Flint Transit Order Marks Largest Commercial Rollout
Thursday, September 29, 2016
The recent delivery of 16 alternative fuel buses to the Flint, Mich. Mass Transportation Agency signals the largest rollout of Blue Bird Corp.’s propane Vision buses for commercial use. According to Flint MTA, the new buses will cut costs, reduce emissions, and allow the agency to take advantage of a domestically produced fuel. Compared with the diesel buses they replaced, each new bus will reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 800 pounds a year and particulate matter by 35 pounds.
EIA Using Near-Real-Time Export Data to Improve Weekly Report
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Starting with the Aug. 31 release of its Weekly Petroleum Status Report (WPSR), the Energy Information Administration (EIA) began publishing weekly petroleum export and consumption estimates. The estimates are based on near-real-time export data provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. EIA previously relied on weekly export estimates based on monthly official export data published by the U.S. Census Bureau roughly six weeks following the end of each reporting month.
NPGA: September Propane Inventory Shows Length and Outpaces 2015
Thursday, September 29, 2016
The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) reports that data developed by IHS shows continued length in domestic propane inventory for September, with weekly estimates expected to outpace values seen in September 2015 and potentially setting a record for the month. The primary driver behind the growth in weekly stocks is a dramatic decline in propane exports due to low arbitrage economics in Asia, notes NPGA.
Final Ruling Issued on Windshield-Mounted Technologies By FMCSA
Friday, September 23, 2016
WASHINGTON, DC (September 26, 2016) – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a final rule to amend the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to allow the voluntary mounting of certain devices on the interior of the windshields of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), including placement within the area that is swept by the windshield wipers.
U.S. Crude Oil Exports Rising, Reaching More Destinations
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Since the removal of the final significant restrictions on exporting U.S. crude oil in December 2015, the number of countries receiving exported crude from the nation has risen sharply, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said in August. These exports have occurred despite a sustained narrow price premium of international crude oil prices over U.S. domestic prices, the many costs associated with arranging cargos for export, and falling U.S. crude production.
Apache Discovers Large Play In Southern Delaware Basin
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Apache Corp. (Houston) has confirmed its discovery of a significant new resource play, the Alpine High, on acreage it owns in the southern portion of the Delaware Basin, primarily in Reeves County, Texas. The company estimates hydrocarbons in place are 75 Tcf of rich gas and 3 Bbbl of oil in the Barnett and Woodford formations alone. Apache also sees significant oil potential in the shallower Pennsylvanian, Bone Springs, and Wolfcamp formations.
IEA: Global Oil Demand Slowing At Faster Pace Than Predicted
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Global oil demand growth is slowing at a faster pace than initially predicted, the newly released Oil Market Report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) tells subscribers. For 2016, a gain of 1.3 MMbbld is now expected, a downgrade of 0.1 MMbbld from the agency’s previous forecast due to a more pronounced third-quarter slowdown. Momentum eases further to 1.2 MMbbld in 2017 as underlying macroeconomic conditions remain uncertain.
Enbridge, Spectra Combine Assets; Monaco to Lead Merged Company
Friday, September 16, 2016
Calgary-based Enbridge Inc. and Spectra Energy Corp. (Houston) have entered into a merger agreement under which the two companies will combine in a stock-for-stock transaction. The merger will create one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in North America with a value of about $127 billion. Enbridge president and CEO Al Monaco will serve as president and CEO of the combined company. Greg Ebel, Spectra president and CEO, will
API, Building Trade Unions Call For Upholding Law on Pipeline
Friday, September 16, 2016
With the Obama administration temporarily shutting down construction of one segment of the Dakota Access Pipeline, American Petroleum Institute president Jack Gerard and North America’s Building Trades Unions president Sean McGarvey are underscoring the benefits of increased energy infrastructure and the negative impact of administration action on the rule of law, American workers, and consumers.
PERC Rolls Out New Online Tool for Landscape Contractors
Friday, September 16, 2016
The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has launched Propane Equipment Dealer Point, an online search tool that allows commercial landscape contractors to find the nearest knowledgeable dealers of propane-powered mowers. Propane equipment dealers can also sign up—free of charge—to be listed as a propane equipment dealer on Dealer Point.
Golf Fore Education Tourney To Benefit NPGF Scholarships
Friday, September 16, 2016
Invitations have been extended to propane industry members to play in Trinity Containers’ Golf Fore Education Tournament Oct. 1 at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, N.C. The event precedes the start of the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) fall board of directors meeting. All proceeds benefit the National Propane Gas Foundation (NPGF) Scholarship Fund.
Pennsylvania second-largest supplier of natural gas in the U.S.
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Pennsylvania’s natural gas production volume trended upward in 2015, according to the newly released Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) 2015 Oil and Gas Annual Report. In 2015, more than 4.6 Tcf of natural gas was produced in the Keystone State compared to about 1 Tcf in 2011. Currently, Pennsylvania is reported to be the second-largest supplier of natural gas in the nation.
U.S. Weakens Russian, OPEC Grip on Global Energy Market
Friday, September 9, 2016
Far from being threatened by recent weak prices, the status of the U.S. as an emerging energy superpower has solidified in 2016, weakening OPEC’s grip over the oil market along with Russia’s influence over Europe’s gas supplies, writes The National Interest magazine.
Phillips 66 Acquiring NGL System In Southeast Louisiana from Chevron
Friday, September 9, 2016
Phillips 66 Partners LP (Houston) has reached an agreement to acquire a natural gas liquids logistics system in southeast Louisiana from Chevron (San Ramon, Calif.). The system includes about 500 miles of pipelines and a storage cavern connecting multiple fractionation facilities, refineries, and a petrochemical facility.
Energy Distribution Partners Welcomes Two General Managers, Beth Autore, Michelle Roe
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Chicago, Illinois-based Energy Distribution Partners (“EDP”) is pleased to announce that Elizabeth (Beth) Autore and Michelle Roe have joined the company. Autore joins as General Manager for Autore Oil and Propane in Cedarville, Michigan, and Roe joins as General Manager for Shute Oil & Propane in Rudyard, Michigan. Both companies provide propane and other fuels to residential, commercial and agricultural customers in Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula.
Anti-Hydraulic Fracturing Activists Qualify Measures for Ballot Count
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Coloradans are reported to have likely gathered sufficient signatures to qualify two anti-hydraulic fracturing initiatives for the November ballot. One, Initiative 75, gives cities the authority to ban the 60-year-old wellstimulation practice, while the other, Initiative 78, would expand setbacks around hydraulic fracturing sites to at least 2500 feet.
EIA: Energy Jobs in May 26% Lower than in October 2014
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Despite increases in crude oil prices since the start of the year, employment in oil and natural gas extraction and support activities continued declining from levels reached in the fall of 2014, just prior to the onset of falling oil prices, reports the Energy Information Administration (EIA). The total rig count, including both oil-directed and natural gas-directed rigs, has declined even more sharply—from nearly 1800 rigs in the fall of 2014 to a weekly low
Trade Associations Urge EPA To Better Understand Industry
Thursday, August 18, 2016
The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), the American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC), and 47 additional U.S. oil and natural gas industry trade associations are urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to work with the industry on its recent information-gathering request, allowing for a better and more thorough understanding of oil and natural gas operations.
Inter Pipeline Acquires Shares of Williams’ Canadian NGL Business
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Inter Pipeline Ltd. (Calgary) said Aug. 8 it had entered into an agreement to acquire the shares of the Williams Co. Inc.’s and Williams Partners LP’s (Tulsa) Canadian natural gas liquids midstream businesses for a cash payout of $1.35 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter and is subject to approval under the Competition Act and other customary closing conditions.
The latest propane industry product offerings...
Friday, August 5, 2016
GENERATORS. Briggs & Stratton Corp. has introduced its premium line of Briggs & Stratton Fortress standby generator systems, which is replacing its GE Generator Systems line. The new models range in size from 10 kw to 60 kw, to fit a variety of needs. The Fortress line runs on propane or natural gas and comes with a six-year warranty on parts, labor, and travel.
briggsandstratton.com
Product Buggy 1
People on the Move....In Memoriam
Friday, August 5, 2016
Safety consultant Eric Leskinen has joined P3 (Portsmouth, N.H.) as executive vice president. He will focus on product development and growing the consulting business within the firm’s propane sector.
PERC Publishes 2017 Budget And Calls for Public Comment
Thursday, August 4, 2016
The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has published its 2017 budget plan for public comment. The plan includes the probable costs of all programs, projects, and contracts as well as a recommended assessment rate sufficient to cover costs. After public review and comment, PERC must submit the spending plan to the secretary of energy and to Congress. The blueprint is available for viewing at propanecouncil.org/uploadedFiles/2017_Budget_for_Public_Comment.