Electric Shock: Texas Tacks on Tidy Tax

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Lone Star Stories

• Electric Shock: Texas Tacks on Tidy Tax

Texas has imposed a $200 annual fee on electric vehicle (EV) owners, with supporters arguing that it compensates for the lack of state and federal gas taxes they'd otherwise contribute towards road maintenance.

• China's Crude Crux: Less Sizzle, More Fizzle

Concerns over China's slowing economic activity and its potential to reduce global crude oil demand have led to a drop in oil prices. Despite factors such as the possibility of increasing global oil supply and potential interest rate hikes by the U.S., China's role as a significant crude importer remains pivotal for market sentiment.

Reader Question of the Day

What are the key challenges in sour crude processing and how are they being addressed?

Sour crude, characterized by its high sulfur content, presents several challenges during processing. The presence of sulfur compounds, especially hydrogen sulfide, makes the crude corrosive, posing risks to equipment and pipelines. Additionally, the refining of sour crude releases environmentally harmful sulfur dioxide, and these sulfur compounds can also deactivate refining catalysts and compromise the quality of the end products.

To combat these challenges, the industry has adopted various strategies. Corrosion-resistant alloys and coatings are used to minimize equipment degradation. Techniques like hydrodesulfurization are employed to reduce the sulfur content, transforming sour crude into a sweeter variant. The development of advanced catalysts resistant to sulfur poisoning ensures efficient refining, while emission control technologies capture and reduce sulfur emissions, mitigating environmental impacts.

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