Traditional and social media universes have been buzzing as analysts and market observers digest the recent US crude oil export news. The Wall Street Journal was accused of writing a misleading headline stating the US “loosened” the crude oil export ban. This may be a bit nitpicky, but the broad US crude oil export ban does remain intact. The Commerce Department ruled two companies can export minimally-processed condensate, a light hydrocarbon that is often lumped in with crude oil. Nevertheless, debate ensued over whether this ruling presages a first step in throwing the crude export gates wide open, or whether it is just a marginally important decision that will mean an incremental few hundred thousand barrels of condensate per day will be shipped overseas. This piece corrals several respected investment banks’ views. [WSJ Money Beat]

Dow Chemical is expected to break ground on a major new plastics manufacturing facility in Texas. The facility will be located in Freeport, which has become North America’s largest chemical complex. Dow is looking to cash in on the competitive advantage historically low US natural gas prices are giving petrochemical manufacturers. [Fox News]

Every few years or so news breaks about untoward behavior transpiring at some government agency. In 2008, Interior Department employees were caught accepting “gifts” from energy companies, abusing drugs and engaging in sexual misconduct. Now EPA emails have come to light that indicate one or more of its employees repeatedly placed feces outside the restroom at the Region 8 offices in Denver. “’Management is taking this situation very seriously and will take whatever actions are necessary to identify and prosecute these individuals,’ Cantor wrote. He asked for any employees with knowledge of the poop bandit or bandits to notify their supervisor.” [Government Executive]