Posted on 06/28/2014 9:31:26 AM PDT by mgist
After over four decades, it looks like America is getting back into the oil export business again.
For the first time since the 1970s, Washington has opened the door to sending more U.S. crude oil abroad.
Of course, the United States has been exporting oil products for some time now.
In fact, America is now the largest exporter of products like gasoline, low sulfur heating oil, and diesel fuel in the world.
But until now, companies were hamstrung when it came to the raw material itself.
Of course, there have been a few exceptions. Very heavy California crude, which has to be sold at a deep discount and for which there is not a ready domestic market, has received some permissions to export. In addition, a few tolling programs - in which the raw material is exported out and finished products are imported back in - have been allowed.
But for the lion's share of what is pumped out of the ground at American fields, the domestic market has long been the only option.
This change in policy promises to open up new opportunities for investors...
U.S. Crude Oil Exports: A Major Reversal in Policy
Late Tuesday evening, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that it would allow exports of ultra-light oil (essentially condensate after very minimal processing) by two companies - Pioneer Natural Resources Co. (NYSE: PXD) and Enterprise Products Partners LP (NYSE: EPD).
Both requested the exports from production at tight/shale oil plays in the Eagle Ford basin of South Texas.
As volumes go, this is a very small step. But it is a major change in policy (despite what the Commerce Department was trying to tell everybody yesterday). And that means other companies are certain to follow suit.
Earlier this year, Continental Resources Inc. (NYSE: CLR) Chief Executive Officer Harold Hamm said he expected an opening for across-the-board crude oil exports. And CLR just happens to be the largest producer in the Bakken.
After yesterday's announcement, we've now learned export permissions will certainly be granted on an ad hoc basis. These changes are now set to begin in August, marking the end to a restriction that was initiated for national security reasons during the Arab Oil Embargo of 1973.
Of course, some U.S. companies have already found a way to get around this restriction. It involves boiling the oil to take out some of the more easily separated gases in order to "stabilize" the crude.
As such, the oil has been initially "processed" without actually being refined. But the result is enough to qualify as an "oil product," which puts it in a category that is regularly exported.
Here's what this important development means for energy investors...
Instead of crude oil, think lighter fluid, processed to remove the most volatile elements and gas which could cause troubles in transport.
This is driving a wooden stake into the hearts of the Opecker Princes and their green eco energy terrorists and the rat politicians dependent on money from the Opecker Princes.
And that, folks, is basically the definition of a Third World country.
There is also a problem with Soros' involvement, and everything that implies. Obama has a disturbing history of benefitting Soros' energy investments, with no benefit, and sometimes even to the detriment, of American citizens. http://www.americanthinker.com/2011/03/soros_wins_under_obamas_energy.html
There is also the fact that Congress and FERC should be the ones considering Energy policy regulation changes with an open and honest public debate. These back door deals, lobbied with media talking points disguised as news, are getting tiresome.
Early this year Soros, who at some point was knighted the permission to dictate US policy, requests the release "oil reserves" to "punish Putin", he says. (Never let a civil war go to waste) http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-03-26/soros-endorsed-sale-of-u-s-oil-reserves-seen-as-russian-penalty.html
These articles, orchestrated early this year, are Obama's usual dog and pony show MO. The articles are intended to make Insider Trading, in this case, seem organic and well intended. Think Benghazi, when they pulled "the video" out of their pockets, with CYA stories.
Obama obediently made a "private" ruling (silly constitution) that allowed 2 otherwise unknown companies, Pioneer and Enterprise, to export unrefined oil. $$ The Dept. of Commerce doesn't have the authority to regulate Energy policy, as some media PR stories would have the peasants believe. http://online.wsj.com/articles/u-s-ruling-would-allow-first-shipments-of-unrefined-oil-overseas-1403644494
Guess what company stocks George Soros, convicted felon for insider trading, has been buying up since 12/2013?
( "the firm's prospects are so exciting that billionaire hedge fund manager George Soros owns a $200 million stake in the firm. Other smart money operators like Stanley Druckenmiller and John Paulson are pouring money into the stock as well. I'm talking, of course, about Pioneer Natural Resources (NYSE: PXD )" George Soros owns 964,000 shares of this stock") http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/12/26/billionaire-george-soros-is-buying-this-texan-oil.aspx
It seems Soros' investment in Global Warming was no longer financially expedient. (Hopefully we'll have less tiresome headlines with "scientific reports of impending gloom now).
Why not ease the restrictions of energy production on Federal lands, which has decreased by 40% since 2000, while the private sector has grown? "The government leases less than 2.2 percent of federal offshore areas and less than 6 percent of federal onshore lands for oil and natural gas production." http://instituteforenergyresearch.org/analysis/president-obamas-record-on-oil-and-gas-production/
A man convicted of insider trading is shamelessly dictating US policy. That is what he does when he isn't scheming global regime changes, or drug legalization policy, for the benefit of his pockets and his shady associates. Soros' involvement, No bueno.
Not a zero-sum game. Production will go up.
I would remind you there is no shortage of 'pubbie politicians dependent on money from the Opecker Princes.
The Saudis are bi-partisan corrupters...
And foreign consumption will go up, too.
“And foreign consumption will go up, too.”
As well dollars coming back into the U.S.
I guess you are talking about “Third world countries” like Saudi Arabia and other oil exporting countries like Canada.
Are you suggesting that mineral rights owners and private industry subsidize our energy usage out of their own pockets?
Well if you’re correct then we’re on the way to paying Canadian prices for gasoline, so “Hello, Five bucks (or more) per gallon!”
"export permissions will certainly be granted on an ad hoc basis"Meaning: Permission will be made available at the whim of the dictating class upon payment of graft and in-kind gifts.
This is a classic Obama move — restrict new sources and ways to transport them, restrict exploration, and then further reduce supply by allowing export. Thanks mgist.
It seems Obama can’t shoot straight -ever.
I think energy lobbyists should call,Obama out on these presidential quid pro quo’s, and start making demands.
About $3.5 of the $5 per gallon in Canada are for taxes.
Taxes are the main reason for the higher gas prices in Canada.
I have that reversed. About $1.5 of the $5 is for taxes.
AC never has met a free market initiative she liked.
It’s crazy. “My grocery store cannot sell Hostess Ho-Ho’s wherever it wants, because it means fewer Ho-Ho’s for me, and I will have to pay more for them.”
Our analysis shows that 8 companies have announced plans to build condensate splitters in addition to the already operating 75 Mb/d Total/BASF unit at Port Arthur, TX. Some of these plans are further along than others – notably the Kinder Morgan 100 Mb/d splitter being built in the Houston Ship Channel – delayed earlier this year – but still due online in November 2014 with the first 50 Mb/d of production fully contracted to BP. Similarly on their way to completion are splitters (topping units) announced by Marathon at their OH and KY refineries. Magellan, Castleton and Martin Midstream have announced plans for three splitters at Corpus Christi on the Gulf Coast south of the Eagle Ford.
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