Daniel Sheehan

6 days ago | bracewell.com | Daniel Sheehan

The Environmental Protection Agency plans to end its popular Energy Star program, according to widespread media reports. The program has helped consumers identify energy-efficient home appliances for more than 30 years. Energy Star was created in 1992 under President George H.W. Bush and expanded over the years as its popularity grew. The program has helped consumers save more than $500 billion in energy costs and 5 trillion kWh since its inception, according to the program website.

1 week ago | bracewell.com | Daniel Sheehan

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning a broad overhaul of the Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) by eliminating climate offices and reorganizing the Office of Air Quality, Planning and Standards (OAQPS), which sets stationary source standards for criteria pollutants and air toxics. OAQPS and the Office of Atmospheric Protection will be “reorganized and their functions realigned into 2 new offices,” according to text of a presentation given to OAR employees in a May 5 meeting.

1 week ago | bracewell.com | Daniel Sheehan

Industry groups and environmentalists are opposing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) reported plans to close its popular Energy Star program that promotes efficient home appliances and buildings. Multiple news reports say EPA is planning to eliminate the Energy Star program, citing remarks from Trump administration officials during a May 5 meeting with air office staff.

1 week ago | bracewell.com | Daniel Sheehan

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held hearings April 30 to consider Tristan Abbey as head of the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). The agency could lose up to 100 staffers, leaving energy experts worried about the fate and quality of closely watched reports. “EIA’s task is essential to making markets work,” Bracewell’s Frank Maisano told Oil & Gas Journal. He expressed concern that steep staff cuts could threaten EIA’s data.

1 week ago | bracewell.com | Daniel Sheehan

Falling crude prices will eventually translate into lower prices at the gas pump for consumers, but that doesn’t mean it’s all good news ― especially for Texas-based oil producers. On Monday, global crude prices sank after OPEC+ agreed over the weekend to surge production for a second month, adding to existing concerns about how tariffs may impact worldwide demand.