The Energy Impacts with David Blackmon

Critical policy and legislative action in Oil and Gas from the Independent Petroleum Association of America stops by the Energy Impacts and the Energy News Beat Podcasts with David Blackmon and Stu Turley. We have Dan Naatz and Mallori Miller from the IPAA to cover everything that is going on in the oil and gas industry, and what they are seeing rolling out, impacting investors, operators, and consumers.Highlights of the Podcast00:10 - Introduction01:35 - About IPAA05:19 - Policy Shifts Under Trump Administration 2.007:50 - Methane Tax Fight09:07 - New Leadership in Key Agencies12:03 - Senate Gridlock & Appointments14:44 - Permitting Council & Reform19:06 - EPA & Regulatory Issues21:36 - Federal vs. State Relations24:43 - Possible Reconciliation Bill26:33 - Budget Battles & Permitting Reform27:34 - Gas vs. Oil Drilling Trends29:16 - Denver Data Center Example31:12 - Scale of the Energy Challenge32:07 - Closing Remarks

In this episode of Energy Impacts, David Blackmon speaks with energy expert Robert Bryce and South Carolina resident Cheryl Lane, who is fighting a 4,300-acre solar project being built behind her home. Cheryl shares how she uncovered the project’s scope, challenged permits, and launched multiple legal battles to protect her land, community, and local wildlife from environmental harm. They discuss how large-scale solar developments often target low-income rural areas, bypass environmental reviews, strain infrastructure, and displace wildlife—all while being promoted as “green.”Highlights of the Podcast00:00 – Introduction01:24 – Cheryl’s Battle Against a Massive Solar Farm04:24 – Targeting Low-Income Rural Areas06:56 – Avoiding Environmental Review07:42 – Delaying the Project09:26 – Parallel Stories Across the Country13:47 – Legal Battles on Multiple Fronts18:38 – Limited Financial Resources20:03 – Wildlife & Environmental Concerns25:09 – Cultural & Historical Preservation Issues27:09 – Lessons from Fighting Other Projects29:52 – Infrastructure Ill-Prepared for Construction Impact31:43 – Destruction of Forest and Endangered Species33:27 – Robert Confirms Developer’s Background35:08 – Double Standards in Environmental Activism37:18 – Hidden Project Components39:54 – Final Encouragement & Advice42:10 – Closing Remarks

In this episode of Energy Impacts, David Blackmon talks with Dustin Van Liew, Senior VP of Global Policy at Energeo Alliance, about how geoscience supports offshore energy projects and the policy hurdles that come with it. Van Liew explains the importance of seismic surveys for oil, gas, and offshore wind, addresses common misconceptions about their impact on marine life, and shares his thoughts on Representative Nick Begich’s effort to modernize the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The discussion centers on making the permitting process more efficient, cutting through overlapping regulations, and ensuring environmental safeguards are upheld while allowing responsible energy development to move forward.Highlights of the Podcast00:08 - Introduction00:39 - About Energeo Alliance02:00 - Membership Composition03:24 - Offshore Wind & Geoscience04:09 - Marine Mammal Concerns & Misinformation05:17 - Modernizing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)09:46 - Overly Broad “Harassment” Definition11:20 - “Small Numbers” Clause14:13 - Science-Based Decision Making15:49 - MMPA & ESA Duplication20:11 - Administrative vs. Legislative Fixes22:53 - Next Steps for Begich’s Bill27:35 - Closing#OffshoreEnergy #EnergyPolicy #MarineConservation

Jim Welty, President of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, joins David Blackmon to explore how Appalachian natural gas is driving energy innovation, powering the AI revolution, and reshaping U.S. infrastructure and global exports. From pipeline challenges to record-breaking investments in Pennsylvania, they discuss the critical role of domestic energy in ensuring economic growth, environmental gains, and national security.Highlights of the Podcast00:01 - Introduction02:03 - Jim Welty's Background05:23 - Pipeline Infrastructure and Energy Costs07:32 - $92 Billion AI & Energy Project in Pittsburgh10:28 - In-Basin Energy Utilization vs Pipeline Challenges12:04 - LNG Export Reality13:45 - The Myth of “End of Cheap Gas”15:31 - Vast Natural Gas Reserves17:31 - Declining Rig Count ≠ Declining Production19:30 - AI's Impact on Energy Sector21:38 - U.S. Natural Gas: A Global Advantage23:58 - Industry Leaders Taking the Mic27:23 - Closing Remarks

You will not want to miss this interview with Michelle Manook, CEO of FutureCoal, who stops by the Energy Impacts podcast with David Blackmon. This is a significant interview, as there are major changes in the grid and energy demand underway, and Michelle will be able to break down how coal is poised to face the challenges ahead.Highlights of the Podcast00:01 – Introduction01:26 – What is Future Coal?03:49 – Governments, Industry, and Finance Must Unite04:55 – Australian Coal Reality Check (Video Clip)05:47 – The Reality of Coal Demand09:16 – The Shift in Public and Media Tone10:19 – Coal’s Reputation and Finance Industry Retreat13:18 – Open Letter: Fund Fair, Fund Equal16:59 – Sustainable Coal Stewardship19:37 – Energy Poverty in Europe22:46 – Repercussions of the Green Energy Rush25:17 – Why Future Coal is Expanding in Southern Africa29:19 – Will the U.S. Return to Coal Plants?32:53 – Energy Mix: Focus on What Works33:22 – Closing Remarks

John Shively, CEO of Pebble Partnership, and operator of the Alaska Pebble Mine Project. With a focus on Energy Dominance.John Shively joins the Energy Impacts Podcast to talk about the decades-long effort to permit the Pebble Mine in Alaska. He shares insights on the mine's massive copper and mineral potential, environmental concerns around Bristol Bay’s salmon fishery, and how federal permitting delays and reliance on foreign processing especially from China impact U.S. energy security. Shively also discusses what makes Alaska so uniquely valuable and why permitting reform is key to unlocking its resources.Highlights of the Podcast00:01 - Intro and Background03:10 - Why Pebble Mine Matters05:57 - Mineral Resources at Pebble09:14 - China’s Grip on Mineral Processing14:08 - Environmental Concerns and Salmon19:12 - Permitting, Courts, and Political Barriers25:23 - Alaska’s Potential or Decline28:26 - Closing Thoughts

You won't want to miss this special episode of the Energy Impacts podcast with David Blackmon. Emily Domeech is the Chairperson for the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council in the Trump Administration. With the push for the United States to become not energy independent, but rather Energy Dominant, her role is critical to the success of the United States energy system. And subsequently, a key factor in the success of the entire United States economy.Highlights of the Podcast00:01 - Introduction01:21 - Emily Domenech’s Background03:27 - Outdated Environmental Laws and Delays05:45 - NEPA Reform Progress08:01 - Competing with China through Domestic Energy Projects10:33 - Revitalizing Nuclear Energy13:22 - Environmental Laws Should Guide, Not Block15:55 - Abuse of the Endangered Species Act19:04 - Radical Activism vs. Practical Conservation20:54 - Chevron Deference and Congressional Clarity22:27 - Legislative Challenges to Reform25:13 - State and Local Government Coordination27:58 - Call to Action for Project Developers

Stu Turley, David Blackmon, Doomberg, and Mike Umbro break down how California’s energy policies are fueling a national crisis. From refinery shutdowns and permit restrictions to rising fuel costs and flawed EV mandates, they expose the political choices putting America’s energy security and economy at risk. With firsthand insights and hard-hitting facts, this episode delivers a clear warning: what starts in California won’t stay there.Highlights of the Podcast00:08 - Introduction of Panel02:02 - California’s Policy Impact05:38 - Permitting Crisis09:21 - Refinery Closures10:50 - Newsom’s Three-Point Plan13:29 - Regulatory Blind Spots16:50 - Fuel Inflation as a National Risk19:25 - EV Mandates and Trucking Impact21:04 - 2028 Election and Newsom’s Ambitions25:59 - Lack of Pipelines Between NorCal and SoCal29:15 - Chevron’s Position in California31:10 - Final Thoughts

In this insightful episode of the Energy Impacts podcast, David Blackmon sits down with renowned energy expert and author Dan Yergin to explore the evolving landscape of global energy. Yergin’s best-selling books include “The New Map,” “The Quest,” and “The Prize.”In the fast moving 30-minute interview, Daniel and David unpack key takeaways from the recent CERAWeek conference, including the rising demand for electricity driven by AI and data centers, the U.S.'s growing influence in global LNG markets, and the strategic implications of rare earth mineral supply chains dominated by China.Yergin also discusses the urgent need for infrastructure reform, the long timelines for mining and nuclear deployment, and why the energy transition may be more of an “energy addition.” From geopolitical tensions to copper shortages, this conversation provides a comprehensive look at the forces reshaping energy policy, markets, and global power dynamics.Foreign Affairs “The Energy Transition Needs a Reality Check” op/ed by Yergin: https://www.ceraweek.com/en/news/press-releases/foreign-affairs-the-energy-transition-needs-a-reality-checkBooks by Daniel Yergin: https://www.amazon.com/Prize-Daniel-Yergin/dp/1847376460?adgrpid=186996878628&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=748008426888&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14490381126824490089&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9191716&hvtargid=dsa-2414841787166&hydadcr=&mcid=&hvocijid=14490381126824490089--&hvexpln=67&tag=googhydr-20&hvsb=Healthmedia_d&hvcampaign=dsadeskCERAWeek Home Page: https://www.ceraweek.com/enS&P Global Study on The Future of Copper: https://cdn.ihsmarkit.com/www/pdf/0722/The-Future-of-Copper_Full-Report_14July2022.pdfS&P Global Report on Chinese Control of Supply Chains: https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/critical-minerals-sourcing-rises-trade-troublesHighlights of the Podcast00:01 - Introduction01:21 - CERAweek Themes03:43 - U.S. LNG as a Geopolitical Power05:20 - Pipeline Infrastructure & U.S. Gas Abundance07:26 - Strait of Hormuz & Geopolitical Stakes09:16 - U.S. Global Energy Role Post-WWII11:14 - Rare Earths & Mineral Security13:33 - Copper Shortage: “Copper in the Age of AI”15:21 - U.S. Permitting Crisis18:00 - Grid Strain & Nuclear Outlook20:33 - Solar & Wind Investment Timeline22:19 - Crypto and Industrial Power Demand23:46 - Ukraine War & NATO Shifts25:42 - Defense Spending vs. Energy Transition27:07 - Energy Transition: Reality vs. Aspirations29:15 - Looking Ahead

Dan Goodwin and Steve Everley of FTI Consulting authored an outstanding report on the Big Beautiful Bill and its impact on the energy sector. We had to get them involved in the joint production of the Energy Impacts and Energy News Beat podcasts with David Blackmon and Stu Turley. You won't want to miss this update and the impact on the energy markets.Highlights of the Podcast00:01 – Introductions and Overview02:18 – FTI Consulting Roles and Background05:10 – Modeling the Energy Impacts08:50 – Natural Gas as a Big Winner10:39 – Supply Chain Constraints16:38 – Rise of Microgrids and Behind-the-Meter Power19:31 – Wind and Solar Take a Hit26:56 – Nuclear Outlook29:19 – Battery Storage Growth31:30 – Challenges with Battery and Solar Supply Chains34:54 – Natural Gas: From ‘Bridge Fuel’ to Cornerstone39:30 – Future Outlook and Closing Thoughts

Tim Stewart, President, US Oil & Gas Association, Stops by the Energy Impacts Podcast with David Blackmon, to unpack the sweeping effects of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” From restoring federal lease sales and repealing burdensome methane fees, to spotlighting natural gas as the backbone of a growing AI-powered economy, the conversation explores how the bill resets U.S. energy policy, reshapes investment trends, and repositions oil and gas as essential to America’s future energy landscape.Highlights of the Podcast00:01 - Introduction02:34 - A Return to Normal Energy Policy04:31 - Stability Through Statutory Measures05:38 - Permitting Reform & Renewable Pressure08:19 - Capital Flight from Renewables?10:57 - Natural Gas and AI Demand Surge12:00 - VoltaGrid: Natural Gas Microgrid Innovation14:35 - The Myth of Limited Gas Supply17:19 - Repeal of Methane Fee from IRA21:15 - Impact on Offshore Leasing and Investment Certainty22:54 - Decline of ESG and Sustainability Reporting25:59 - Rejection of Appeasement Strategy28:52 - Looking Toward 2028 and Beyond

This will be a fascinating discussion of the global financial markets and energy, as the current geopolitical landscape influences commodities and energy. Wasif Latif, Co-Founder, President & Chief Investment Officer, at Sarmaya Partners, stops by the Energy Impacts live podcast. You won't want to miss this discussion.Highlights of the Podcast00:00 – Introduction01:14 – Sarmaya Partners and the Commodity Supercycle03:34 – Why Lithium and Rare Earths Are Not Prioritized04:55 – The Nuclear Renaissance10:28 – U.S. vs. Global Nuclear Expansion12:29 – Natural Gas as the Interim Energy Solution14:56 – Copper: The Foundation of Energy Transition18:01 – India's Rising Energy Needs22:16 – Africa's Future in the Energy Story25:06 – Policy's Dominance in Investment Strategy32:01 – Undervalued Energy Sector vs. Overvalued Tech36:16 – The Coming Oil Supply Gap39:54 – Price as the Ultimate Adjuster41:29 – Final Thoughts & Where to Find More

In this episode of Energy Impacts, David Blackmon sits down with Chevron land manager Kelly Coppins to talk about the real-life role of a landman and how it compares to the version seen in the TV series Landman. Kelly shares insights into her work in the Permian Basin, from negotiating with landowners to managing complex surface and subsurface operations. They also discuss how much the industry has evolved, especially in safety and environmental practices, and how public perception often misses the full picture. It’s a down-to-earth conversation that sheds light on the people and processes behind America’s energy production.Whether you’re in the oil and gas industry or just curious about how energy really works, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.Highlights of the Podcast00:01 – Introduction01:10 – What a Real Landman Does02:50 – Growth of the Permian Basin03:45 – Comparing Reality vs. TV05:38 – The Wild Opening Scene07:07 – The Landman’s Son Theory08:30 – Safety in the Permian10:53 – Evolution of Safety Standards13:38 – Profit Motive Behind Safety15:47 – Honest Portrayal of West Texas Life18:22 – Breaking Stereotypes19:08 – Chevron's Presence in Midland20:54 – Texas vs. New Mexico Land Work22:54 – Policy Changes and Project Planning24:44 – Importance of Regulatory Consistency25:27 – Closing Remarks

Wayne Christian, Texas Railroad Commissioner, stops by the Energy Impacts podcast, and we will cover all of the critical oil, gas, and regulatory updates from the Texas Railroad Commissioner.In this fast-paced and candid conversation, Commissioner Christian shares powerful insights on Texas’s dominant role in U.S. energy production, the fragile future of the electric grid, the real costs of wind and solar, and why misguided climate policies are putting reliability and taxpayers at risk. From the Permian Basin’s future to legislative battles over energy equity, this episode is a must-listen for anyone tracking the crossroads of policy, energy, and economics.This is a critical time, and this update you won't want to miss.Highlights of the Podcast00:00 – Introduction and Commissioner Wayne Christian’s background01:36 – History of the Railroad Commission as an environmental agency04:54 – Importance of oil & gas to economy and modern life07:02 – Grid stability post-Winter Storm Uri08:16 – The risk of over-reliance on renewables in Texas10:31 – IRA subsidies, failed legislation, and unfair energy market rules13:36 – Commission funding and orphan well challenges16:50 – Environmentalism as “religion” and conflicts with human benefit18:36 – Wind/solar decommissioning costs and environmental damage21:38 – Carbon capture criticism and taxpayer impact26:08 – Deregulation, shareholder control, and lobby influence29:47 – Consolidation in Permian Basin and economic disincentives33:29 – Remaining reserves, oil efficiency, and regulatory contradiction36:41 – Closing remarks and final thanks

Meghan Lapp is leading the charge to save the commercial fishing industry and bringing up a national security risk. How, you might ask, are offshore wind farms a huge problem?The Empire Wind Project, a controversial offshore wind farm near New York, has raised national security and environmental concerns due to its location near JFK flight paths, potential radar interference, and disruption of vital fishing grounds. Meghan Lapp, a fisheries expert, warns that the project—partly owned by Norway’s state was rushed through permitting without proper oversight, may obstruct air defense capabilities, and could endanger marine life and navigation. Despite a brief halt by the Trump administration, the project resumed amid speculation of a pipeline deal, drawing scrutiny over regulatory failures and political motivations.Highlights of the Podcast00:00 – Introduction03:13 – Empire Wind Project Controversy05:28 – Alleged Pipeline Deal & Foreign Ownership08:15 – Radar Interference and JFK Airport Risks11:19 – DOD and FAA Inter-agency Failures14:24 – Deceptive Status Claims and Construction Reality17:09 – Maritime Safety and Historic Collisions20:01 – Tower Size and Ecological Blind Spots23:26 – Vineyard Wind and Tax Loopholes27:17 – Falsified Safety Data and National Security Concerns30:44 – Trump Admin Review and Industry Hope33:58 – Structural Governance Problems36:41 – Disparity in Regulation Between Oil/Gas and Wind39:20 – Microplastics and Blade Deterioration42:05 – Reclamation Costs and Industry Burden44:13 – Final Plea for Government Attention46:36 – Conclusion and Call to Action