Capitol Crude: The US Energy Policy Podcast

By S&P Global Commodity Insights

What's Capitol Crude: The US Energy Policy Podcast about?

In-depth weekly analysis of US energy policy news from S&P Global Commodity Insights senior editors covering the Capitol. Hosted by Jasmin Melvin.

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Capitol Crude: The US Energy Policy Podcast episodes:

01.30.2023
Does offshore wind have the right stuff to make it as the new kid on the block?
The US has dozens of offshore wind projects in the pipeline as the Biden administration has set its sights on deploying 30 GW of offshore wind by 2030 and 110 GW by 2050. And 11 coastal states have already set...
01.23.2023
What the FERC is going on with gas policy and regulations?
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is starting the new year with a 2-2 partisan split after former Chairman Richard Glick was forced to bid adieu to the agency after his renomination stalled out. The divide could complicate action on some...
01.09.2023
2023 is shaping up to be a year of discipline, caution and little change for the US upstream
After substantial recovery in 2022 from the low crude prices and oil demand brought about by two years of the coronavirus pandemic, 2023 appears beset with uncertainties. Russia’s war with Ukraine, wobbly oil prices and heavy Chinese fuel demand have...
12.19.2022
Magic 8 Ball shows ‘outlook good’ for US oil producers in 2023, analyst agrees
What will 2023 have in store for the oil sector? EY principal Pat Jelinek is expecting healthy oil prices next year, increased investment in oil companies’ traditional businesses and adjacent lower carbon options and “a pretty good outlook” for US...
12.12.2022
RFS blending mandate ‘makes no sense, disconnected from reality’: biodiesel group
The US Environmental Protection Agency has pitched raising the amount of renewable fuel that US refiners must mix with gasoline and diesel over the next three years. Ethanol producers generally applauded the agency’s latest proposal for the Renewable Fuel Standard...
12.05.2022
Advocacy firm teaches legacy energy to challenge the climate narrative
Policy and culture in the US have aligned to paint Big Oil as the bad guy, and its time the industry started fighting back, according to Ellen Wald and Jacqueline Plunkett, who launched Washington Ivy Advisors to advocate for the...
11.21.2022
Oil policy frustrations, a new premier add fuel to the fire for Alberta, Canada’s feds
As Canada’s main oil-producing province, Alberta has rarely let go an opportunity to defend its constitutional rights and pick a fight with the federal government when it comes to developing its abundant natural resources. Over the past few years, the...
11.14.2022
After party-line clashes on energy, can a bipartisan agenda emerge after US midterms?
The 2022 US midterm elections featured partisan clashes over energy policy, with accusations traded over whether the Biden administration’s climate policies or what some saw as profit-hungry oil companies were to blame for high prices. With the possibility that divided...
11.07.2022
Midterms could bring early wave of Republican energy policy signaling
High energy prices and inflation have played a front-stage role in US election politics this season, with control of the US House and Senate at stake in the Nov. 8 voting. S&P; Global senior editor Maya Weber caught up with...
10.31.2022
With frac crews and equipment tight, is smooth sailing still an option for upstream oil in 2023?
The pace of drilling and well completions activity in US oil and gas fields has slowed in late 2022 from the ramp up seen earlier in the year as premium equipment and crews to run it have become increasingly tight....
$With frac crews and equipment tight, is smooth sailing still an option for upstream oil in 2023?$
10.24.2022
SCOTUS takes on WOTUS as oil, gas industry clamors for regulatory clarity
The US Supreme Court recently held oral arguments in a case that the oil and gas industry is hoping will end some of the back-and-forth regulatory scramble over whether certain wetlands and water sources fall under federal jurisdiction. The high...
10.17.2022
US-Saudi spat heats up as it’s not ‘your Daddy’s OPEC’ anymore
There has been a lot of back and forth lately over whether political factors motivated the recent OPEC decision to cut crude oil production. One thing that’s for certain is that supply risks to the global oil markets are running...
10.10.2022
Oil market fundamentals could make E&P companies a good equity investment
OPEC and its allies slashed production targets for the next 14 months by 2 million b/d, signaling that the bloc is set on managing global production in a way that maintains a higher oil price, according to market analysts. At...
10.03.2022
By ‘turning waste into value,’ Danish biogas producer looks to make mark in the US
Rotting food, farm waste and sewage don’t sound all that appealing, but they’re the bread and butter of the biogas industry – an industry that believes it has a pivotal role to play in providing green solutions to address the...
09.26.2022
Timor Gap CEO says only one option for Greater Sunrise gas: pump it to Timor-Leste
Development of the Greater Sunrise gas and condensate fields, first discovered in the Timor Sea in 1974, has been stalled for decades. With a maritime border dispute between the Southeast Asian island country of Timor-Leste and Australia solved, the project...
09.19.2022
Texas wants to be a leader in CCUS, but there's an ownership question to resolve first
Texas is one of the largest emitting states in the US and stands to become ground zero of the carbon management industry. But unlike other states, Texas law provides no clarity on ownership rights of pore space -- the empty...
09.12.2022
Biden energy agenda at stake as parties vie for control in federal, state races
Voters will head to the polls November 8 where control of the US House and Senate are at stake along with the potential to flip the leadership in several states. The outcome of those contests will shape the second half...
08.29.2022
Oil majors come out ahead on Inflation Reduction Act; outlook for independents ‘not as rosy’
Oil and natural gas industry groups were not pleased with the Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law Aug. 16, despite some positive elements for the sector, including provisions to ensure more oil and gas lease sales and expand carbon capture...
08.22.2022
Permian smog in EPA’s crosshairs -- what will it mean for crude output?
The oil and gas sector and policymakers in Texas and New Mexico are on high alert over a notice posted to the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulatory agenda that they fear could have a crippling impact on domestic oil production. That...
08.15.2022
Can Texas overcome a regulation ‘allergy’ in order to reform the market and keep the lights on?
So far this summer, power demand in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas market has set 11 new all-time records as the grid has faced weeks of 100-plus degree temperatures. With that has come power scarcity conditions and high power...
08.08.2022
Who’s ‘happy’ with the surprise budget deal? Ethanol producers, that’s who
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 would make available $369 billion in energy security and climate change spending over the next decade. The bill offers a mixed bag of wins and losses for an array of stakeholders. But the biofuel...
08.01.2022
To declare, or not to declare, a climate emergency, that is the question
So, what exactly would a climate emergency declaration free the Biden administration to do? Senior editor Jasmin Melvin posed that question to Liz Craddock, a partner at the Holland & Knight law firm. She joined the podcast to explain what...
07.25.2022
Can the West enforce a global price cap on Russian oil?
As Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, the Biden administration is contemplating ways to starve the Russian economy of revenues, the bulk of which come from Russian oil and energy exports. As part of that effort, the US Treasury Department...
07.18.2022
Will Biden return from Saudi Arabia empty-handed?
US President Joe Biden just wrapped up a trip to the Middle East with a closely watched visit to Saudi Arabia. His national security director signaled that the success of his oil diplomacy will be judged in the coming weeks,...
07.11.2022
Can the DOE spur carbon capture innovation in time to aid climate crisis?
The International Energy Agency, in its road map for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, set a near-term target for the deployment of carbon capture capacity at 1.7 billion metric tons by 2030, a level that is more than 40 times...
06.27.2022
Under pressure: Utilities turn to coal, FERC eyes interconnection overhaul
Consulting firm ScottMadden’s latest energy industry update, fittingly titled “Under Pressure,” outlines how rising post-pandemic energy demand, ambitious decarbonization targets, soaring commodity prices, and geopolitical tensions have all combined to put immense pressure on the global energy industry. As a...
06.13.2022
It'll be a long, hot summer as energy prices supercharge inflation
Global energy markets have gone through dramatic shifts since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the risks around high prices and tight supply are not expected to ease anytime soon. Atul Arya, chief energy strategist for S&P; Global Commodity Insights, spoke...
06.06.2022
Will the lights stay big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas?
The Texas Railroad Commission -- which regulates the state's oil and gas industry, not railroads -- just went through perhaps its highest profile election. Chairman Wayne Christian faced oil and gas lawyer Sarah Stogner who posed tough questions about his...
05.31.2022
Political will is a wild card for LNG, but AG&P bets on growth
The new geopolitical scene is shaking up the outlook for LNG globally. The club of LNG suppliers has greatly expanded, with the US and others looking to increase their export capacity. This has created an environment for more favorable prices...
05.23.2022
Looks like the US has forgotten about Canadian oil, eh?
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney recently made the rounds in Washington, talking to lawmakers and State Department officials about the role Canada, and specifically Alberta’s oil sands, can play in ensuring North American energy security and easing American drivers’ pain at...
05.16.2022
Evolving LNG trade: Will demand for cleaner gas spread to Asia?
As the US and Europe move to cut methane emissions, will the demand pull for cleaner LNG spread to price-sensitive Asia? Ben Cahill, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, published a report this month looking...
05.09.2022
How to squeeze Russia's oil revenue without threatening a supply shock
As Europe aims to phase out Russian oil imports within months, attention is starting to shift to whether the US will impose secondary sanctions on Russian oil customers. Edward Fishman, who was the Russia and Europe sanctions lead at the...
05.02.2022
Can the Los Angeles-Shanghai green shipping corridor save the sector and the planet?
The shipping sector faces a massive challenge in decarbonizing to meet global climate goals. To accelerate those efforts, leaders at the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow last year agreed to develop at least six green shipping corridors by 2025...
04.25.2022
Drop more SBOMs: how the energy industry can tighten up cybersecurity
The energy sector has found itself in the crosshairs of what’s been called a rare and dangerous state-sponsored malware threat capable of disruption, sabotage, and potentially physical destruction of energy assets, with LNG and electric facilities believed to be the...
04.11.2022
Groups sue Interior for documents behind federal oil, gas leasing report
President Joe Biden’s executive order on tackling the climate crisis, among other things, launched a review of existing fossil fuel leasing and permitting practices. Climate and conservation groups had hoped the review would drill down into federal oil and natural...
04.04.2022
Consumer advocate wants CFTC to reject trader bailouts, pursue position limits revamp
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission will soon get an infusion of four new voices, as the Senate voted March 28 on nominations that will bring the derivatives regulator back to a full complement of five members. Some hope this...
03.28.2022
Global food security at stake as Russian war shakes up agriculture markets
Global food security, just like energy security, has emerged as a major risk from Russia's war in Ukraine. Today we're looking at the shakeup in agriculture markets with Peter Meyer, S&P; Global's head of grain, oilseed and feedstock analytics. He...
03.21.2022
Tracking upstream emissions with US oil supply on the rise
US oil supply is expected to increase this year, and new tools tracking upstream emissions will bring interesting new insights. Deb Ryan, head of low-carbon market analytics for S&P; Global Commodity Insights, explains her team's monthly carbon-intensity estimates, which rank...
03.14.2022
Sanctions on Russia create high stakes for global economy, fuel prices
The oil markets’ reaction to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been dramatic to say the least as global oil and gas supplies, already struggling to keep up with the strong post-pandemic recovery in fuel demand, were further tightened as countries...
03.07.2022
IEF chief says Russia crisis exacerbates risks from insufficient upstream investment
The Russia crisis has upended the energy world in significant ways, posing massive new risks for supply, demand and prices. Joe McMonigle, secretary-general of the International Energy Forum, joined us to discuss some of those important shifts. He doesn't see...
03.03.2022
Top Permian driller Pioneer rethinks slow growth plans with oil prices above $100/b
Will US oil drillers respond to triple-digit oil prices after months of restraint? Scott Sheffield, CEO of top Permian driller Pioneer Natural Resources, tells Capitol Crude that his commitment to slow growth could soon shift as a result of the...
02.28.2022
Methane ‘ultra-emitters’ offer oil, gas industry quick, significant way to reduce climate footprint
Using satellite data from 2019 and 2020, a team of French and US researchers created the first systematic estimate of large methane leaks that can only be seen from space. They detected about 1,800 so-called “ultra-emitters” over the two years,...
02.22.2022
Ammonia touted as potential ‘staple fuel’ as maritime sector eyes sustainable future
The International Maritime Organization has set its sights on slashing the global shipping industry’s total emissions in half by 2050, with an interim target of cutting the carbon intensity of all ships by at least 40% by 2030. S&P; Global...
02.14.2022
Will US oil supply react to $90/b prices?
Where is US oil production headed with prices at $90/b and some analysts seeing triple digits ahead? We're digging into the US upstream outlook from several angles, with: • Mitch Fane, Ernst & Young's Americas energy leader, on what's driving...
02.07.2022
US readies broader Russia sanctions that could hit banking, energy sectors
Russia's standoff with the West over Ukraine continues to stir anxieties across global energy and commodity markets about possible new sanctions. Brian O'Toole, nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and a former senior sanctions official at the US Treasury...
01.31.2022
US tries to fill gap as Ukraine crisis threatens European gas supplies
The Russia-Ukraine standoff has significant implications for the global gas and LNG markets, given Europe's reliance on Russian supply. It's peak winter demand season, and European gas inventories have been falling daily. Gas in storage stands at about 40% full,...
01.24.2022
Systems thinking approach points to weaknesses in key indicators for global energy innovation
Countries around the world committed to keeping the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius at the last United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland. But when looking at the world’s aggregate performance across key indicators...
01.18.2022
Platts Analytics sees geopolitical risks rising for energy markets in 2022
As you heard in last week's episode, geopolitical events have the potential to move energy markets in a big way in 2022. Today we're looking at three key geopolitical angles that have some common ties: the Russia-Ukraine tensions, the recent...
01.10.2022
Will oil prices spike to $100/b in 2022?
Global oil markets are starting 2022 with a number of factors that could make for another volatile year. OPEC is continuing its monthly supply increases but taking a cautious approach so far given uncertain demand. A return of Iran barrels...
12.27.2021
Refiners urge US EPA to grant biofuel waivers to ease pump prices
US oil refiners are pushing back against the Environmental Protection Agency's proposal to deny small refinery exemptions and other aspects of the latest biofuel mandate. They argue the policy will force some plants to close and increase gasoline prices further...

What's Capitol Crude: The US Energy Policy Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Capitol Crude: The US Energy Policy Podcast episodes:

Does offshore wind have the right stuff to make it as the new kid on the block?

What the FERC is going on with gas policy and regulations?

2023 is shaping up to be a year of discipline, caution and little change for the US upstream

Magic 8 Ball shows ‘outlook good’ for US oil producers in 2023, analyst agrees

RFS blending mandate ‘makes no sense, disconnected from reality’: biodiesel group

Advocacy firm teaches legacy energy to challenge the climate narrative

Oil policy frustrations, a new premier add fuel to the fire for Alberta, Canada’s feds

After party-line clashes on energy, can a bipartisan agenda emerge after US midterms?

Midterms could bring early wave of Republican energy policy signaling

With frac crews and equipment tight, is smooth sailing still an option for upstream oil in 2023?

SCOTUS takes on WOTUS as oil, gas industry clamors for regulatory clarity

US-Saudi spat heats up as it’s not ‘your Daddy’s OPEC’ anymore

Oil market fundamentals could make E&P companies a good equity investment

By ‘turning waste into value,’ Danish biogas producer looks to make mark in the US

Timor Gap CEO says only one option for Greater Sunrise gas: pump it to Timor-Leste

Texas wants to be a leader in CCUS, but there's an ownership question to resolve first

Biden energy agenda at stake as parties vie for control in federal, state races

Oil majors come out ahead on Inflation Reduction Act; outlook for independents ‘not as rosy’

Permian smog in EPA’s crosshairs -- what will it mean for crude output?

Can Texas overcome a regulation ‘allergy’ in order to reform the market and keep the lights on?

Who’s ‘happy’ with the surprise budget deal? Ethanol producers, that’s who

To declare, or not to declare, a climate emergency, that is the question

Can the West enforce a global price cap on Russian oil?

Will Biden return from Saudi Arabia empty-handed?

Can the DOE spur carbon capture innovation in time to aid climate crisis?

Under pressure: Utilities turn to coal, FERC eyes interconnection overhaul

It'll be a long, hot summer as energy prices supercharge inflation

Will the lights stay big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas?

Political will is a wild card for LNG, but AG&P bets on growth

Looks like the US has forgotten about Canadian oil, eh?

Evolving LNG trade: Will demand for cleaner gas spread to Asia?

How to squeeze Russia's oil revenue without threatening a supply shock

Can the Los Angeles-Shanghai green shipping corridor save the sector and the planet?

Drop more SBOMs: how the energy industry can tighten up cybersecurity

Groups sue Interior for documents behind federal oil, gas leasing report

Consumer advocate wants CFTC to reject trader bailouts, pursue position limits revamp

Global food security at stake as Russian war shakes up agriculture markets

Tracking upstream emissions with US oil supply on the rise

Sanctions on Russia create high stakes for global economy, fuel prices

IEF chief says Russia crisis exacerbates risks from insufficient upstream investment

Top Permian driller Pioneer rethinks slow growth plans with oil prices above $100/b

Methane ‘ultra-emitters’ offer oil, gas industry quick, significant way to reduce climate footprint

Ammonia touted as potential ‘staple fuel’ as maritime sector eyes sustainable future

Will US oil supply react to $90/b prices?

US readies broader Russia sanctions that could hit banking, energy sectors

US tries to fill gap as Ukraine crisis threatens European gas supplies

Systems thinking approach points to weaknesses in key indicators for global energy innovation

Platts Analytics sees geopolitical risks rising for energy markets in 2022

Will oil prices spike to $100/b in 2022?

Refiners urge US EPA to grant biofuel waivers to ease pump prices