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In the West Texas oil patch, a boom in drilling has led to a growing number of earthquakes

Dec 28, 2022
After multiple near-record Texas earthquakes, oil and gas regulators say they’re stepping up efforts to reduce quakes triggered by industry activity.
A truck travels through the West Texas oil patch. Earthquakes that have rocked the region have been tied to the area's booming oil industry.
Mitch Borden

Wastewater workers wish for a fatberg-free holiday

Dec 26, 2022
Our sewers work overtime at this time of year.
A wastewater treatment plant in Oakland, California. Wastewater workers are urging people to be mindful about disposing of grease and oil, which can wreak havoc on sewer systems.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

After a year of drawdowns, the Biden administration moves to replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve

Dec 22, 2022
Analysts say the SPR is increasingly being used not just to cushion against oil price shocks, but to support prices.
A Strategic Petroleum Reserve storage site in Freeport, Texas. Currently, there's less oil in the reserve than at any point since 1984.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Germany warned about the danger of becoming economically dependent on China

Dec 1, 2022
After its over-reliance on the Kremlin for its energy, is Germany making the same mistake with Beijing?
Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) welcomes German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on November 4, 2022.
Photo by Kay Nietfeld/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

U.S. oil reserve tumbles to lowest level in 4 decades

Sep 22, 2022
Biden authorized the release of crude from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to boost supply and ease gas prices after Russia invaded Ukraine.
An oil refinery in Wilmington, California. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve now holds around 427 million barrels, down from nearly 600 million at the beginning of the year.
Allison Dinner/Getty Images

Why isn't Big Oil up in arms about the climate-friendly Inflation Reduction Act?

Aug 8, 2022
The bill incentivizes clean energy but doesn't vilify fossil fuels. Traditional oil companies can access some of the benefits as well.
The climate legislation gives oil companies a win with expanded drilling opportunities on federal lands and a pipeline in West Virginia.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

As Russia limits Europe's natural gas supply, Germany pays the price

Jul 26, 2022
Europe's largest economy depends on Russian gas. Vladimir Putin is using it as a political weapon.
Last year, Russia supplied more than half of Germany’s natural gas.
Ina Fassbender/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

It takes a long time to get from a federal drilling lease to actual oil

Jul 6, 2022
Companies have to evaluate their prospects, then come up with a budget and manage crew and equipment logistics.
While the Biden administration has reopened federal land and offshore sites to oil and gas leases, it can take months or years to actually start pumping oil. Above, an oil well in Garden City, Texas.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Biden asks companies "setting those gas prices" to lower them. Can they?

Jun 23, 2022
Gas stations are usually separate from the big oil conglomerates whose names they carry. Owners are often individuals with some control over what you pay at their pumps — but not much.
Most gas stations are owned by individuals who pay to use the oil company's name.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Could reopening idled oil refineries ease gasoline prices?

May 30, 2022
The idea is drawing attention, but analysts disagree on whether White House pressure on the industry would work.
The Biden administration is reportedly asking oil companies to bring shuttered refineries back online.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images