-FuelFix reports on new research revealing Australia will be the site of the world’s next shale boom. Many companies have set their sights on China in recent years, but Australia has an advantage due to built-in experience, expertise and infrastructure. Argentina is also high on the list, but recent political turmoil is a red flag for producers.
-Meanwhile, French oil giant Total is jumping into Britain’s shale gas market, acquiring a 40% interest in two exploration licenses. Total is pledging to spend as much as $46.5 million to develop the licenses and will cover $1.6 million in back costs.
-The omnibus spending bill unveiled by lawmakers on Monday night curbs some of the Obama Administration’s climate change regulations, including the Ex-Im Bank’s ability to cut financing for power plants that do not adopt carbon capture. The bill also bans the administration’s light bulb efficiency standards.
-Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) and other Republicans on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works implored the Obama Administration on Tuesday to refrain from using “social cost of carbon” estimates until they are “revised to reflect consideration of public comments.” The administration opened its most recent SCC estimate up to public comment in November.
-Zak Covar was appointed to serve as a commissioner for the TCEQ. Covar has served as executive director of the commission since 2012 and replaces Carlos Rubenstein, who left his post to head up the Texas Water Development Board. The new commissioner is a Texas A&M grad and served as an advisor to Gov. Rick Perry from 2005 to 2007.
