On this edition of the Energy News Beat Stand Up, we cover some great stories, and at the top of the list is that Coal saved the grid and lives during Winter Storm Fern. But it raises a bigger question: we need to reprice electricity in the United States so wind and solar pay their fair share for grid resilience.

We also have to ask the question. Can the "Board of Peace Replace the UN?" I, for one, would like to be 100% out of the UN, says Stu.

**1. Coal's Critical Role in Grid Stability**

The discussion emphasizes how coal power was essential during Winter Storm Fern, delivering 20 times more electricity than solar and batteries during peak demand. This highlights coal's irreplaceable value as a reliable backup during extreme weather emergencies.

**2. U.S. Electricity Market Pricing & Dispatch Issues**

The transcript critiques the current system for prioritizing renewable energy based solely on low marginal costs, while ignoring intermittency and backup needs. There's an argument for a more balanced approach that factors in full life-cycle costs and resilience considerations.

**3. UN Replacement with a "Board of Peace"**

A discussion about potentially replacing the United Nations with a more streamlined alternative organization, citing concerns about the UN's effectiveness and funding costs, with implications for U.S. involvement.

**4. California's Energy Crisis**

The conversation addresses California's energy challenges attributed to Governor Newsom's policies, and explores potential solutions like the Western Gateway Pipeline project to reduce the state's energy import dependency.

**5. U.S. Withdrawal Threat from the International Energy Agency (IEA)**

The transcript covers the Secretary of Energy's threat to withdraw from the IEA, criticizing it for prioritizing climate advocacy over energy security and suggesting this could reshape global energy policy.

**6. Energy Company Financial Performance**

Analysis of earnings, production guidance, and stock performance for major energy companies, including EQT, Liberty Energy, Exxon Mobil, Chevron, and Kinder Morgan.

1.Coal Kept the Grid Alive During Winter Storm Fern

2.Can the Board of Peace Fully Replace the UN?

3.California’s National Security Crisis Has a Solution

4.U.S. Threatens to Quit IEA Over Green Energy Advocacy

5.EQT Expecting $1B Windfall on Winter Storm Gas Price Rally

6.EIA: US Crude Inventories Drawn Down as Demand Increases

7.Newsom Cutting Clean Energy Deals with the U.K. Sparks Comments from President Trump

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Ryan Norris from Americans for Prosperity in Arkansas stopped by, and we had a productive discussion about the great initiatives they are running to positively impact Americans in Arkansas.

And yes, Stu asks the most important question in Energy News Beat history. "Ryan, are you related to Chuck Norris?"

They are focused on saving consumers money while examining critical minerals, taxes, voting issues, and energy policies.

- The upcoming 2026 legislative session and the potential for a special session to address the state income tax.

- The role of Americans for Prosperity in advocating for their policy priorities and engaging with citizens.

The podcast covers a wide range of topics related to Arkansas's economic, political, and cultural landscape, with a particular focus on Americans for Prosperity's initiatives and priorities in the state.

**1. Americans for Prosperity's "Pathway to Zero" Campaign**

The organization is actively working toward eliminating Arkansas' state income tax. This is a central focus of their advocacy efforts in the state, representing a major policy initiative aimed at economic growth and tax relief.

**2. Education Policy and the LEARNS Act**

There's a discussion of Governor Sarah Sanders' education choice agenda, specifically the passage of the LEARNS Act. This reflects the organization's support for education policy reforms that expand school choice options for Arkansas families.

**3. Energy and Natural Resources Development**

The transcript highlights Arkansas' emerging role in energy production, including:

- The growing lithium industry and companies like Standard Lithium

- The state's nuclear power capabilities and existing nuclear facilities

- Positioning Arkansas as a hub for energy production and resource extraction

**4. Arkansas' Economic and Business Environment**

The conversation emphasizes the state's pro-growth policies and business-friendly climate under the current administration, including discussion of:

- Strong transportation infrastructure (highways, rivers, and rail)

- Economic development opportunities

- The state's competitive advantages

**5. Political Landscape and Governance**

Discussion of Arkansas' political history, current leadership, and upcoming legislative priorities, including potential special sessions to address tax policy in the 2026 legislative session.

**6. Grassroots Engagement and Civic Participation**

Emphasis on the importance of citizen involvement and grassroots advocacy in shaping policy outcomes.

Connect with Ryan on his LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanwnorris/

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Jack Prandelli of The Merchants News Substack stopped by, and we had a blast visiting about huge changes in the oil and gas markets. At the end of the podcast, we also discuss how we should restructure electricity prices for consumers.

1. China's efforts to reduce its reliance on the US dollar:

- China is shorting US Treasuries and buying gold to try to reduce its dependence on the US dollar in global trade, especially for commodities like oil.

- However, China still relies heavily on importing oil and gas, which is priced in US dollars through the petrodollar system.

2. The growth of US LNG exports to Europe:

- The US is rapidly expanding its LNG export capacity, which is helping Europe replace Russian gas.

- A key company, OneOk, owns a large portion of the pipeline infrastructure market supporting US LNG exports.

3. The performance and strategies of major oil and gas companies:

- Integrated companies like Exxon and Chevron are performing better than more specialized companies like Occidental.

- European oil majors like BP and Total are struggling more, with BP considering asset sales.

4. OPEC's challenges in managing oil production and pricing:

- OPEC has struggled to meet its own production targets, leading it to consider changes to its pricing mechanisms.

- There are geopolitical tensions, like the US trying to influence OPEC members like Venezuela and Iran.

5. The role of natural gas, renewables, and nuclear power in the energy transition:

- The guests discuss the pros and cons of different energy sources, arguing for a balanced approach that ensures reliable and affordable energy.

- There are concerns about the ability of renewables alone to provide reliable power without fossil fuel or nuclear backup.

Stu and Jack cover a wide range of topics related to the global energy markets, geopolitics, and the energy transition, with a focus on oil, gas, and LNG. Based on the transcript analysis, here are the main topics discussed:

**1. China's De-Dollarization Strategy**

China is actively working to reduce its dependence on the US dollar by shorting US Treasuries and accumulating gold. However, this effort faces a fundamental constraint: China's massive need for imported oil and gas, which are priced in US dollars through the petrodollar system, keeps it tethered to dollar-denominated trade.

**2. US LNG Export Expansion**

The US is rapidly scaling up its liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity, playing a crucial role in helping Europe transition away from Russian gas supplies. One Oak, a significant player, controls a large portion of the pipeline infrastructure that supports these exports.

**3. Oil and Gas Company Performance**

The discussion compares how different energy companies are faring:

- Integrated majors like Exxon and Chevron are outperforming more specialized companies like Occidental

- European oil majors (BP, Total) are struggling more significantly, with some considering asset sales

**4. OPEC Production and Pricing Challenges**

OPEC faces difficulties meeting its own production targets and is considering adjustments to its pricing mechanisms. Geopolitical tensions also play a role, with the US attempting to influence OPEC members like Venezuela and Iran.

**5. Energy Transition and Power Sources**

We debate the role of natural gas, renewables, and nuclear power in the energy transition, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that maintains reliable and affordable energy while questioning whether renewables alone can provide consistent power without fossil fuel or nuclear backup.

Connect with Jack on his LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prandelligiacomo/

Check out the Merchant News Substack: https://themerchantsnews.substack.com/

Thank you To Steve Reese and Reese Energy Consulting for sponsoring the podcast:https://reeseenergyconsulting.com/

Check out the Energy News Beat Substack: https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/

Check out The Energy News Beat Website: https://energynewsbeat.co/

Questions on Investing in Oil: https://sandstoneassetmgmt.com/invest-in-oil-and-gas/