Author Archive: Suzanne Mattei
Energy Policy Analyst Suzanne Mattei is an attorney (Yale Law School) with 30 years of experience in public interest law and policy. She is also a former regional director for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
IEEFA U.S.: FERC gives blank check approval to pipeline builders, while investors and consumers pick up costs
Commission’s 21-year-old pipeline policy puts contracts ahead of utility customers
December 17, 2020 (IEEFA) — The federal agency responsible for approving interstate gas pipeline projects is basing its decisions on contracts rather than on today’s consumer energy needs or the public interest, according to a report released today by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. The report—FERC’s Failure to Analyze Energy Market Forces—details […]
IEEFA U.S.: Plummeting oil and gas prices leave New Mexico’s budget short by hundreds of millions of dollars
Industry problems hit before the pandemic, were made worse by it and will persist even after the economy improves
October 20, 2020 (IEEFA) — After years of benefitting from record oil and gas revenues, global markets are signaling the beginning of the end of New Mexico’s financial reliance on fossil fuels. Leases, royalty payments and taxes from the oil and gas industry have directly accounted for as much as 30 percent of the state’s […]
IEEFA report: Texas oil producers burned through $749.9 million flaring gas in 2018
Railroad Commission’s failure to curb flaring wastes oil and gas resources and sends revenue to oil and gas producers up in smoke
June 11, 2020 (IEEFA U.S.) — Texas oil producers burned a record $749.9 million by flaring or venting unneeded natural gas into the air, according to a report released today by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). The Texas Railroad Commission, the chief industry regulator in the state, passed up the opportunity […]
IEEFA commentary: Gov. Cuomo denied Williams pipeline project saving ratepayers millions
Denial of water quality permit halts 3-billion-dollar project in keeping with state energy policy
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) made the right decision on May 15 when it denied water quality permission for the Williams Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) pipeline. This move was justified both on environmental and economic grounds. The state Public Service Commission (PSC), National Grid and New Yorkers now need to […]
IEEFA report: Proposed NESE gas pipeline may stick New York ratepayers with one billion-dollar+ cost
Demand projections unrealistic – more sustainable and affordable options available
April 17, 2020 (IEEFA NEW YORK) ‒ National Grid’s proposed Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) pipeline will cost at least $1 billion to build, supplying gas for which there is no demonstrable need, according to a report submitted to regulators today by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). The NESE pipeline would channel […]
IEEFA U.S.: Ohio petrochemical project faces high risks and shaky outlook
PTTGC plan under pressure from increased competition and market uncertainty
March 21, 2020 (IEEFA U.S.) – Plans to build a new petrochemical complex in Belmont County, Ohio face myriad market and other challenges, according to a report released today by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). The project is to be undertaken by Thailand-based PTT Global Chemical (“PTTGC”) and Daelim Industrial of […]
IEEFA U.S.: FERC to reconsider decades-old policy on assessing need for new interstate gas pipelines
Commission asks for public comment on new pipeline construction decisions
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has announced it will review an outdated policy statement that has guided its decision-making on the necessity for construction of new interstate natural gas pipelines. IEEFA recommended such a review in a report two months ago. The announcement marks an important opportunity for FERC to chart a new, practical […]