At a time when some politicians seem determined to portray federal-state regulatory relationships as contentious, two resolutions that the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners approved at its recent winter meeting told a different story. Source: News
An Oklahoman's background in oil is not a scandal
Gasp! While he was attorney-general of Oklahoma, the new administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency had regular communication with oil and gas companies. Source: News
Multiwall pipeline application improves product terminal operations
A multiwall pipeline application has improved both the integrity and efficiency of pipes used in Peru to transport refined products to shore. Source: News
US Gulf Coast crude terminals expanding to meet Permian growth
Continued growth of crude oil production in the Permian basin has prompted expansion of crude export capacity along the US Gulf Coast. Source: News
US olefins industry prepares for waves of new capacity
From 2000-12, before the rise in natural gas and crude oil production from extensive North American shale plays, US petrochemical operators engaged in a cycle of capacity shutdowns and expansions dictated by the availability and economics of processing either light or heavy feeds. Source: News
New technology slashes NOx emissions at California refinery
As US federal and state environmental agencies move to further tighten standards established by the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments on allowable emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx) from fired-heater and boiler combustion sources, refiners and petrochemical operators remain under pressure to implement technologies that can achieve stricter emission limits without compromising energy efficiency and plant […]
Analysts optimistic Iran can increase oil production medium-term
Iran’s oil production has increased since the lifting of international nuclear-related sanctions in January 2016. Estimates put Iran’s production at 3.7-3.9 million b/d in October 2016, compared with pre-sanctions levels of 3.6 million b/d. Source: News
Sedimentation study identifies exploration targets in South Turgay basin, Kazakhstan
After 40 years of exploration, large-scale structural reservoirs have become more difficult to find in Kazakhstan’s South Turgay basin. China National Petroleum Corp. (CNPC) has increased its reserves in the basin by targeting lithological-stratigraphic traps to find subtle reservoirs in depressions in the basin’s northern portion. Source: News
The oil sands write-down
Two major US oil and gas companies have revised downward their reserves, reducing 4.65 billion bbl of oil sands crude worth an estimated $183 billion. Source: News
US Senate confirms Pruitt's nomination as next EPA administrator
The US Senate confirmed Oklahoma Atty. Gen. Scott Pruitt’s (R) nomination to be US Environmental Protection Agency administrator by 52 to 46 votes on Feb. 17. Source: News