This scathing editorial shreds Washington’s energy policy record going back to the Carter administration and calls out President Obama for claiming in the State of the Union address that his administration’s policies were responsible for currently booming oil & gas production. [Forbes]

Natural gas is being diverted to domestic grids in Egypt and next year in Equatorial Guinea, reducing the number of cargoes BG can export. “The 3.4mn t/yr EGLNG terminal will require shutdowns next year because of the country’s gas development programmes…BG expects fewer cargoes this year because of supply diversions to Egypt’s domestic grid, leaving less gas to deliver to the 7.2mn t/yr Idku export terminal. BG declared force majeure at its Egyptian LNG operations on 27 January.” [Argus]

Senior Democrats Reps. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) and Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) announced yesterday they want to succeed Henry Waxman as Energy and Commerce Committee Chair. “The committee has the broadest portfolio in Congress, ranging from health care and telecommunications to energy and environment. The top Democrat on the panel will be responsible for defending the Affordable Care Act if Republicans retain control of the House next year, along with President Barack Obama’s climate change strategy.” [Politico]