Wolf’s Coronavirus Shutdown Order Appears to Include Mariner East Pipeline Construction
The new shut-down list indicates all construction projects, including “sub-utility” construction, cannot continue physical operations.
Energy
Shell Suspends Construction of Beaver County Cracker Plant to Address Coronavirus Concerns
On Tuesday, Shell said it was keeping the site open. On Wednesday, it said suspending construction was in the “best long-term interest of our workforce, nearby townships” and the state.
Electricity Usage Down Across the Region
The slow down has helped power grid staffing at PJM, which runs the grid for 13 states and D.C. It had prepared for pandemics and even did dry-runs with their staff working from home.
Shell Keeps Massive Construction Site in Beaver County Site Open Despite Coronavirus Worries
Construction sites are not part of Gov. Wolf's shutdown of non-essential businesses. Eight thousand workers are on site every day.
Beaver Valley Nuclear Power Station to Stay Open Because of Pa’s Climate Plan
New owners say they won't close the plant, as long as the Governor's cap-and-trade plan goes through.
Analyst: Oil Price War Might Actually be Good for Pennsylvania Shale Industry
If oil production drops because the price of oil has tanked, demand for shale gas may rise. But a coronavirus-related recession could change that.
Fight Over Natural Gas Tax Break Divides PA Democrats
It's a fight among unions and environmentalists on a bill that would give tax breaks to companies that use natural gas to make plastics or fertilizers.
Attorney General Says He’s Investigating ‘More Than a Dozen’ Criminal Cases into Oil and Gas Companies
Shapiro's probes are part of several involving Pennsylvania's shale gas industry.
Trump on Earth: A Dark History of Oil, Power and War
One author examines the rise of oil as the dominant resource for power. "So we fought many wars for access to oil when oil was plentiful. You have to wonder what's going to happen when oil becomes a scarce resource."
Petrochemical Town Hall Near Pittsburgh Spotlights Pollution, Health Worries
Also discussed were the drawbacks of a bill to give tax breaks for chemical plants like the one Shell is building in Beaver County.
