Industry Cutting Back On Renewable Energy; Coal Production Increases In North Dakota -- February 26, 2015; 3/3 Wells To DRL Status

Wells coming off the confidential list today have been posted. Link here; all three went to DRL status. Although it's only an estimate, the question arises whether North Dakota will set a new record of number of wells waiting to be fracked when the March, April, and/or May, 2015, Director's Cuts are posted. During most of the boom the number of wells waiting to be fracked was in the 250 - 450 range. Most recently, two months running, the number is closer to 750. During the winter (January, February, March) and during spring thaw (March, April, May) fracking is also negatively impacted. The Director's Cut that comes out in mid-March will be the first report for 2015 data, starting with January, 2015.

Biofuel production cut. The Dickinson Press is reporting:

Archer Daniels Midland, one of the world’s top biofuels producers, has slowed North American biodiesel output, the latest sign the industry is battling uncertainty over U.S. renewable fuel policy while the oil rout curbs demand.

The Chicago-based agri business has “temporarily” shifted production at its Velva oilseeds processing facility from biodiesel to other products and cut production at its other North American facilities, ADM spokeswoman Jackie Anderson said in an emailed statement.

With 140 million gallons of annual capacity at its wholly-owned Velva site and two joint ventures in Missouri, ADM is a sizeable player in the 2-billion gallon U.S. industry.

The ADM spokeswoman declined to give the timing and size of the cutbacks. The Northern Canola Growers Association said the switch in North Dakota took place a few months ago.

Meanwhile, North Dakota coal production increases. The Dickinson Press is reporting:

While North Dakota leaders question the future of the oil industry, another natural resource is increasing in production.

The state’s four lignite mines sold approximately 28.7 million tons of coal last year, up from 27.7 million tons in 2013. The mines near Beulah, Center and Underwood increased or maintained their 2013 production levels.

Less than two years left in this presidency. Funny how things turn out.

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The Ukraine

I believe I read somewhere in the last 24 hours that the Ukrainian government forces ("the good guys") are starting to remove their military equipment from the Eastern Ukraine. In the old days, this was called a "strategic retreat."

Meanwhile, the AP is reporting that Russia ("the bad guys") could cut off natural gas supply to the Ukraine by the end of the week. Not to worry: the French will take up / make the slack. The move by Russia is not political; it's 100% financial; the Ukraine is not paying for the natural gas they get from Russia. I'm sure the Germans will be happy to pay for that natural gas.

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Good Timing

Tweeting now:

US wraps up Ebola military mission in Liberia - @AFP 

Yesterday's tweet:

Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone report 99 new confirmed Ebola cases in week ending Feb. 22, per World Health Organization - @Reuters

At least it's hard to catch.