US lawmaker asks Vitol, Trafigura about Venezuela oil deals
The top Democrat of a U.S. House investigation committee asked Vitol 'and Trafigura on Thursday about any correspondence they had with the Trump Administration before?the U.S. captured Venezuela's leader. He wanted to?determine who benefited from this action, he said. Robert Garcia, a Representative, asked Russell Hardy and Richard Holtum of Trafigura to provide all communication between their companies…
House Democrats warn oil companies about risks associated with Venezuelan transactions
Twelve House Democrats sent a letter on Wednesday to '21 companies that attended the White House meeting held on Jan. 9, about developing Venezuelan oil resources. They warned them of legal and financial risks associated with any transactions or investments they made there. The letter was written by Democratic Congressman Sean Casten. It stated that despite assurances given by the Trump administration…
Trump touts the economy in Iowa as protests roil Minnesota
U.S. president Donald Trump arrived in Iowa, Tuesday. He was seeking to shore up his support in a Midwestern battleground. An escalating conflict over immigration enforcement in Minnesota could drown out the economic message. The Republican President, whose economic and immigration policies are lagging, will try to rally his rural supporters in an area that is hosting key congressional elections?in November.
Trump visits Iowa amid farm stress and biofuel delays
The President Donald Trump is scheduled to travel to Iowa, on Tuesday, to boost his political support. This state is critical to the rural coalition of Trump, and farmers and producers of renewable fuels are becoming increasingly frustrated with the 'farm economy and its mounting pressure. The visit to the nation's biggest producer of corn and ethanol coincides with growing concern over low crop prices…
Millions of dollars in heating assistance for Americans who are at risk because of the shutdown
The government shutdown could cause millions of Americans to have difficulty accessing funding for their home heating as early as next month, said lawmakers and non-profit groups on Wednesday. In its 29th day of shutdown, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services could deny states $3.6 billion in funding under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Due to the shutdown, Americans are at risk of losing millions in heating assistance.
The government shutdown could make it difficult for millions of Americans to access funds for heating their homes as early as next month, according to lawmakers and nonprofit organizations from both parties. In its 29th day of the shutdown, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is blocking the states from receiving $3.6 billion in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)…
Senator: US energy prices will spike due to Trump's decision to cut grants
The Trump administration’s plans to cancel nearly eight billion dollars in Energy Department grants is illegal, because contracts were already signed. It will also cause consumer energy costs to skyrocket. The Energy Department cancelled $7.56 billion of funding for clean energy project earlier this month because it did not believe that the projects would provide enough return to taxpayers.
After election victory, the PM of Norway says that Norway must continue to be a reliable supplier of energy
Norway will continue to explore oil and gas, and remain a reliable energy supplier to Europe. This was the message of newly elected Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere on Tuesday. On Monday, the minority Labour Party won a second mandate in office while the populist rights achieved their best ever election results. The ballot was dominated by worries about rising living costs and conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
Norwegians choose new parliament after a closely contested election clouded with geopolitical anxiety
Norwegians will head to the polls to elect a new Parliament on Sunday and Monday. It is a tight race between the left-wing Labour Party, which has been in power for many years, and the right-wing Progress Party and Conservatives. According to the average of polls taken this month by pollofpolls.no, centre-left parties Labour, Socialist Left and Communists are expected to win 87 seats. This is just two seats more than what's needed for a majority.
California and other state AGs ask Trump EPA to abandon plan to kill greenhouse gas regulations
On Tuesday, attorneys general from California as well as several other U.S. States led by Democrats urged the Trump administration to abandon their plan to rescind a long-standing ruling that greenhouse gas emission endanger the health of humans. This would eliminate the legal basis for all U.S. regulations on greenhouse gases. The Environmental Protection Agency's…
German solar industry warns of ending subsidies after Minister proposes reductions
The German solar industry warned against the proposed end of subsidies for rooftop photovoltaics systems. They argued that withdrawing support from small installations could jeopardize the country's climate targets. Feed-in subsidies have been in place for 25 years to help expand the solar energy sector. They guarantee a price for producers of renewable energy who sell their power on the grid.
Germany and France have different spot prices
German wholesale electricity prices fell on Friday due to a strong wind in Germany, while they rose in France, though only from a level that was just half of the price in the larger market next door. Riccardo Paraviero, LSEG analyst, said that the signal for tomorrow was bearish. He added that consumption in the region had decreased. French baseload was up by 25.9% to 35.3 euros ($38.87)…
US Senators ask Energy Secretary to comply with law regarding clean energy grants and loans
U.S. Democratic Senators on Wednesday called for Energy Secretary Chris Wright's department to comply with laws that mandate his funding of clean energy projects, which were included in laws passed prior to Donald Trump becoming president. This includes four hydrogen hubs. Wright's Department is considering funding cuts for four of seven hubs that are part of a $7 billion project to decarbonize America's economy.
Berlin is urged to act quickly by corporate bosses on the weak economy
German business leaders called for Berlin to quickly form a new Government on Monday, warning that Europe's largest economy cannot afford to waste time while companies are suffering from high costs and red tape, as well as increased competition from abroad. The CDU/CSU won the Sunday national elections, clearing the way for a new coalition government with the Social Democrats.
Berlin must act quickly to fix the economy
German business leaders called for Berlin to form a new cabinet quickly on Monday, warning that Europe's largest economy cannot afford to waste time while companies are suffering from high costs, bureaucracy and increasing competition from abroad. The CDU/CSU won the Sunday national elections, clearing the way for a new coalition government with the Social Democrats.
German business leaders react to the election results
The conservative CDU/CSU group won the most votes at Sunday's election. They could form a coalition with the Social Democrats, easing market concerns that Europe's largest economy would be run by a three-way alliance. "We do not need to discuss the issues anymore, they are already well-known. We need action now." We must act now because the rest of world isn't waiting. And the pressure on Germany to be competitive is immense.
German business leaders react to the election results
The conservative CDU/CSU group won the most votes at Sunday's election. They could form a coalition with the Social Democrats, easing market concerns that Europe's largest economy would be run by a three-way alliance. "Germany needs to quickly regain its competiveness." Energy policy is crucial. It is essential to expand gas-fired plants, strengthen wind energy and modernize electricity grids, as well as ensure a reliable supply of raw materials.
German business leaders react to the election results
The conservative CDU/CSU group won the most votes at Sunday's election. They could form a coalition with the Social Democrats, easing market concerns that Europe's largest economy would be run by a three-way alliance. "Germany needs to quickly regain its competiveness." Energy policy is crucial. It is essential to expand gas-fired plants, strengthen wind energy and modernize electricity grids, as well as ensure a reliable supply of raw materials.
Senate confirms Chris Wright, a fracking executive, as Trump's Energy Secretary
The U.S. Senate confirmed Chris Wright as President Donald Trump's Energy Secretary on Monday. Wright is a fracking executive. Seven Democrats and an Independent who caucuses alongside Democrats crossed the aisle. Wright, 60 years old, has been the CEO of Liberty Energy, since 2011. He announced that he would step down as soon as the confirmation was received.
US Democratic lawmakers ask Trump about his blockage of federal grants for clean energy
U.S. Democratic legislators Friday sent letters asking two federal agencies to explain why federal funds were frozen on clean energy investments and federal funds that would lower energy costs for American customers. The agencies had violated federal law, the lawmakers said. Senate Democrats asked the newly confirmed Environmental Protection Agency administrator…