Regulation

Continental Accuses Hess of Artificially Inflating Midstream Fees, Costing It $69 Million

Continental Resources has filed a lawsuit against Hess Corp., alleging it was defrauded of up to $69 million through inflated midstream service fees tied to Bakken wells, shifting value to Hess Midstream at the expense of non-operating partners.

Gas Pipeline Blocked in 2020 Could Be Revived in Empire Wind Deal

A federal-state compromise to lift a stop-work order on New York’s Empire Wind project may revive a long-blocked natural gas pipeline from Pennsylvania, potentially reshaping midstream infrastructure plans in the Northeast.

U.S. DOE to Resume LNG Export Permit Decisions After Policy Pause

The U.S. Department of Energy will begin reviewing pending LNG export permits for non-FTA countries after completing a study on environmental and economic impacts, ending a pause enacted under the Biden administration.

Oil Companies Face Spill Liability Under New Guyana Law

Guyana’s parliament has passed a bill requiring oil companies to provide financial assurance for oil spills and comply with stricter regulations, holding them liable for damages as offshore production climbs past 900,000 barrels per day.

Iowa Senate Passes Bill Tightening Rules on Carbon Pipeline Land Seizures

The Iowa Senate passed a bill tightening requirements for carbon pipeline companies to use eminent domain, adding landowner protections and new limits on pipeline operations amid growing pushback from rural communities.

U.S. LNG Developers Target 2025 FIDs Despite Trade Headwinds

U.S. LNG developers are moving forward with over 90 MTPA in new export capacity despite cost concerns, trade tariffs, and supply chain risks. Projects from Cheniere, Venture Global, and Woodside are among those targeting FID in 2025.

EPA to Rule on Backlog of Refinery Biofuel Exemption Requests

The EPA plans to issue decisions on more than 160 pending refinery biofuel exemption requests, marking a shift in biofuels policy and potentially impacting blending, RIN markets, and midstream operations starting in 2026.

Venture Global Pushes FERC to Reapprove CP2 LNG Project in Louisiana

Venture Global is urging FERC to reapprove its CP2 LNG terminal in Louisiana—set to be the largest in the U.S.—following a completed environmental review showing no significant air quality impacts.

Aramco Signs $90 Billion in U.S. Deals as Trump Gulf Visit Sparks New Tie-Ups

Saudi Aramco announced $90 billion in preliminary deals with major U.S. firms during Trump’s Gulf visit, highlighting expanded partnerships across energy, AI, and digital infrastructure.

U.S. House Bill Seeks $1.5 Billion to Refill Strategic Petroleum Reserve

A U.S. House budget bill proposes over $1.5 billion to replenish and maintain the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and cancels a planned oil sale, aiming to rebuild the emergency crude stockpile.

Democratic States Sue to Block Trump’s National 'Energy Emergency'

Fifteen Democratic state attorneys general have sued to block President Trump’s national energy emergency order, arguing it unlawfully bypasses environmental reviews to fast-track energy project permits.

U.S. Regulators Recommend Approval for Venture Global’s CP2 LNG Project

Venture Global’s proposed CP2 LNG project in Louisiana received a favorable final environmental review from U.S. regulators, paving the way for potential approval of what could become the largest LNG export facility in the country.

LNG Exporters Fight Trump Rule Mandating U.S.-Built Tankers

LNG exporters are pushing back against a Trump administration rule requiring U.S.-built tankers for LNG shipments, warning the mandate could disrupt exports amid limited shipbuilding capacity.

Energy Transfer Nears FID on Lake Charles LNG Project After Signing Buyer

Energy Transfer moved closer to sanctioning its Lake Charles LNG export project after securing a key Japanese buyer, boosting committed sales to 10.5 MTPA as it targets a final investment decision by year-end.

TurkStream Gas Pipeline Could Slow EU, Russia Decoupling

TurkStream pipeline gas flows are rising, posing a challenge to the EU’s roadmap to phase out Russian gas by 2027. Southeast Europe’s growing reliance on the pipeline risks undermining European energy diversification efforts.

TotalEnergies Files for $16 Billion Green Hydrogen, Ammonia Hub in Chile

TotalEnergies has filed for environmental approval of a $16 billion green hydrogen and ammonia project in Chile, which includes wind power, electrolysis, desalination, and maritime export infrastructure.

Enbridge Line 5 Tunnel Permit Decision Expected This Fall

Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel project is advancing toward a key milestone, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers targeting a fall decision on the project’s permit following a public comment period set for late May.

EU Considers Ban on New Russian Gas Contracts, Eyes Exit Options for Existing Deals

The European Commission is considering legal measures to forbid new Russian gas contracts and allow EU firms to exit existing deals without penalties, as part of efforts to further reduce reliance on Russian energy.

TC Energy Approves $900 Million Northwoods Pipeline Expansion for U.S. Midwest

TC Energy approved its $900 million Northwoods expansion project to add 0.4 Bcf/d of natural gas capacity in the U.S. Midwest by 2029. The project will meet growing demand from power generation and data centers and is backed by a 20-year contract.

INGAA President Urges Congress to Reform Permitting Rules for Natural Gas Pipelines

INGAA President Amy Andryszak urged Congress to reform permitting laws that are delaying natural gas pipeline projects, citing growing energy demand and challenges posed by duplicative reviews and litigation.

Three Killed, Two Injured in Accident at LNG Construction Site in Texas

Three workers were killed and two others injured early Tuesday in an accident at Sempra's Port Arthur LNG construction site in Texas. Lead contractor Bechtel has suspended operations while the incident is investigated.

Golden Pass LNG Receives FERC Approval to Commission Key Systems

FERC has granted Golden Pass LNG approval to commission several key systems at its Texas export terminal, advancing the project toward startup.

German Gas Operators Warn EU-Aligned Storage Plan Could Squeeze Supplies

German gas storage operators are pushing back against a draft plan to align national storage targets with EU rules, warning that inconsistent fill level requirements could unfairly burden some sites and jeopardize winter supply security.

Congress Renews Efforts to Improve Pipeline Safety Law

The Trump administration appears to be more interested in energizing the federal pipeline safety regulator than the Biden administration ever was.

Showing the Show-Me State

In this month's Editor's Notebook, Editor-in-Chief Michael Reed unpacks how federal regulators stepped in to take control of Missouri’s natural gas pipeline safety enforcement after years of inadequate penalties, and what it means for the Show-Me State’s residents, utilities and lawmakers.

Syrian President, Iraqi Delegation Discuss Restoring Oil Pipeline

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and an Iraqi delegation met in Damascus to discuss restoring an oil pipeline through Syria to Mediterranean ports, aiming to boost trade and address regional energy needs amid ongoing economic challenges.

Kenya Puts Breaks on Sale of State Pipeline Company

The sale of KPC was approved in 2023, under the country’s privatization program targeting at least 11 state-owned enterprises due to what the government said was “inadequate capital for investments and working capital due to dwindling government resources to invest in those entities.”

Judge Faults Army Corps Over Pipeline Protests, Awards North Dakota $28 Million

A federal judge awarded North Dakota nearly $28 million from the U.S. government to cover costs tied to the Dakota Access pipeline protests, citing federal negligence during the 2016-2017 demonstrations.

Netherlands Commits to Carbon Storage Project After Shell, Total Withdraw from Pipeline Plans

The Netherlands has pledged $726 million to support its largest carbon storage project after Shell and TotalEnergies withdrew from investing in pipeline infrastructure. The move aims to keep the Aramis project on track to meet 2030 climate goals.

U.S. to Host Alaska LNG Summit, Urges Asian Support for $44 Billion Project

The U.S. plans to host an Alaska LNG summit in early June, seeking support from Japan and South Korea for the $44 billion export project. The meeting aims to advance commitments amid rising Asian demand for natural gas.