Energy Forum News
Energy plays key role in Obama's State of the Union
For the third year in a row energy played a central role in President Obama's State of the Union address, with the president leaning hard this year on the twin themes of increased domestic oil and gas production and the need to invest more in renewable sources. 
Senators pressure president to approve Keystone XL permit
In an effort to ratchet up the pressure on President Barack Obama on the Keystone XL oil pipeline, a group of Senators that includes Mike Johanns of Nebraska and John Thune of South Dakota introduced the North America Energy Security Act that would require the President to approve the pipeline.
Obama punts Keystone XL pipeline
The State Department on Thursday announced that it's punting a decision on the controversial Keystone XL pipeline until at least the first quarter of 2013. House Speaker John Boehner responded: "More than 20,000 new American jobs have just been sacrificed in the name of political expediency".
Survey: 79 percent of voters want more oil from Canada
79 percent of registered voters said they would like to see America import more of the oil it needs from Canada, "rather than other foreign countries...if America continues to need to import some oil to meet our energy needs."
Keystone Pipeline: Would oil be consumed in the U.S. or exported?
A big selling point for the Keystone XL pipeline is that its billions of barrels of Canadian crude oil would provide "energy security" for the United States, with a long-term, reliable supply of petroleum from a friendly ally. But some critics of the pipeline are saying much of the oil could end up as gasoline and diesel fuel exported to Europe and Latin America.
Canada's Oil Sands Are a Jobs Gusher
In 2011, the International Monetary Fund estimates Canada will grow at 2.9%; and unemployment is now 7.3%. One explanation for Canada's more robust growth is its strong commitment to energy. Alberta is now producing two million barrels per day but expects that number will grow to four to five million within a decade.
Guest opinion: Keystone pipeline plan requires higher safety standards
Russell K. Girling of Calgary, Alberta, president and chief executive officer of TransCanada Corp writes a Guest Opinion in the Billings Gazette about the Keystone pipline safety standards.
Senate Vote on Offshore Drilling-safety Bill Next Week
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will vote next week on legislation aimed at improving offshore drilling safety (i.e. stiffen penalties, strengthen well blowout-prevention standards and increase offshore inspections).
Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) said Thursday she would offer an amendment that provides coastal states a significant share of revenues from offshore energy development in federal waters.
USDA official: Resources are available
Bill Menner has visited 36 communities. As state director of the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development his mission is to educate communities about available resources. Grain dryer improvements, wind farms, solar panels and other technologies are eligible for grants.
U.S. Backs Project to Produce Fuel From Corn Waste
The Energy Department plans to provide a $105 million loan guarantee for the expansion of an ethanol factory in Emmetsburg, Iowa, that intends to make motor fuel from corncobs, leaves and husks.
Cedar Rapids turbine company wins state money
A wind turbine manufacturing plant in Cedar Rapids has landed a nearly $2.3 million award from the state. The funding was approved today by the Iowa Power Fund Board during the board's final meeting.
Two Powerful Groups of Elected Officials Endorse Pipeline to Advance U.S. Energy Security
Nearly seventy U.S. mayors from across the nation and a coalition of thirty Minnesota lawmakers sent letters in the past week to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urging the State Department to swiftly approve the Keystone XL Pipeline project, which would bring more Canadian oil to U.S. Gulf coast refineries and greatly enhance America's energy security.
Canadian Oil to the U.S. Rescue
We should not ignore the multitude of reasons to build the Keystone XL pipeline - above and beyond the impact to American jobs and the economy: Canadian oil we need in the United States being diverted to other parts of the world; a pipeline that is a more environmentally sound way to transport oil; high oil prices; turmoil in the Middle East - and yes - there are the tens of thousands of jobs and millions in revenue.
Can We Do Without the Mideast?
Imagine a foreign policy version of the movie "Groundhog Day," with Bill Murray playing the president of the United States. The alarm clock rings. Political mayhem is again shaking the Middle East, crude oil and gasoline prices are climbing, and an economic recovery is under threat. Is this what we are facing once again?
Our view: Allow Keystone oil pipeline expansion
USA Today's OpEd sends the clearest message about the Keystone XL Pipeline in in the last sentence: "And here's something else to consider: If the U.S. blocks the pipeline, Canadian developers have made it clear they'll be glad to build west instead of south -- and sell oil from the West Coast to China."
Why Is Gas Cheaper In Midwest? Thank Canada
While gas prices are rising all over the country, why are gas prices still remaining relatively low in the Midwest? Thank Canada and the country's plentiful supply of Canadian oil sands.
