The Energy Impacts with David Blackmon

David Blackmon
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Discussions are a two-way street. This podcast is for all sides to have an open forum and share their opinions on fossil, renewable, nuclear, and all things energy.

  1. Did Iran Gift Kharg to the US?

    MAR 25

    Did Iran Gift Kharg to the US?

    David Blackmon stops by the Energy News Beat Stand Up - and we have way too much fun covering the top 10 Energy Stories.  Today’s show has a series of huge stories, and David Blackmon and I have way too much fun covering the wild energy stories going on around the world. 1. Potential U.S. Acquisition of Karg IslandThe transcript discusses President Trump’s comments about Iran potentially handing the U.S. a “very big present” related to oil and gas. This appears to reference Karg Island, which is critical to Iran’s economy as it handles nearly 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports. The geopolitical implications of U.S. control over this strategic asset are explored. President Donald Trump dropped a bombshell yesterday in the White House Oval Office: Iran just handed the United States a “very big present” worth a tremendous amount of money. It wasn’t nuclear-related, he stressed. It was “oil-and-gas-related” and tied directly to the flow through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump called it a “significant prize” that proves America is “dealing with the right people” in Tehran — and that Iran “wants to make a deal… very badly.” The timing could not be more explosive. The Strait of Hormuz has been largely shuttered since the U.S.-Israeli campaign began on February 28, sending global oil prices soaring and choking off roughly 20% of the world’s traded crude. Yet Trump’s cryptic “gift” comment has energy markets buzzing with speculation: Did Washington just secure de facto control — or at least a major concession — over Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island? Why Kharg Island Changes EverythingKharg Island, a tiny coral outcrop 20 miles off Iran’s coast, handles nearly 90% of Iran’s crude exports — about 1.5–1.7 million barrels per day before the war. U.S. forces already struck military targets there earlier this month, but left the oil infrastructure largely intact. Trump has talked for decades about seizing it. Now, with Marines from the 31st MEU and additional amphibious assets en route, the island sits at the center of every war-gaming scenario. 2. Global Refinery Attacks and DisruptionsThere’s extensive coverage of refinery attacks occurring worldwide, affecting fuel supply and production capacity. The discussion includes a country-by-country breakdown of impacts in major oil-producing nations like Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Australia, highlighting how these disruptions ripple through global energy markets. 3. Shifting Oil Price NarrativesThe transcript examines how market expectations have fundamentally changed—from predictions of an oil glut and lower prices to forecasts of sustained higher prices. Analysis from major financial institutions like Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan is referenced to support these shifting outlooks. 4. Global Fertilizer and Agriculture CrisisThe potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz is discussed as a trigger for LNG supply disruptions, which would severely impact fertilizer production. Combined with Russia’s halt on ammonium nitrate exports, this threatens global food supply chains. 5. California’s Energy VulnerabilitiesThe transcript covers Chevron’s warnings about a potential fuel crisis in California, driven by the Iran conflict and the state’s dependence on imported fuels. Legal and regulatory challenges around refinery closures and offshore oil production are also discussed. 6. Additional Energy ConcernsBrief mentions of refinery explosions (Valero Port Arthur) and emerging cybersecurity risks related to electric vehicle batteries. 1.Iranian War May Have an Off Ramp – Did The US Just Get Kharg Island? 2.Refineries Under Attack Globally 3.On Oil Prices, Ther Narrative Shifts to ‘Higher for Longer-David Blackmon –Forbes 4.Global Fertilizer Crisis Deepens: Strait of Hormuz Closure, Diesel Shortages, and LNG Disruptions Threaten Agriculture and Food Security 5.Iran Gas Flow to Turkey Said to Stop After South Pars Strike 6.Chevron to Buy Oil from Sable Offshore for Californians 7.Chevron Warns California Risks Fuel Crisis Unless Iran War Eases 8.Valero Port Arthur Refinery Explosion Shuts Down 435,000 b/d Refinery 9.America’s superpower is natural gas. 10.Security experts concerned on potential harm of EV batteries A shout-out to Steve Reese and the Reese Energy Consulting group for sponsoring the Podcast https://reeseenergyconsulting.com/. A shout-out to our New Sponsor, Data2 - We will be running an AI Centered Series and have lots of data rolling out!. https://www.data2.ai/resources/the-decision-lag-report

    31 min
  2. Secretary Scott Bessent is Restructuring the Oil and Gas Market

    MAR 19

    Secretary Scott Bessent is Restructuring the Oil and Gas Market

    What a wild day on the Energy News Beat Stand Up. We have a special guest, David Blackmon, Forbes, Daily Caller, and Substack Author, and we have a blast. Key points: “Secretary Scott Bessent: President Trump is talking about, and to be clear, he has focused on Karg Island since 1988, before the Shaw fell, that the U.S. Should be focused on that. He is laser focused on it. As I said, there was a bombing campaign last week. The military assets on Karg island were destroyed. And the other thing I can tell you, if you’re an oil worker, you don’t want to work there. So all the oil workers there are being coerced to stay there. And we will see what happens with whether that eventually becomes a U.S. Asset.” - If the US takes control of Kharg Island, the Venezuelan-style controls will be placed on Iran, and this will help bring peace to the Middle East. 1. U.S. Energy Policy & Oil Price StabilizationThe transcript covers Energy Secretary Granholm's efforts to manage oil prices through various policy tools, including sanctions enforcement, strategic energy reserves, and regulatory waivers on Russian and Iranian oil imports. 2. Middle East Energy Infrastructure ConflictsA significant focus is on military actions affecting energy infrastructure: Iran's South Pars Gas Field: Discussion of drone attacks by U.S. and Israeli forces targeting Iran's critical gas production facilityQatar's Pearl GTL Complex: Qatar's retaliatory strike on this LNG export facility, leading to force majeure declarations on LNG contracts3. Global LNG Supply DisruptionsThe disruption to Qatar's liquefied natural gas exports is presented as a major concern for global energy markets, with the U.S. unable to quickly fill the supply gap in the short term. 4. State-Level Energy TransitionsHawaii's LNG Initiative: Efforts to transition away from fuel oil for power generation by importing LNG from JapanCalifornia Offshore Production: Discussion of restarting offshore oil production and the challenges posed by refinery closures5. Domestic Oil ProductionCoverage of new oil and gas lease bids in Alaska's National Petroleum Reserve as a strategy to increase domestic oil production capacity. 6. Global Energy Market DynamicsOverarching concerns about supply shortages, price volatility, and the geopolitical challenges of replacing disrupted Middle Eastern energy supplies. 1.Secretary Scott Bessent has levers he can still pull to keep oil prices stable for a few weeks – Key Points from his Interview on Fox 2.South Pars Gas Field Strike: US-Israeli Drones Hit Iran’s Energy Lifeline – Production Hit, Markets Spike, and Tehran Targets Gulf Facilities in Retaliation 3.QatarEnergy’s Pearl GTL Complex Hit in Iranian Strike: Fires Rage at Ras Laffan – Critical Air Separation Units Likely Destroyed, Multi-Year Outage Expected 4.QatarEnergy Declares Force Majeure on LNG Contracts to Italy, Belgium, South Korea, and China: Shockwaves for Global Markets and a Major Boost for U.S. LNG Producers 5.Hawaii’s Gas Bid Advances on Japan Plan for Power Plant, Imports – It’s about time 6.National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska Has New Bids Opened 7.Black gold gushes into California as offshore bill kicks into gear following Trump executive order – But what good will it do? 8.Gasoline and Diesel Prices Are Going Up — What Are Trump’s Options to Lower Prices? Check out The Energy News Beat Substack: https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/ Check out David Blackmon on https://blackmon.substack.com/ If you are looking for a data center spot, give them a call. A shout-out to our sponsor, Reese Energy Consulting:https://reeseenergyconsulting.com/

    28 min
  3. Texas Gets A Refinery - Energy Security Starts at Home - Energy Dominance is displayed through your exports

    MAR 18

    Texas Gets A Refinery - Energy Security Starts at Home - Energy Dominance is displayed through your exports

    This is a fun discussion with John Calce, Founder and Chairman of Element Fuels and America First Refining. This podcast is hosted by Stu Turley, Energy News Beat Host, and David Blackmon is the host of the Energy Impacts Podcast. Don't kid yourself, with the geopolitical issues around the world right now, this story is HUGE. A new refinery in the United States was built to refine the light, sweet crude oil from the Permian Basin. This is a gigantic win for Energy Security. As the title says, "Texas Gets A Refinery - Energy Security Starts at Home - Energy Dominance is displayed through your exports." John hit it out of the park while talking about how much planning and export capacity are being planned. Thank you, John, for your efforts, hard work, and getting this across the finish line. We will be reporting on this all along the way to help keep the excitement up. 1. America First Refining's Brownsville Refinery ProjectThe central focus is John Kelsey's development of a major new oil refinery in Brownsville, Texas. Key aspects include: Background: Kelsey's extensive experience in upstream oil and gas, particularly during the shale oil boomThe Problem: A critical mismatch between the light shale oil produced in the Permian Basin and existing U.S. refining infrastructureThe Solution: Building a new refinery specifically designed to process light shale oilTimeline: A challenging 7-year permitting and approval processPartnership: Collaboration with Indian conglomerate Reliance for financing and operationsFuture Plans: Potential expansions into ammonia and fertilizer production2. U.S. Energy Infrastructure & Market DynamicsThe discussion places the refinery project within the broader energy landscape: Declining refining capacity in the U.S., particularly on the West CoastThe paradox of exporting light shale oil from Texas while importing refined products back into CaliforniaThe role of policy and government support in energy infrastructure development3. Economic & Regional Development ImpactThe project's implications for the Brownsville/Rio Grande Valley region: Job creation and economic growth opportunitiesWorkforce development through partnerships with local universities and technical collegesInfrastructure and logistics challenges related to port expansion and regional growth Check out the American First Refining Company site: https://americafirstrefining.com/ John Calce's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-calce-28577014b/ Check out The Energy News Beat Substack: https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/ Check out David Blackmon on https://blackmon.substack.com/

    27 min
  4. Doomberg on the Global Oil and Gas Markets Update

    MAR 17

    Doomberg on the Global Oil and Gas Markets Update

    Doomberg stops by the Energy Impacts and Energy News Beat podcasts to talk about the Global Oil and Gas Markets Update. Hosted by David Blackmon and Stu Turley, they have a rich history of having way too much fun talking about the energy, oil, and gas markets. 1. Geopolitical Tensions & Iran-US Conflict The transcript extensively covers the tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the broader Iran-US conflict, examining how these tensions could disrupt global oil and gas supplies and reshape international relations. 2. Global Energy Markets & Supply Disruption A significant focus is placed on the potential impact of the conflict on energy markets, including: Risk of oil and gas supply disruptions Potential market fragmentation and regional energy markets Development of alternative energy infrastructure to bypass the Strait of Hormuz 3. International Power Dynamics The discussion explores the growing influence of China and Russia in the Middle East, their support for Iran, and how the conflict could shift global geopolitical power structures. 4. Media, Propaganda & Information The transcript addresses challenges in reporting on the conflict, including: The role of media narratives and propaganda Difficulty in separating fact from misinformation How information shapes public understanding 5. Energy Transition & Infrastructure Commentary on how the crisis might affect the transition to renewable energy, with perspectives that the conflict could actually accelerate investment in traditional energy infrastructure rather than renewables. 6. Policy & Strategic Decision-Making Analysis of strategies and decisions by key players, including the US government, Trump administration, and energy industry figures. Check out The Energy News Beat Substack: https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/ Check out Doomberg at https://newsletter.doomberg.com/ Check out David Blackmon on https://blackmon.substack.com/

    54 min
  5. Navigating the Energy Crisis Insights from the US Oil and Gas Association President

    MAR 11

    Navigating the Energy Crisis Insights from the US Oil and Gas Association President

    Tim Stewart stops by the Energy News Beat and Energy Impacts Podcasts David Blackmon kicks off this joint podcast with Tim Stewart, President of the US Oil & Gas Association, and we have a wild discussion. 1. Oil and Gas Industry Volatility The speakers examine the current unstable state of the oil and gas sector, focusing on fluctuating oil prices and their impact on companies and workers. They note how the industry is adapting differently than it did during the 1970s oil crisis. 2. Middle East Geopolitical Tensions A significant portion of the discussion centers on regional instability, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, attacks on oil infrastructure, and the U.S. response. Iran’s involvement and international sanctions are also key points of discussion. 3. California’s Energy Crisis The speakers address specific challenges in California’s energy sector, including refinery closures, companies relocating out of state, and how state energy policies are affecting the broader national energy landscape. " So To my point is that from the national energy policy perspective, it wouldn't surprise me over the next six months if the energy department and department chairs start to become involved in California energy policy. It's going to make federalism a really interesting argument because it's a counterpoint, but it's got to be done. " Tim Stewart, President, US Oil & Gas Association 4. Government and Policy Involvement There’s substantial discussion about the federal government’s role in addressing energy challenges, potential federal intervention in state policies, and the relationship between the administration and Congress on energy matters. 5. U.S. Energy Dominance and Geopolitical Strategy The speakers explore how current events are reshaping global energy markets, potential shifts in international trading relationships, and America’s strategic positioning based on its energy resources and influence. 6. Industry Perception and Policy Challenges The discussion includes the oil and gas industry’s efforts to engage with policymakers, changing Congressional dynamics around energy policy, and the need for improved public understanding of the industry’s role and challenges. 01:41 Tim Stewart discusses the "Goldilocks zone" for oil prices 21:01 Tim predicts federal intervention in California energy policy 30:32 Cool Energy things 32:18 New trading blocs based on Energy policies 35:30 Tim Tim Stewart makes a strategic point about competing with Lloyd's of London Check out my Substack: https://blackmon.substack.com/

    49 min
  6. Qatar Halts LNG Production, and LNG Tanker Hit in the Mediterranean

    MAR 4

    Qatar Halts LNG Production, and LNG Tanker Hit in the Mediterranean

    The Energy News Beat Stand up is on a roll, and we have David Blackmon stop by to cover more of the stories. This podcast is pushed out on both platforms. What a day on the news desk, Qatar shuts down LNG, and it will take a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks to fire back up to volume. The other huge story today is that Ukraine may have been the one to hit a Russian LNG tanker in the Mediterranean. Yes, you read that right - Mediterranean. 1. Cutter's LNG Shutdown and Global Energy Impact The transcript discusses a major disruption in the global LNG market following Cutter's complete shutdown of liquefied natural gas operations after a drone attack on critical infrastructure. This has created significant supply shortages and affected Europe's energy security, with implications for Russia's gas export strategy. 2. Middle East Conflict and Energy Infrastructure Attacks There's substantial discussion about escalating tensions in the Middle East, including Iranian missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabian and Qatari oil refineries and LNG terminals. These attacks have disrupted global energy supplies and raised concerns about the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure in the region. 3. Trump's New Shipping Insurance System The transcript covers President Trump's announcement of a U.S.-backed marine insurance system, which is positioned as a potential challenge to London's traditional dominance in global shipping insurance through Lloyd's of London. 4. California Refinery Regulations Chevron's warning to California's Governor Newsom about proposed regulations by the California Air Resources Board is discussed, with concerns that these regulations could effectively shut down the state's remaining refineries. 5. Energy Sector Stock Performance and Investment Analysis The transcript includes analysis of various energy-related stocks, including refineries, LNG companies, and oil and gas producers like Valero, Cheniere Energy, Enbridge, and Exxon Mobil, examining their earnings potential and investment timing. 1.Qatar Shuts Down LNG: What Does This Mean for Global Markets? What should US Investors look for? 2.Gulf Refineries and Terminals Under Fire by Iran: Escalation in the Middle East and Its Ripple Effects on Global Energy Markets 3.First LNG Tanker Hit in the Mediterranean: Escalation in Shadow Fleet Warfare 4.Chevron Warns of Irreversible Harm to California’s Economy and Energy Security in Letter to gov. Newsom 5.Nationwide Gas Prices Jump 11 Cents; California Still Leads with the Highest Gas Prices 6.California will be a national security risk for the entire country! Shout out to Reese Energy Consulting https://reeseenergyconsulting.com/ Check out David's Substack at https://blackmon.substack.com/ Get your CEO on the #1 Energy Podcast in the United States: https://sandstoneassetmgmt.com/media/ Is oil and gas right for your portfolio? https://energynewsbeat.co/invest/

    39 min
  7. The Oil and Gas Global Markets Update with David Blackmon and Stu Turley

    MAR 3

    The Oil and Gas Global Markets Update with David Blackmon and Stu Turley

    This was a wild discussion of the current global oil and gas markets with David Blackmon and Stu Turley. We covered stories from Energy News Beat and David's Substack. If you only have time for one podcast, this may be it, as we cover the markets and critical issues on how long this may last. Oil and natural gas prices:David and I discussed the recent spike in oil and diesel prices, with oil prices increasing by around 14-15% over two days. The hosts analyze the potential reasons and implications of these price increases.Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East:The discussion focuses on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil and LNG trade, and the potential disruptions to shipping in the region due to tensions and conflicts.The transcript covers the involvement of various countries, such as Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, in the regional dynamics and their potential impact on energy markets.Energy security and dependence:We discuss the concept of “energy security starts at home, but energy dominance starts at your exports,” highlighting the energy dependence of the European Union on Russian oil and gas.We also touch on the energy crisis in California and the challenges faced due to the shutdown of refineries and pipelines. And I am interviewing Ronald Stein on Monday to cover the latest crisis in California.U.S. foreign policy and geopolitics:The transcript delves into the Trump administration’s foreign policy actions, particularly in relation to Iran and Venezuela, and their potential impact on global energy markets and China’s influence.The hosts also discuss the shifting geopolitical alliances and the potential for Russia to improve its relationship with the United States.U.S. domestic politics and energy policy:The discussion touches on the upcoming elections in the U.S., particularly the Republican primary race in Texas, and the potential implications for energy policy and regulation.The hosts also criticize the current Republican leadership in the Senate for not taking decisive action on energy-related legislation.Electricity pricing and grid resilience:The transcript delves into the issues surrounding the pricing of electricity, particularly the need to redefine the levelized cost of electricity for renewable energy sources to include the cost of storage and grid resilience. Starmer to Trump: “You Have No Plan.” Trump Replies: “Have You Been Following Venezuela’s Story?” At What Price Will the EU Open Russian Gas and Oil Pipelines? The Price for Oil May Go Up If the Bypass Pipelines Are Hit, and If Ship Insurance Is Not Approved How Long Can China Survive After Losing Venezuela and Iraq’s Discounted Oil Supplies? California will be a national security risk for the entire country! Qatar Halts LNG Production, and the European and Asia Markets Respond Check out David's Substack at https://blackmon.substack.com/ Get your CEO on the #1 Energy Podcast in the United States: https://sandstoneassetmgmt.com/media/ Is oil and gas right for your portfolio? https://energynewsbeat.co/invest/

    38 min
  8. The EPA Repeal of the Climate Power Grab Dr. Matthew Wielicki stops by the Energy Impacts Podcast

    FEB 18

    The EPA Repeal of the Climate Power Grab Dr. Matthew Wielicki stops by the Energy Impacts Podcast

    The repeal of the Climate Power Grab by the Trump Administration brings up a lot of questions, and we cover a lot of them today. This podcast went out live on X, YouTube, and LinkedIn on both the Energy News Beat and Energy Impacts Podcasts with Stu Turley and David Blackmon hosting. Dr. Matthew Wielcki has a large X reach, and his substack is fantastic; we highly recommend subscribing. The main topics discussed in this Podcast are: Throughout the conversation, the overarching theme is the critique of the scientific and policy narratives surrounding climate change, with the guest arguing that the observational data and economic realities do not support the alarmist claims and the resulting policy responses. **1. The EPA Endangerment Finding** The conversation centers on the 2009 EPA Endangerment Finding that declared greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health. The guest argues this finding was "precooked" without proper review and has become the legal foundation for numerous climate regulations under the Obama and Biden administrations. The recent rescission of this finding could undermine the legal standing of these policies. **2. Global Temperature Record Reliability** There's significant discussion about concerns regarding the accuracy and transparency of global temperature data. The guest raises allegations about data manipulation and suppression of historical heat wave data, arguing this lack of trust in temperature records undermines the scientific basis for climate policies. **3. Observed vs. Predicted Climate Impacts** They talk about examining observational data on extreme weather, hurricanes, and sea level rise, with the guest arguing that actual observed impacts don't match the dire predictions made by climate models. This discrepancy is presented as evidence questioning the validity of the underlying climate projections. **4. Economic and Social Costs of Climate Policies** A major focus is the negative impacts of climate policies, including increased energy prices, reduced affordability, and harm to developing nations. The discussion also touches on the "climate industrial complex" and how perpetuating climate crisis narratives maintains funding and business opportunities. **5. Nuclear Power as a Solution** The guest advocates for nuclear power as a key solution for reliable, low-emission baseload electricity, contrasting this with the focus on intermittent renewables and discussing regulatory and political barriers to modern nuclear development. The overarching theme is a critique of climate change narratives, arguing that observational data and economic realities don't support alarmist claims and resulting policies. On X. @MatthewWielicki Check out the Irrational Fear on Substack: https://irrationalfear.substack.com/ Check out David Blackmon's Substack https://blackmon.substack.com/

    43 min
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Discussions are a two-way street. This podcast is for all sides to have an open forum and share their opinions on fossil, renewable, nuclear, and all things energy.

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