and storage as one way to reduce emissions from industrial facilities… “From proposed carbon sequestration wells in Vernon Parish to the aftermath of a carbon dioxide pipeline rupture in Satartia, Miss., LPB talks with the people and communities at the center of the debate.”
EXTRACTION
Reuters: US tells France and Germany to release diesel stocks or face US export ban, sources say
Kate Abnett, Jarrett Renshaw and John Irish, 10/1/26
“The Trump administration has told Germany and France to draw down emergency diesel inventories to help to ease global fuel prices or face a potential US diesel export ban, said three people close to the discussions,” Reuters reports. “...The European Commission, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland and Britain were holding a call on Thursday to discuss the possible need to release diesel stocks, an EU official told Reuters… “It is in Europe’s best interest to work with the United States as we pursue multiple pathways to boost the supply of refined products and lower costs for consumers,” one of the sources, a US official, told Reuters… “A second source, based in a European capital, told Reuters that the US has asked the EU to release 120 million barrels of diesel in the next six months… “Europe has become increasingly dependent on US fuel after banning Russian imports over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and after the US-Israeli war against Iran disrupted supplies from the Middle East.”
IndexBox: Investment Shifts Toward Power Generation and Hard-to-Abate Industries
9/30/26
“Carbon capture, utilisation and storage adoption continues to vary across industries, while investment is widening into hard-to-abate sectors and power generation, according to GlobalData,” IndexBox reports. “The intelligence firm’s Strategic Intelligence report on carbon capture and storage indicates that natural gas processing holds the largest portion of currently active CCUS capacity, a position the report attributes to concentrated carbon dioxide streams and established commercial uses. The project pipeline, however, is increasingly directed toward power generation and other emissions-intensive industries. Power generation is expected to become the leading sector for forthcoming CCUS capacity, with 73 million tonnes per annum in projects projected to come online by 2030. GlobalData links this growth to rising electricity demand, continued reliance on dispatchable thermal generation, and efforts to extend the operating life of existing assets while lowering emissions… “Attention to CCUS is also increasing in hydrogen production, especially at refineries, petrochemical plants and fertiliser facilities. At present, most captured carbon dioxide is used for enhanced oil recovery, while permanent storage in deep geological formations is seen as a longer-term opportunity. Occidental Petroleum, ExxonMobil, Equinor and Eni are among the companies developing storage sites, according to the report… “Puranik said the next phase of CCUS deployment is likely to be shaped by two parallel drivers: near-term decarbonisation of large industrial emitters and longer-term demand for carbon removals.”
Politico: Australia’s climate chief promises harder line on misinformation
Miriam Webber, 9/30/26
“The public servant in charge of Australia’s climate change policy says his department must “take on the public debate” and tackle mis- and disinformation that threatens progress on government policy, including the renewable energy rollout,” Politico reports. “...Wilkinson said public servants have a duty to explain the evidence base for policies they have developed, even though “there will be people who interpret that as advocacy.” “...Australia’s center-right federal opposition last week announced a plan to wind back much of the work of Kaiser’s department if elected — including repealing targets to reach net zero emissions by 2050 — while right-wing nationalist party One Nation has called for the department to be abolished… “The senior public servant said misinformation was “slowing the renewable energy rollout, which is demonstrably to the detriment of the country and energy…Policy advocacy is important in circumstances where there’s strong irrefutable evidence, and where the mis- and dis-information has the potential to slow our progress.” “...In addition to promises to trim the federal bureaucracy, parties of the right are also campaigning against renewable energy zones and electricity transmission projects at the state level, leading renewables investors to warn that Australia is putting billions of dollars of projects at risk due to policy uncertainty.”
TODAY IN GREENWASHING
Fraser Valley Today: Hope-area First Nation receives pickup truck donation to boost emergency response
Alyssa Conti, 9/30/26
“A former Enbridge operations pickup truck is getting a new life by strengthening emergency preparedness in the Hope area for Chawathil First Nation,” Fraser Valley Today reports. “The First Nation had only one dedicated emergency response vehicle and identified the need for another to improve access to remote service roads and backcountry areas during emergencies, as well as to transport supplies and support evacuations. “Having access to a truck allows us to better support members during emergencies and while travelling to project sites,” said Chief Aaron Pete of the Chawathil First Nation. “It is important that we have the resources we need to do our work safely and effectively, and we’re grateful to have partners like Enbridge that are mindful of what we actually need.” Enbridge handed over the Ford F-150 at a community event on September 4.”
CKXS: Walpole Island Receives Fire Fighting Training Support
10/1/26
“The Walpole Island Fire Department is getting a boost in training and public education resources to help keep the community safe,” according to CKXS. “Enbridge Gas Ontario has named Walpole Island First Nation as one of six Indigenous recipient communities across the province to receive a $5,000 grant through its Safe Community Project Assist program… “Announced at the Indigenous Partnership Summit in Toronto, the grant is part of a broader Enbridge initiative supporting 13 Indigenous fire departments across Ontario this year through training grants and smoke and carbon monoxide alarm donations.”
OPINION
Bloomberg: Alaska LNG’s $54 Billion Political Pitch Is Its Undoing
Liam Denning, 10/1/26
“President Donald Trump’s announcement on Wednesday that South Korea would invest $54 billion in a giant liquefied natural gas project in Alaska had a touch of the miraculous — as in, wondrous but tangential to reality,” Liam Denning writes for Bloomberg. “On Trump’s reading, Alaska LNG, having been little more than a pipe dream for decades, is now not only getting built, and with foreign money, but also secures its future just ahead of midterm elections by happy coincidence, and in a state with a tight, crucial Senate race, no less. Sure enough, Alaska LNG’s vaunted benefactors in Seoul have now disputed Trump’s gilded characterization and the Commerce Department’s own fact sheet said the two countries had merely agreed to start working on the project ‘subject to meeting commercial reasonableness’ — five bland words that contain multitudes. Alaska LNG may be a proposed gas project, but as that Oval Office performance demonstrated, it is also very much a live political project. That is simultaneously its lifeline and curse… “There is an economic reason why, despite the apparent potential and an almost fivefold expansion of the global LNG trade this century, Alaska LNG remains unbuilt… “But now the US is itself the largest exporter in the world and accounts for half of the coming new capacity. It also openly wields energy supply as part of its diplomatic and trade arsenal… “From Seoul’s perspective, pledging to invest in US LNG capacity, as well as nuclear power plants, helps in defusing Trump’s trade war… “The US is transitioning from being an LNG supply hedge to something buyers may need to hedge against. The same politicking that might push South Korea to show willingness to the White House on Alaska LNG also provides a rationale to never quite consummate the deal.”