Energy & Fuel

"The travel restrictions and economic unraveling triggered by the coronavirus have led to an unprecedented drop in carbon emissions worldwide. That may feel like a rare bit of silver lining—and yet climate advocates aren’t celebrating. Many are worried about an uptick in emissions of the lesser-known greenhouse gas: methane."

"U.S. shale producers, refiners and pipeline companies are scrambling for cash and face likely restructuring as they struggle under heavy debt loads while engulfed in the worst crisis the oil industry has faced."

"NextEra Energy Inc., the world’s largest utility owner by market value, says it’s poised to increase its dominance over other renewable power developers amid fallout from the coronavirus."

"Enough gas to supply 7 million homes is leaking into the atmosphere above oil fields in Texas and New Mexico—the largest plume of climate change-driving methane pollution ever recorded over a U.S. oil field, a new study from Harvard University and Environmental Defense Fund shows."

"The day Tom Steyer suspended his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, in late February, was the same day the first death from COVID-19 was reported in the United States."

"The oil and gas industry is holding thousands of unused drilling permits on federal lands even as Interior Department field office employees say permitting wells has crowded out other responsibilities, according to a government watchdog."

"Across the United States, companies are laying off workers, shutting down wells and preparing for a prolonged slump as oil prices tumble."

"Wind generated more electricity nationally than coal on three separate days over the past six weeks, according to an E&E News review of federal data."

"A coal mining company with ties to Scott Pruitt, and a handful of companies serving the oil and natural gas industry, are among the beneficiaries of a loan program Congress established to help small businesses get through the coronavirus pandemic."