South African court cancels Eskom's permission to build new gas-powered plant
A top court in South Africa on Wednesday revoked a government permit that allowed state utility Eskom build a large natural gas-burning power plant, claiming there was not a proper consultation with the public. The government is planning to build a 3,000-megawatt plant on the east coast in the port city of Richards Bay as part of its…
Wall Street Journal, September 4,
These are the most popular stories from the Wall Street Journal. These stories have not been verified and we cannot vouch their accuracy. ConocoPhillips, a U.S. oil producer and gas company, will reduce its workforce by up to 25% or 3,250 workers as part of an extensive restructuring. Newsmax has sued Fox Corp, its bigger news rival in Florida's federal court.
Indian automakers claim ethanol fuel is safe but reduces mileage, as motorists complain
India's new fuel blend with 20% ethanol is expected to reduce vehicle mileage by 2-4%, but it's safe, according to a lobby group that represents the country's carmakers. The group was aiming to calm motorists' fears in the third largest auto market in the world. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is focused on clean energy, set the target of 20% ethanol in fuel by 2025. This was called E20.
Nickel demand in the Philippines is a major concern
The Philippines is ramping up its operations to meet the global demand for metals, minerals and other materials to support the green transition. "When you mine for nickel, you must remove topsoil, forest vegetation and wildlife, causing deforestation and displacement of wildlife," said Grizelda mayo-Anda. She is the director of Environmental Legal Assistance Center…
Brazil's lawmakers revoke environmental permits ahead of the COP30 summit
The Brazilian Congress passed legislation Thursday that loosens environmental licensing. This could be a blow to President Luiz inacio da Silva, who is trying to improve his country's image as a green nation before it hosts the United Nations' global climate summit COP30 this year. The bill was passed by a large majority of Congress, where the powerful agribusiness group has a lot of influence.
Russell: Trump's tariffs on copper won't boost US production, but will increase costs
The proposed 50% tariff on imported copper may be the most embarrassing own goal in the ongoing trade war between the United States and the rest of world. Trump announced Wednesday that the tariff would take effect on August 1. Trump's statement was quite definitive, but there are still many questions. For example, what products would be included in the definition?
Russell: Trump's tariffs on copper won't boost US production, but will increase costs
The proposed 50% tariff on imported copper may be the most embarrassing own goal in the ongoing trade war between the United States and the rest of world. Trump announced Wednesday that the tariff would take effect on August 1. Trump's statement was quite definitive, but there are still many questions. For example, what products would be included in a definition of copper?
UK Issues Environmental Guidance on New North Sea Oil and Gas Drilling
The UK published long-awaited guidance on environmental issues that will impact future developments of two North Sea oil and natural gas fields, including Shell and Equinor. The guidelines explain how future government decisions on extraction should treat greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas, also known as downstream emissions or Scope 3.
UK releases environmental guidance that will impact North Sea drilling
The UK published environmental guidelines on Thursday, which will impact future developments of two North Sea oil and natural gas fields. Shell and Equinor are among the companies that are expected to benefit. The guidelines outlines how future government decisions on extraction should treat greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas, also known as downstream emissions.
US Supreme Court tests which courts can hear EPA Cases
Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court set rules for determining when cases challenging the actions of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency relating to air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions are heard by regional appellate courts or a Washington appeals court that hears many regulatory cases. The ruling of 7-2 held that the U.S. Court of Appeals District of Columbia Circuit and not the 5th U.S.
Canada's TC energy erases $199 Million damages in Delaware appeal against Columbia takeover
Delaware's top court on Tuesday overturned a judge’s order requiring Canadian pipe-line operator TC Energy, which purchased Columbia Pipeline Group for $13 billion in 2016, to pay damages of $199.2 millions. Columbia shareholders brought the case against TC Energy, claiming that it was responsible for lowering the takeover price from $26 to $25.50.
US Supreme Court to hear Chevron, Exxon appeal over Louisiana coastal damage
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Monday that it would hear an appeal by Chevron and Exxon Mobil, as well as other oil and gas firms, to move lawsuits filed by two Louisiana municipalities accusing them of damaging the state's coastline over a decade-long period from state court to federal court. The Justices heard an appeal from the…
US Supreme Court to hear Chevron, Exxon appeal over Louisiana coastal damage
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Monday that it would hear an appeal by Chevron and Exxon Mobil, as well as other oil and gas firms, to move lawsuits filed by two Louisiana municipalities accusing them of damaging the state's coastline over a decade-long period from state court to federal court. The Justices heard an appeal from the…
Trump administration sues Hawaii and Michigan to block planned lawsuits on climate change
The Trump administration sued Hawaii and Michigan in an attempt to prevent them from suing major oil companies for their role in climate changes. They accused the Democratic-led state of overreach, and threatening domestic energy production. A lawsuit has not been filed by either state. Hawaii Governor Josh Green said to a local television station that Hawaii plans to sue fossil-fuel companies by Thursday.
The Trump administration sueded Michigan to stop a planned climate change lawsuit
The Trump administration sued Michigan to stop it from suing oil companies for their role in climate change. They claimed that the Democratic-led Michigan was blocking domestic energy production. In a late-night lawsuit filed in Michigan, the U.S. Department of Justice said that the state's intention to sue would have an "extraordinary…
US Supreme Court dismisses state climate lawsuits against oil companies
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected a bid from 19 Republican-led state led by Alabama, to stop five Democratic-led state from pursuing lawsuits against major oil companies for deceiving public about the role that fossil fuels played in climate change. The justices refused to hear a case filed directly at the Supreme Court by Republican attorneys general.
Reliance India says the oil ministry demanded $2.81 billion in gas dispute case
Reliance Industries, an Indian company, said Tuesday that the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry of India has demanded $2.81 billion in a dispute over gas drilling from the company and BP Exploration and Niko. A division bench of the Delhi High Court ruled on February 14 against Reliance in a dispute over the extraction of gas from a deepwater block in India's KG-D6 block…
US Judge rejects Republican challenge to Biden's ESG investment rule
A federal judge in Texas upheld a rule that was adopted by Democratic former president Joe Biden that allowed socially conscious investments by employee retirement plans. The judge said it remained valid after a U.S. Supreme Court decision that curbed the regulatory powers of agencies. U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, in Amarillo Texas…
Shell should be held responsible for oil spills in Nigeria, says community leader before UK trial
Shell must take responsibility for the environmental damage caused in Nigeria by oil spills. A community leader made this statement on Thursday, as a crucial hearing in suits brought against Shell began at London's High Court. Godwin Bebe OKpabi, the leader of the Ogale Community in the Niger Delta said that he appealed to Shell to rectify the damage which, he claimed, had "destroyed [our] way of life".
New York City dismisses climate change lawsuit against Exxon BP Shell
A judge dismissed New York City’s lawsuit against Exxon Mobil and BP for misrepresenting their products and commitment to renewable energy, as well as their fight against climate change. Anar Patel, a state Supreme Court justice, ruled on Tuesday that the city cannot claim to have climate-conscious citizens, but then let them down…