oil drilling
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Flawed federal assessment for Gulf oil drilling is thrown out by court
A U.S. District Court has rejected a flawed federal environmental assessment that underestimated the risks of offshore drilling to endangered marine species in the Gulf of Mexico.
In short:
- The court found the National Marine Fisheries Service's 2020 biological opinion underestimated the risks of oil spills and failed to protect endangered species like the Rice’s whale.
- The court ruled that the opinion violated the law by assuming that large oil spills, like the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster, were unlikely to occur.
- The federal agency must produce a new, legally compliant assessment by December 2024.
Key quote:
“This decision means the Fisheries Service must comply with the law to put in place meaningful safeguards for the Gulf’s rarest marine species.”
— Chris Eaton, senior attorney with Earthjustice’s Oceans Program
Why this matters:
Endangered species in the Gulf face severe risks from oil drilling, with flawed assessments potentially worsening these threats. Proper environmental oversight is crucial to prevent further ecological disasters.
Read more: Oil companies pursue offshore drilling, touting lower emissions
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US oil production reaches new highs amid political tensions
U.S. oil production hit a record high of 13.4 million barrels per day last week, contradicting claims that the Biden administration's policies have harmed the energy sector.
In short:
- U.S. oil producers reached a record output, despite a decline in drilling rigs, due to improved efficiency in oil extraction.
- The increase in production counters Donald Trump's claims that Biden's policies have hurt the oil and gas industry.
- Average U.S. gas prices remain lower than last year's peak but higher than pre-pandemic levels, influenced by global production cuts.
Key quote:
“Seems to be an all-time weekly record and indicative of improving the efficiency of using drilling rigs in the oil patch.”
— Andrew Lipow, head of Lipow Oil Associates
Why this matters:
Record U.S. oil production highlights technological advances in the industry, impacting both domestic energy prices and global markets. The issue also underscores the political debate on energy policies ahead of the upcoming elections.
Related:
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Oil drilling project near Aurora homes faces critical decision
The Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission is deliberating a plan for significant oil drilling near Aurora, challenging new state regulations aimed at balancing development and safety.
In short:
- The plan involves drilling on the Lowry Ranch property, a former Air Force site, proposing 156 wells over six years, with Civitas Resources seeking to streamline the permit process.
- Environmental groups and residents oppose the project, citing risks such as proximity to the Aurora Reservoir and a Superfund site, which Civitas has agreed not to drill under.
- The 2019 health and safety law reform gave local governments more power over drilling, and the plan’s approval will test the new regulations.
Key quote:
“What we’ve seen is people from all walks of life and various levels of oil and gas knowledge looking at the CAP application and realizing something isn’t right about it.”
— Mike Foote, environmental attorney
Why this matters:
The decision will test Colorado’s 2019 law meant to protect public health while allowing energy development. The outcome could influence future energy projects and the state’s approach to balancing environmental and economic interests.
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Biden administration considers new oil drilling limits in Alaska
The Biden administration is evaluating further restrictions on oil drilling in Alaska's National Petroleum Reserve, potentially designating more areas off-limits to development.
In short:
- The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will seek public input on expanding “special areas” in the 23-million-acre reserve, which could restrict new oil exploration.
- The move follows the approval of the controversial Willow oil project, which could add up to 199 new wells in the reserve.
- The evaluation will involve consulting with Indigenous tribes and communities reliant on the reserve's resources for subsistence.
Key quote:
“We have a responsibility to manage the western Arctic in a way that honors the more than 40 Indigenous communities that continue to rely on the resources from the Reserve for subsistence.”
— Tracy Stone-Manning, BLM Director
Why this matters:
Increased restrictions on drilling in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska could significantly impact oil production and the local economy, while aiming to protect vital ecosystems and Indigenous ways of life amid rapid climate change.
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Tribal plan aims to phase out Everglades oil drilling
The Miccosukee Tribe has put forth a plan to halt oil drilling in the Everglades' Big Cypress National Preserve, which they hold sacred.
In short:
- Miccosukee Tribe and WildLandscapes International aim to end oil drilling in Big Cypress by negotiating mineral rights with the Collier family, who owns most of the mineral rights in the preserve.
- The proposed deal may halt expansion plans by a Texas company and includes a multi-phase approach to relinquish rights to federal government in about 465,000 acres.
- Despite minimal oil production, environmental concerns persist over drilling impacts on the Everglades ecosystem and water sources.
Key quote:
“We have a lot of ceremonial grounds that have been in Big Cypress National Preserve, burial grounds, places where we gather our traditional medicine. So just seeing that sort of damage in a place that really matters to us a lot, it’s sad to see it.”
— Talbert Cypress, chairman of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida.
Why this matters:
The Everglades, a vital ecosystem and water source, face threats from climate change and urban development.Further oil exploration might imperil both environmental sustainability and the cultural heritage of the Miccosukee Tribe.
Listen: Amid the hustle and bustle of an otherwise popular and populated part of the U.S. Southern peninsula, the Everglades sits as a peaceful wetland haven for tropical plants and animals.
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Photo by David Thielen on Unsplash
Trump and Haley say they would drill more oil. Is that possible?
They allege Biden has hamstrung domestic production, even though both U.S. crude and natural gas production reached all-time records last year.
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The U.S. is pumping oil faster than ever. Republicans don't care
GOP presidential candidates are blaming pump prices on President Joe Biden’s clean energy policies, even though the U.S. is churning out record amounts of oil.
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