-An American Petroleum Institute (API) official on Tuesday told reporters 94% of the country would be “closed for business” if the EPA further tightens ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). API Director of Regulatory and Scientific Policy Howard Feldman said new standards that approach or are lower than naturally occurring ozone levels would affect “virtually any human activity” that produces emissions. The EPA must propose a draft for a revised NAAQS by Dec. 1.
-Chevron Vice Chairman George Kirkland today told stockholders the company was on track to increase production 20% by 2017. Chevron has shares of at least $250 million in more than 70 projects scheduled to start up by the end of the decade.
-Dominion Resources is considering building a 450-mile natural gas pipeline from West Virginia to North Carolina that could cost as much as $2 billion. The pipeline would deliver shale gas from the Appalachian Basin to markets in Virginia and North Carolina. Via the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Dominion spokesman Jim Norvelle said the project is in the “extremely preliminary” stage.
-Xcel Energy and SunPower Corp. signed an agreement to build a 50-megawatt solar power plant on a 320-acre site in Colorado’s San Luis Valley. Construction is expected to begin next year, pending permits, interconnection rights and financing. The plant would begin commercial operation by the end of 2016.
-Bermuda-based oil tanker firm Teekay Tankers appointed Kevin J. Mackay as its new CEO, effective June 20. Mackay currently serves as head of Phillips 66’s global marine business unit. He will replace Bruce Chan, who has resigned from Teekay.
