New vehicle average fuel economy in the US was unchanged in November from the previous month – it remained at 25.3 mpg – which is likely due to countervailing forces. “The unchanged average fuel economy is likely a net consequence of two opposing trends: less demand for fuel efficient vehicles because of the decreasing price of gasoline, and improved fuel economy of 2015 model year vehicles compared to 2014 model year vehicles. Overall, vehicle fuel economy is up 5.2 mpg since October 2007.” [University of Michigan TRI]
Last year, proven US crude oil and liquids reserves, along with natural gas reserves, hit their highest levels since 1975. “In 2013, U.S. crude oil and lease condensate proved reserves increased to 36.5 billion barrels—an increase of 3.1 billion barrels (9.3%) from 2012 (Table 1). U.S. proved reserves of crude oil and lease condensate have now risen for five consecutive years (Figure 1), and exceeded 36 billion barrels for the first time since 1975. Proved reserves of U.S. total natural gas3 increased 31 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) to 354 Tcf in 2013 (Table 1). This 10% increase offsets the 26 Tcf decline in 2012 and boosts the national total of proved natural gas reserves to a record high level.” [EIA]
Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) introduced a bill in the senate on Wednesday designed to promote energy efficiency in buildings, along with other measures. An identical bill was passed by the House in March, but this version got entangled in amendment issues like including Keystone Pipeline approval. “It is a miniature version of the original Shaheen-Portman energy package, aiming to encourage building landlords and tenants to increase their efficiency and save energy in federal agencies, among other provisions.” [The Hill]
