What began with the father working quietly in a Eugene laboratory is now an aspiring business moving forward under the daughter. It was a visit to the University of Oregon by Cheers star Woody Harrelson that planted the seed of inspiration in a young Virginia Klausmeier (below). She was an undergraduate when Harrelson, a passionate… Keep reading →
Heading into the Fourth of July holiday weekend, the trade group representing the US refining industry had some choice words about the impact of US regulations on gasoline prices. “Our industry and the economy are taking a hit with RFS [renewable fuel standards], air pollution regulations and Cafe [corporate average fuel efficiency] standards, which all… Keep reading →
There’s always a risk in being the first – in forging ahead without following someone else’s footsteps. California took on that challenge six years ago, adopting the country’s first low carbon fuel standard (LCFS). Today, however, the risks are receding and the rewards are becoming increasingly clear – for consumers, businesses, and the climate. That… Keep reading →
If turning that corner within a decade is acceptable, then the answer is yes. At least according to a major study released today that includes input from a wide range of stakeholders including the investment community, regulators, government and academia. The study, completed by Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuels Initiative (MASBI), seeks to develop an “actionable… Keep reading →
With the Solar Impulse plane on a flight path now headed toward New York, it seemed only natural to focus on the quiet transformation happening in the airline fuel business which refiners should be taking very seriously. The idea of using sustainable, cleaner burning fuels for aircrafts has been around for a while. However, considering… Keep reading →
Gasoline prices expected to increase more than diesel prices next week? Then crank up gasoline production! It may sound simple, but sophisticated software, communications and refining equipment all work in harmony to maximize profits on the fly in the highly-competitive US refining industry. Refinery control room operators in New Jersey work closely with commercial traders… Keep reading →
The US has shifted from importing refined oil products like gasoline to exporting over 1 million barrels per day in 2012 and companies are positioning themselves to cash in on the trend. The US has exported diesel fuel to Europe for years, which makes sense because demand for the fuel is much higher across the… Keep reading →
It’s been boom or bust for US East Coast refiners in recent years. While several plants shut down, others adapted their logistics to benefit from shifting supply and market dynamics. The shut downs increased surviving operators’ market share, while access to cheaper Midcontinent feedstock combined to strengthen margins and profitability in some cases. Sheer size… Keep reading →
The International Energy Agency highlights the transformative nature of the US oil boom in its latest Medium-Term Oil Market Report, released today. “Rising supplies of US light, tight oil (LTO) have turned upside down, or at least called into question, the conventional wisdom about what oil is, how it is extracted, how much of it… Keep reading →
The Intersection of Energy Law and Project Finance
It’s critically important to understand the regulations associated with financing multi-billion dollar energy projects so as to avoid delays and cost increases that can imperil event the best laid plans. Whether it be an oil & gas project or a major renewable energy initiative, getting the financing right means having the legal pieces in order, and a major law firm with a large energy practice highlights some examples of this in their spring newsletter. Keep reading →
