In this episode of Energy Impacts, David Blackmon speaks with energy expert Robert Bryce and South Carolina resident Cheryl Lane, who is fighting a 4,300-acre solar project being built behind her home. Cheryl shares how she uncovered the project’s scope, challenged permits, and launched multiple legal battles to protect her land, community, and local wildlife from environmental harm. They discuss how large-scale solar developments often target low-income rural areas, bypass environmental reviews, strain infrastructure, and displace wildlife—all while being promoted as “green.”

Highlights of the Podcast

00:00 – Introduction

01:24 – Cheryl’s Battle Against a Massive Solar Farm

04:24 – Targeting Low-Income Rural Areas

06:56 – Avoiding Environmental Review

07:42 – Delaying the Project

09:26 – Parallel Stories Across the Country

13:47 – Legal Battles on Multiple Fronts

18:38 – Limited Financial Resources

20:03 – Wildlife & Environmental Concerns

25:09 – Cultural & Historical Preservation Issues

27:09 – Lessons from Fighting Other Projects

29:52 – Infrastructure Ill-Prepared for Construction Impact

31:43 – Destruction of Forest and Endangered Species

33:27 – Robert Confirms Developer’s Background

35:08 – Double Standards in Environmental Activism

37:18 – Hidden Project Components

39:54 – Final Encouragement & Advice

42:10 – Closing Remarks

In this episode of Energy Impacts, David Blackmon talks with Dustin Van Liew, Senior VP of Global Policy at Energeo Alliance, about how geoscience supports offshore energy projects and the policy hurdles that come with it. Van Liew explains the importance of seismic surveys for oil, gas, and offshore wind, addresses common misconceptions about their impact on marine life, and shares his thoughts on Representative Nick Begich’s effort to modernize the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The discussion centers on making the permitting process more efficient, cutting through overlapping regulations, and ensuring environmental safeguards are upheld while allowing responsible energy development to move forward.

Highlights of the Podcast

00:08 - Introduction

00:39 - About Energeo Alliance

02:00 - Membership Composition

03:24 - Offshore Wind & Geoscience

04:09 - Marine Mammal Concerns & Misinformation

05:17 - Modernizing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)

09:46 - Overly Broad “Harassment” Definition

11:20 - “Small Numbers” Clause

14:13 - Science-Based Decision Making

15:49 - MMPA & ESA Duplication

20:11 - Administrative vs. Legislative Fixes

22:53 - Next Steps for Begich’s Bill

27:35 - Closing

#OffshoreEnergy #EnergyPolicy #MarineConservation

Jim Welty, President of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, joins David Blackmon to explore how Appalachian natural gas is driving energy innovation, powering the AI revolution, and reshaping U.S. infrastructure and global exports. From pipeline challenges to record-breaking investments in Pennsylvania, they discuss the critical role of domestic energy in ensuring economic growth, environmental gains, and national security.

Highlights of the Podcast

00:01 - Introduction

02:03 - Jim Welty's Background

05:23 - Pipeline Infrastructure and Energy Costs

07:32 - $92 Billion AI & Energy Project in Pittsburgh

10:28 - In-Basin Energy Utilization vs Pipeline Challenges

12:04 - LNG Export Reality

13:45 - The Myth of “End of Cheap Gas”

15:31 - Vast Natural Gas Reserves

17:31 - Declining Rig Count ≠ Declining Production

19:30 - AI's Impact on Energy Sector

21:38 - U.S. Natural Gas: A Global Advantage

23:58 - Industry Leaders Taking the Mic

27:23 - Closing Remarks

You will not want to miss this interview with Michelle Manook, CEO of FutureCoal, who stops by the Energy Impacts podcast with David Blackmon. This is a significant interview, as there are major changes in the grid and energy demand underway, and Michelle will be able to break down how coal is poised to face the challenges ahead.

Highlights of the Podcast

00:01 – Introduction

01:26 – What is Future Coal?

03:49 – Governments, Industry, and Finance Must Unite

04:55 – Australian Coal Reality Check (Video Clip)

05:47 – The Reality of Coal Demand

09:16 – The Shift in Public and Media Tone

10:19 – Coal’s Reputation and Finance Industry Retreat

13:18 – Open Letter: Fund Fair, Fund Equal

16:59 – Sustainable Coal Stewardship

19:37 – Energy Poverty in Europe

22:46 – Repercussions of the Green Energy Rush

25:17 – Why Future Coal is Expanding in Southern Africa

29:19 – Will the U.S. Return to Coal Plants?

32:53 – Energy Mix: Focus on What Works

33:22 – Closing Remarks

John Shively, CEO of Pebble Partnership, and operator of the Alaska Pebble Mine Project. With a focus on Energy Dominance.

John Shively joins the Energy Impacts Podcast to talk about the decades-long effort to permit the Pebble Mine in Alaska. He shares insights on the mine's massive copper and mineral potential, environmental concerns around Bristol Bay’s salmon fishery, and how federal permitting delays and reliance on foreign processing especially from China impact U.S. energy security. Shively also discusses what makes Alaska so uniquely valuable and why permitting reform is key to unlocking its resources.

Highlights of the Podcast

00:01 - Intro and Background

03:10 - Why Pebble Mine Matters

05:57 - Mineral Resources at Pebble

09:14 - China’s Grip on Mineral Processing

14:08 - Environmental Concerns and Salmon

19:12 - Permitting, Courts, and Political Barriers

25:23 - Alaska’s Potential or Decline

28:26 - Closing Thoughts

You won't want to miss this special episode of the Energy Impacts podcast with David Blackmon. Emily Domeech is the Chairperson for the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council in the Trump Administration. With the push for the United States to become not energy independent, but rather Energy Dominant, her role is critical to the success of the United States energy system. And subsequently, a key factor in the success of the entire United States economy.

Highlights of the Podcast

00:01 - Introduction

01:21 - Emily Domenech’s Background

03:27 - Outdated Environmental Laws and Delays

05:45 - NEPA Reform Progress

08:01 - Competing with China through Domestic Energy Projects

10:33 - Revitalizing Nuclear Energy

13:22 - Environmental Laws Should Guide, Not Block

15:55 - Abuse of the Endangered Species Act

19:04 - Radical Activism vs. Practical Conservation

20:54 - Chevron Deference and Congressional Clarity

22:27 - Legislative Challenges to Reform

25:13 - State and Local Government Coordination

27:58 - Call to Action for Project Developers

Stu Turley, David Blackmon, Doomberg, and Mike Umbro break down how California’s energy policies are fueling a national crisis. From refinery shutdowns and permit restrictions to rising fuel costs and flawed EV mandates, they expose the political choices putting America’s energy security and economy at risk. With firsthand insights and hard-hitting facts, this episode delivers a clear warning: what starts in California won’t stay there.

Highlights of the Podcast

00:08 - Introduction of Panel

02:02 - California’s Policy Impact

05:38 - Permitting Crisis

09:21 - Refinery Closures

10:50 - Newsom’s Three-Point Plan

13:29 - Regulatory Blind Spots

16:50 - Fuel Inflation as a National Risk

19:25 - EV Mandates and Trucking Impact

21:04 - 2028 Election and Newsom’s Ambitions

25:59 - Lack of Pipelines Between NorCal and SoCal

29:15 - Chevron’s Position in California

31:10 - Final Thoughts

In this insightful episode of the Energy Impacts podcast, David Blackmon sits down with renowned energy expert and author Dan Yergin to explore the evolving landscape of global energy. Yergin’s best-selling books include “The New Map,” “The Quest,” and “The Prize.”

In the fast moving 30-minute interview, Daniel and David unpack key takeaways from the recent CERAWeek conference, including the rising demand for electricity driven by AI and data centers, the U.S.'s growing influence in global LNG markets, and the strategic implications of rare earth mineral supply chains dominated by China.

Yergin also discusses the urgent need for infrastructure reform, the long timelines for mining and nuclear deployment, and why the energy transition may be more of an “energy addition.” From geopolitical tensions to copper shortages, this conversation provides a comprehensive look at the forces reshaping energy policy, markets, and global power dynamics.

Foreign Affairs “The Energy Transition Needs a Reality Check” op/ed by Yergin: https://www.ceraweek.com/en/news/press-releases/foreign-affairs-the-energy-transition-needs-a-reality-check

Books by Daniel Yergin: https://www.amazon.com/Prize-Daniel-Yergin/dp/1847376460?adgrpid=186996878628&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=748008426888&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14490381126824490089&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9191716&hvtargid=dsa-2414841787166&hydadcr=&mcid=&hvocijid=14490381126824490089--&hvexpln=67&tag=googhydr-20&hvsb=Healthmedia_d&hvcampaign=dsadesk

CERAWeek Home Page: https://www.ceraweek.com/en

S&P Global Study on The Future of Copper: https://cdn.ihsmarkit.com/www/pdf/0722/The-Future-of-Copper_Full-Report_14July2022.pdf

S&P Global Report on Chinese Control of Supply Chains: https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/critical-minerals-sourcing-rises-trade-troubles

Highlights of the Podcast

00:01 - Introduction

01:21 - CERAweek Themes

03:43 - U.S. LNG as a Geopolitical Power

05:20 - Pipeline Infrastructure & U.S. Gas Abundance

07:26 - Strait of Hormuz & Geopolitical Stakes

09:16 - U.S. Global Energy Role Post-WWII

11:14 - Rare Earths & Mineral Security

13:33 - Copper Shortage: “Copper in the Age of AI”

15:21 - U.S. Permitting Crisis

18:00 - Grid Strain & Nuclear Outlook

20:33 - Solar & Wind Investment Timeline

22:19 - Crypto and Industrial Power Demand

23:46 - Ukraine War & NATO Shifts

25:42 - Defense Spending vs. Energy Transition

27:07 - Energy Transition: Reality vs. Aspirations

29:15 - Looking Ahead

Dan Goodwin and Steve Everley of FTI Consulting authored an outstanding report on the Big Beautiful Bill and its impact on the energy sector. We had to get them involved in the joint production of the Energy Impacts and Energy News Beat podcasts with David Blackmon and Stu Turley. You won't want to miss this update and the impact on the energy markets.

Highlights of the Podcast

00:01 – Introductions and Overview

02:18 – FTI Consulting Roles and Background

05:10 – Modeling the Energy Impacts

08:50 – Natural Gas as a Big Winner

10:39 – Supply Chain Constraints

16:38 – Rise of Microgrids and Behind-the-Meter Power

19:31 – Wind and Solar Take a Hit

26:56 – Nuclear Outlook

29:19 – Battery Storage Growth

31:30 – Challenges with Battery and Solar Supply Chains

34:54 – Natural Gas: From ‘Bridge Fuel’ to Cornerstone

39:30 – Future Outlook and Closing Thoughts

Tim Stewart, President, US Oil & Gas Association, Stops by the Energy Impacts Podcast with David Blackmon, to unpack the sweeping effects of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” From restoring federal lease sales and repealing burdensome methane fees, to spotlighting natural gas as the backbone of a growing AI-powered economy, the conversation explores how the bill resets U.S. energy policy, reshapes investment trends, and repositions oil and gas as essential to America’s future energy landscape.

Highlights of the Podcast

00:01 - Introduction

02:34 - A Return to Normal Energy Policy

04:31 - Stability Through Statutory Measures

05:38 - Permitting Reform & Renewable Pressure

08:19 - Capital Flight from Renewables?

10:57 - Natural Gas and AI Demand Surge

12:00 - VoltaGrid: Natural Gas Microgrid Innovation

14:35 - The Myth of Limited Gas Supply

17:19 - Repeal of Methane Fee from IRA

21:15 - Impact on Offshore Leasing and Investment Certainty

22:54 - Decline of ESG and Sustainability Reporting

25:59 - Rejection of Appeasement Strategy

28:52 - Looking Toward 2028 and Beyond