“We need the countries that have spare production capacity to tell the world they will be ready to bring more oil to the market. Saudi Arabia has proven that they are a responsible exporter. And I would be hopeful that they will once again show their constructive role in these difficult days.” (Fatih Birol, below)

The head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) has joined with the head of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in urging global oil producers to produce more crude oil immediately to avoid more pain at the pump and elsewhere. Fatih Birol–previously anti-oil–has issued an energy crisis “red alert” not unlike a similar plea by Secretary Jennifer Granholm earlier this year.

She said:

We are on a war footing—an emergency—and we have to responsibly increase short-term [oil and gas] supply where we can right now to stabilize the market and to minimize harm to American families….

“Since the start of construction, industry opponents have continued to challenge MVP’s previously authorized and issued permits through ongoing litigation, placing their specific policy agendas above that of environmental protection and national energy security.”

– Mountain Valley Pipeline

This post simply reviews an interstate gas pipeline project that is stymied at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. FERC has taken a go-slow (as in purposeful delay) regarding the final permits to for water and wetland crossings, creating the controversy for all to see. Mountain Valley politely states (below):

Currently, MVP has all necessary permits with exception of those needed to cross waterbodies and wetlands. The project team is working collaboratively with federal and state authorities on a modified crossings approach, which would use a combination of trenchless and open-cut crossing methods.

This is Biden energy policy in full view.…

” … it is time for an energy awakening – for the natural gas and oil supply chain and the government at all levels to open a new era of working together to ensure that essential energy resources are unlocked; to encourage investment opportunities and accelerate infrastructure development; and to strengthen global energy security, affordability and reliability.” (API, below)

The American Petroleum Institute (API) has represented the larger integrated oil companies since its founding just over a century ago. Much of its early mission was to standardize machinery specifications as well as accounting practices to modernize and streamline the industry. But API’s other major function has been politics, which became so great that the trade group moved from New York City to Washington, D.C. in 1969.

Often, the self-interest of the majors was the free market, particularly in the troubled 1970s.…

“In the short term, the U.S. government could enact … waivers of Jones Act provisions and some fuel specifications to increase supplies. Longer term, government can promote investment through clear and consistent policy that supports U.S. resource development, such as regular and predictable lease sales, as well as streamlined regulatory approval and support for infrastructure such as pipelines.” – ExxonMobil to Biden

“We need clarity and consistency on policy matters ranging from leases and permits on federal lands, to the ability to permit and build critical infrastructure, to the proper role of regulation that considers both costs and benefits…. Most importantly, we need an honest dialogue….” – Chevron to Biden

It’s cosmetics time again with Biden and energy. DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm is meeting today with oil executives in the symbolic quest to reduce gasoline and diesel prices.…