Wednesday; Beach Railport Development Moves Forward; ND Legacy Fund Nears $2 Billion

From The Los Angeles Times:

Pentagon will remove 50 nuclear missiles from silos, a move that satisfies a treaty with Russia,and is cheered by some lawmakers. The removal would eliminate an entire ICBM squadron at one of three Air Force bases in North Dakota, Montana, and Wyomin where the US keeps its 450 Minuteman III missiles -- a potentally major economic blow. So much for all those sanctions on Russia for actions in the Crimean/Ukraine.  

But a senior defense official, who briefed reporters Tuesday on the plan, said a total of 50 missiles would be removed from silos at the three missile bases. That will keep all nine ICBM squadrons operational.

The decommissioned missiles will no longer be counted as operational under the treaty, but would continue to be maintained and guarded. The silos also will be kept operational, the official said, describing them as "warm but empty."

Lawmakers from the three states applauded the plan, which avoids the need to lay off hundreds of Air Force personnel and cut millions of dollars that the bases pump into the local economies.

Talk about a great job in the US Air Force: missile launch officer with no missiles. Sort of like being vice-president of the US. A job title with no job.

I'm not exactly sure how this could be a possible economic blow. It looks like there will be lots of economic activity involved in removing the missiles -- wouldn't it be a hoot just to launch them over the Pacific this July 4th. With or without the warheads.

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Active rigs:

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RBN Energy: US laws and regulations affecting NGL exports.

This blog series is about export rules we call the ‘Molecule Laws’. 

The “laws” are actually a hodge-podge of rules, policies, regulations, procedures and a few laws administered variously by the Department of Energy (DOE), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the State Department, and the Department of Commerce. 

The laws paint a confusing picture regarding export restrictions on different hydrocarbons. They made no difference when there was nothing to export. 

But now, with production booming, they’ve become important.  In episode one we learned about Molecule Law #1: Methane molecules can be exported based on destination (Canada & Mexico are ok) and in the form of LNG to other countries from approved terminals. In other words, any arrangements made to export natural gas that require liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals – have to go through an approval process involving the DOE and the FERC. And (for the most part) if you want to ship to countries that actually want LNG then you need additional DOE approval for export to non-free trade association (FTA) countries like Japan and China – although that FTA membership profile could change any time.

This time we look at the molecule laws that apply to NGL exports.

The Wall Street Journal

Long and frigid winter will affect the produce aisle at the supermarket.

Calling it a landmark agreement, the Justice Department announced Tuesday that Rhode Island will work to move about 2,000 people with development disabilities from menial jobs and segregated settings to mainstream environments. Most will probably find jobs in state government.

Never say "no." GM will invest almost $500 million in two Michigan plants to bolster the development and production of its Chevrolet Volt and Cadillac ELR hybrid-electric vehicles. Most of that will probably be spent on a "safe" ignition.

American Airlines distributed the last big chunk of its payout to its bankrupt predecessor's shareholders, delivering a windfall that was even bigger than expected.

The Los Angeles Times

What is it about "engine starters" and ignition switches? Now, it's Toyota's turn: recalling more than 6 million vehicles due to a defective engine start that can keep the motor running and has caused at least two fires.

Mickey Rooney's death stirs family feud; reveals how far star fell (couldn't have been too far; he wasn't all that tall). His body goes unclaimed as his family battles where to bury him.

Tiger Woods' absence from Masters greet mostly with shrugs. I would have watched the Masters had he been playing, but I have no plans to watch it now. Woods has fallen as far as Mickey Rooney, and Tiger is still alive.

Beef prices hit all-time high in US. I have not seen a rise in the price of Omaha Steaks.

Obama issues orders seeking equal pay for women. He might want to start in his own office.

News From Elsewhere

North Dakota's legacy fund nearing $2 billion. As far as I know it's all in cash under someone's mattress. 

The Dickinson Press is reporting:

The Beach City Council, following the zoning board’s 4-to-1 recommendation from March 17, approved the rezoning of 275 acres west of town where Utah-based developers plan building a $65 million facility that would bring in oilfield commodities by fall 2015 and eventually ship out oil.