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FYI: NEW ENGLAND COALITION FORMED TO PUSH NATURAL GAS EXPANSION New England is facing significant eco- nomic consequences if electricity and natural gas infrastructure is not built over the next five years, according to a study commissioned by the New England Coalition for Affordable Energy. The study, conducted by Boston consulting firms La Capra Associates and Economic Development Research Group, claimed that failure to expand the region's energy infrastructure will lead to higher energy costs for households and businesses between 2016 and 2020 of $5.4 billion, a reduction in disposable income that could top $12 billion, and 167,600 jobs lost or not created. These impacts would ramp up from 2016 through 2020, with similar or larger impacts expected beyond that timeframe if infrastructure is not added. These consequences would be on top of the reported $7.5 billion in higher energy costs the region has already incurred over the past three winters due to the natural gas pipeline system reaching maximum capacity during winter months to meet both electricity generation and space heating demands, according to the coalition. The study marks the launch of the New England Coalition for Affordable Energy which was formed to advocate for the expansion of the region's natural gas and electricity infrastructure—to make these vital energy commodities more affordable to consumers and businesses. While the Coalition does not take positions on individual projects, the orga- nization claims its mission is to provide factual information, credible research and analyses to policymakers, elected officials and the public on the need for energy infrastructure. The Coalition also advocates for the importance of timely decision-making and highlights the con- sequences of inaction. Founding members from all six New England states represent tens of thou- sands of employers ranging from small, independent firms to multi-national corporations: Associated Industries of Massachusetts, Associated Industries of Vermont, Business & Industry Association o f N e w H a m p s h i r e , B r o t h e r h o o d of Utility Workers Council, UWUA 369, Connecticut Business & Industry Association, Independent Oil Marketers Association of New England, NAIOP Massachusetts, National Federation of Independent Business (Conn., Mass., Maine, R.I. and Vt. chapters), Maine State Chamber of Commerce, Retailers Association of Massachusetts and Rhode Island Business Coalition. API: ADMINISTRATION TRUNCATES REVIEW OF POTENTIALLY MOST COSTLY REGULATION EVER API is concerned the Obama adminis- tration is rushing potentially the most expensive regulation in history through a shortened review process, API Senior Director of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Howard Feldman said after the rule went to the White House for final review. "We are surprised the administration is limiting interagency review of what could be the most expensive regulation ever," Feldman said. "EPA's proposal to tighten the ozone standards would fall on top of current limits that are already improving air quality. The nation's air is getting cleaner, and air quality will con- tinue to improve as we implement the existing standards. We urge the admin- istration to allow the current standards to continue working." G r o u n d l e v e l o z o n e i n t h e U . S . declined by 18% between 2000 and 2013, according to EPA data. T h e a d m i n i s t r a t i o n i s j u s t n o w beginning final review of the rule only one month before a court ordered due date of October 1, according to Feldman. The process normally takes 60 to 90 days. "EPA should listen to the many public officials who have expressed concern with this regulatory effort," Feldman said. "As proposed, the new standards would impose unachievable emission reduction requirements on virtually every part of the nation, including rural and undeveloped areas. Even pristine areas with no industrial activity such as national parks could be out of attain- ment. Operating under such stringent requirements could stifle new investment and threaten jobs." The proposed ozone regulation could cost $270 billion per year and place mil- lions of jobs at risk, according to a NERA economic analysis. API is the only national trade associa- tion representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry. www.fueloilnews.com | FUEL OIL NEWS | OCTOBER 2015 3 DATELINE • FYI: New England Coalition Formed to Push Natural Gas Expansion • API: Administration Truncates Review of Potentially Most Costly Regulation Ever • AEC: Methane Leaks in Natural-Gas Supply Chain Far Exceed Estimates, Study Says • Study: Oil and Gas Stocks Are High Performers in College Endowments FUELS/EIA - pg 11 • President Obama's Climate Initiatives to Benefit from Major Advancements in Clean Diesel Technology and Fuel • Amthor International Expands Production, Adds New Jobs and Introduces Amthor University Job Training Program • Advanced Fuel Solutions Announces New Territory Manager • EIA Short-Term Energy Outlook Highlights • EIA Lowers Crude Oil Price Forecast through 2016 BUSINESS OPERATIONS - pg 31 • Small Business Owners Feel Optimistic About Their Businesses, Yet Bleak on the Economy for the Remainder of 2015 • Many Customer-Centric Strategies Fail to Reach Their Potential • Most Small Business Owners at Risk for a Disaster HVAC/HYDRONICS - pg 40 • Testo Announces $150 Combustion Analyzer Rebate • Sun, Fun, ASHRAE and AHR EXPO: Registration Open for 2016 Winter Conference in Orlando • ASHRAE Proposes Standard to Serve as "Backbone" of Valid Rating Systems Featured News DATELINE BREAKING NEWS