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/

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What a day on the Energy News Beat News Desk!

In this Energy News Beat Stand-Up, we had a wild day on the News Desk!

We cover some huge stories, and any one of them would be a great single podcast, but we have 8 stories and stocks that Stu reviews on VectorVest software.

The main topics discussed in thispodcast are:

**1. Ukraine War & Russia-U.S. Economic Relations** Stu Turley discusses a Bloomberg report about a Russian memo proposing a return to U.S. dollar-based trade as part of a potential broader economic partnership with the Trump administration. This development could signal a possible end to the Ukraine conflict and have significant implications for global geopolitics and energy markets.

**2. U.S. Energy Engagement with Venezuela**

Secretary of Energy Chris Wright made a high-level visit to Venezuela—the most significant U.S. energy-focused trip to the country in nearly three decades. The goal was to revitalize Venezuela's struggling oil sector through investments, licensing reforms, and legal changes. Chevron's return to processing Venezuelan oil in U.S. Gulf Coast refineries signals a thawing of U.S.-Venezuela energy relations.

**3. Tightening Global Oil Markets**

The discussion covers how U.S. sanctions pressure on Russian and Iranian oil flows is creating tighter-than-expected oil markets. Millions of barrels of sanctioned crude are accumulating in floating storage, affecting global supply dynamics. In a memo covered by Bloomberg, President Putin proposes trading the US dollar, signaling a potential end to the war in Ukraine.

**4. Trump Administration's Coal Industry Support**

President Trump issued an executive order leveraging federal purchasing power to sustain coal operations, framing it as a national security matter. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) also decided to keep two major coal facilities operational beyond their originally scheduled closure dates.

**5. Energy & Financial Markets Analysis**

The transcript includes commentary on the performance of various energy sector companies (oil, gas, and coal) and the host's personal trading strategies and market observations.

Chapters:

00:48 Potential End of the Ukraine War

02:56 Secretary Wright's trip to Venezuela and Chevron's growth

07:05 Vitol CEO says oil market tightens

10:13 Trump to assign the Pentagon go buy electricity from Coal

12:08 TVA to keep two coal plants open

13:47 China's renewable sector depends on oil and coal to manufacture

15:20 Trump ends the Obama era's overreach through climate regulations, saving trillions of dollars.

1.The End to the Ukraine War May Be at Hand with Putin Asking President Trump to Return to the US Dollar

2.What Should Investors Look at After Secretary Chris Wright’s Trip to Venezuela?

3.Chevron Taps Into Venezuelan Oil as Crude is Being Processed in US. What does this mean for investors?

4.Vitol CEO Says Oil Market Tightens on Geopolitical Squeeze

5.Trump to Assign Pentagon to Buy Electricity from Coal to Keep Them Alive

6.TVA Does Not Want to Close Two Coal-Fired Power Plants: A Shift in Energy Strategy Amid Rising Dema

7.China’s Clean Energy Machine is Based on Oil and Coal to Survive

8.Trump Set to Repeal Landmark Climate Finding in Gigantic Regulatory Rollback

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Chet Love stopped by the Energy News Beat Podcast, and we had an absolute blast. Chet has a wild background and is working to solve problems in the AI/Data Center and business space. We had fun talking about wind, solar, and how Elon's vision could hold the key.

The main topics discussed in this podcast are:

1. The state of the US energy industry and grid infrastructure:

- The challenges with renewable energy sources like solar and wind, and the need for a balanced energy mix including natural gas.

- The importance of securing the supply chain and manufacturing capabilities for energy technologies within the US.

- Concerns about grid security and vulnerabilities, especially related to equipment sourced from China.

- The need to invest in and modernize the US energy infrastructure to meet growing demand, especially from data centers and new technologies.

2. The role of government policy and leadership:

- Praise for the policies and actions taken by the Trump administration to support the energy industry and domestic manufacturing.

- Criticism of the Biden administration's policies and their impact on energy security and affordability.

- The importance of bipartisan, fact-based policymaking focused on serving the best interests of all Americans.

3. The future of technology and innovation:

- The growth of AI, data centers, and other emerging technologies and their increasing energy demands.

- Opportunities for technological innovations like space-based solar and advanced energy storage.

- The need to align technological progress with energy infrastructure development.

4. The importance of American competitiveness and national security:

- Concerns about China's growing influence and aggression, and the need to counter this through domestic energy and manufacturing capabilities.

- The role of energy security in maintaining US global competitiveness and national security.

Connect with Chet Love on his LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chetlove/

Chet's article on Real Clear Energy America First Demands International Energy Alliances

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In this Super Bowl Sunday edition of the Energy News Beat Stand Up, we cover Wind and key oil and gas updates. With the Strait of Hormuz having threats of more tankers being seized, which is escalating short-term oil prices, we cover some hard, cold facts about wind.

Let's push nationally to level the playing field for Wind and Solar by including their costs in projects, storage, and the additional maintenance that the spinning up and down of gas turbines pass on to consumers. With no subsidies for the wind, solar, and storage technology is supposed to be cheaper, let's install all of them. But let's include land reclamation, recycling, and grid resilience without subsidies, and see how many wind and solar farms get installed.

The main topics discussed in this Energy News Beat Stand Up are:

1. The high costs and challenges associated with wind energy, including the need to frequently replace wind turbines, the lack of profitability, and the issues with recycling and disposing of old turbine blades.

Michael Tanner and Stu Turley discuss how wind energy is not as cost-effective or environmentally friendly as it is often portrayed. They highlight examples like a wind farm in Texas that is replacing 100 turbines after only 5 years, and the toxic waste problems caused by abandoned and discarded turbine blades.

2. The advantages of traditional energy sources like natural gas and coal over renewable energy for grid reliability and resilience, especially in cold weather climates.

The hosts argue that energy sources like natural gas and coal are better able to withstand extreme weather conditions compared to wind and solar, which can experience significant output drops during freezing temperatures.

3. The financial and regulatory challenges facing the renewable energy industry, particularly in states like New York that have set ambitious clean energy targets.

The transcript discusses how the costs of implementing renewable energy are much higher than expected, leading to financial issues and a reliance on fossil fuels that contradicts the stated environmental goals.

4. The global expansion and technical expertise of U.S. oil and gas companies, and how they are leveraging this to gain a competitive advantage internationally.

The discussion touches on how U.S. oil majors like Chevron and ExxonMobil are using their technical capabilities to grow their business overseas, in contrast to European oil companies that have shifted more towards renewable energy. We also cover Liberty Energy's different view of being an oilfield service company.

1.100 Wind Turbines Get an Upgrade in Texas, but at What Cost?

2.Texas Sues Wind Turbine Recycler Over 3,000 Blades Dumped In Sweetwater

3.Wind Costs Hitting New York’s Utopian Green-Energy Party Where It Hurts

4.Finland Wind Turbine Blades Freeze, Curbing Green Power Output. Yet another lesson on Grid Resilience

5.U.S. Oil Majors Are At the Front Lines of Energy Dominance Through Service

6.Liberty Energy Secures 330MW Power Deal to Support Data Center Expansion in Texas

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