Secretary of Energy Discussed Natural Gas Emissions, Safety, and Exports

On August 26, 2013, United States Secretary of Energy Dr. Ernest Moniz discussed the Obama Administration's June 25, 2013, Climate Action Plan at Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy. Dr. Moniz called natural gas a "bridge to the future," as it has helped the United States reduce its carbon emissions. The Secretary noted that the reduced price of natural gas has decreased carbon emissions because some power plants have switched to burning natural gas to generate electricity.

Dr. Moniz stated that all of the safety issues related to hydraulic fracturing for natural gas had "clear solutions" and were "manageable." Additionally, the Secretary called for the "consistent application of best standards through regulatory and other approaches" to manage those safety concerns. The Secretary did note his concern that unconventional gas production was becoming increasingly vulnerable to the decreasing availability of water in some areas of the United States.

Lastly, Dr. Moniz discussed the natural gas export licensure process, which differs depending on whether an importing country is in a free trade agreement with the United States. The Secretary further stated that the application process is a public process where each application is evaluated for its impact on the public interest and economy.

A video of the speech may be found at:

Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy or Dr. Moniz Speech on Youtube.com

The June 25, 2013, Climate Action Plan is available at:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/president27sclimateactionplan.pdf

Tom Panighetti

August 27, 2013

US House of Representatives passes Energy Consumer Relief Act of 2013

On August 1, 2013, the US House of Representatives passed the Energy Consumer Relief Act of 2013, which would prohibit the EPA from promulgating rules that have an estimated cost of over $1 billion. If passed in the Senate, the bill would require the EPA to provide cost/benefit reports to Congress for prospective energy regulations. Additionally, the EPA would be required to preserve the statistical data used to estimate the costs and benefits of proposed rules for Congressional review. The Secretary of Energy, FERC and the EIA would also be required to independently create, and submit to Congress, an “Initial Determination on Increases and Impacts” for each rule proposed by the EPA. If in the initial determination it is found that an increase/impact will occur, the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the EPA, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Labor and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, shall determine if the rule will adversely affect the economy and public that determination in the federal register.

For more information on HR 1582, visit GovTrack.

Written by: Garrett Lent, Research Assistant

Agricultural Law Resource and Reference Center

August 2013

U.S. Sec. of Energy Moniz Discusses Regulation of Fracking

On June 30, during his interview on Platts Energy Week, US Secretary of Energy Enerst Moniz said the states are, and should remain, the primary source for regulation. Moniz discussed the different geological conditions of the states where fracking occurs and the need for states to address these differences with their own regulations. He suggested, however, that the EPA would still need to decide whether or not it would design a set of baseline principles for states to follow.

Further, Moniz attributed many of the environmental concerns of fracking to improper well construction. He called the problems “manageable” as well construction techniques and regulations continue to improve.

For the full interview, visit Platts Energy Week. Part 2 of the interview focuses on LNG exports, and hydraulic fracturing.

Written by: Garrett Lent, Research Assistant

Agricultural Law Resource and Reference Center

June 2013