The European Commission has proposed a complete phase-out of Russian fossil fuel imports by 2028, citing Russia’s weaponization of energy supplies against the EU. This ban, encompassing gas and oil, will remain in effect regardless of the situation in Ukraine, with existing contracts to be terminated by 2026 or 2028. While facing opposition from Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria, the plan is expected to become EU law. The proposal aims to reduce reliance on Russian energy, currently at 13% for gas imports in 2025, while addressing concerns about circumventing the ban through re-flagging of imports.
Read More
BP’s recent oil discovery off the US Gulf Coast has sparked a mixed reaction, ranging from cynical amusement to outright outrage. The announcement itself is undeniably significant, representing a potential boost to domestic oil production. However, given BP’s history, particularly the Deepwater Horizon disaster, the news is met with considerable skepticism and apprehension. Many immediately question whether this new find is simply undiscovered remnants from previous spills, a possibility that fuels existing anxieties surrounding the company’s environmental record.
The sheer scale of past BP incidents, including the Deepwater Horizon catastrophe, casts a long shadow over this latest development. The memory of millions of barrels of oil polluting the Gulf remains vivid, and this discovery rekindles fears of another major environmental disaster.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood