Regulation
Activists, Fishermen Argue Rio Grande LNG Terminal Permit is Too Obliging to Industry
Environmental groups and fishermen on Wednesday told a federal appeals court the U.S. government’s permitting for a Gulf Coast natural gas export terminal was too accommodating to industry interests at the expense of wetlands.
Perspective: Agencies with Power to Approve Pipelines Need a Reality Check
Federal regulators with the power to approve natural gas pipelines need to make judgment calls on everything from how pipelines will affect farmland to how much methane will leak. When real-world data comes in that contradicts predictions, regulators ought to reevaluate their decisions in the light of new facts.
Mexico Continues to Block Trafigura Fuel Imports Despite Regaining Permits
Trafigura has been prevented from bringing fuel to Mexico months after the lifting of import restrictions on the global commodities trader, federal court documents showed, underscoring the roadblocks that foreign energy companies continue to face.
Mistakes Pipeline Companies Make with PHMSA-Required Substance Testing
One element of PHMSA regulation that cooperators are sometimes falling short of during PHMSA inspections is the content and application of their required drug and alcohol testing plans. For businesses eager to avoid monetary fines and other difficulties that come with noncompliance, a practical consideration of the most common mistakes is worthwhile.
Canada Invokes Pipeline Treaty with U.S. to Prevent Shutdown of Enbridge’s Line 5
Canada has invoked a 1977 pipeline treaty with the United States for the second time in less than a year, in this case to prevent a shutdown of Enbridge Inc.’s Line 5 pipeline in Wisconsin, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said on Monday.
Amplify Energy Reaches Settlement Terms in Southern California Pipeline Civil Litigation
Amplify Energy Corp. has reached an agreement in principle with plaintiffs in the class action to resolve all civil claims against Amplify and its subsidiaries, the company said in a statement.
Peru Court to Hear $4.5 Billion Lawsuit Against Repsol Over Pipeline Oil Spill
A Peruvian judge on Tuesday admitted a $4.5 billion lawsuit against Spanish oil firm Repsol SA, eight months after an underwater oil pipeline owned by the company caused a spill of over 10,000 barrels into the Pacific Ocean.
Oil Companies Find Loophole Around Shipping Law to Supply US Fuel Markets
U.S. oil companies are working around a century-old shipping law to supply fuel to the U.S. East Coast, according to data from Refinitiv and oil trading sources, as high demand for gasoline and global disruptions in fuel markets sent prices higher.
Judge Sides with Enbridge Against Michigan to Send Pipeline Dispute to Federal Court
In a small victory for Enbridge, a judge ruled on Thursday that a state of Michigan lawsuit aimed at forcing the pipeline operator to shut down operations the Line 5 oil pipeline beneath the Straits of Mackinac in the Great Lakes will be heard in federal court.
US Officials Block Idaho-Wyoming Gas Pipeline Pending Environmental Review
(P&GJ) — Officials in the United States have blocked the approval of a natural gas pipeline from Idaho to Wyoming until additional environmental studies are completed.
EPA, Army Corps Double Team Pipeline Construction
(P&GJ) — The Biden Administration is at it again with its latest regulatory effort to stymie pipeline development. Three months ago, the Army Corps of Engineers suggested new restrictions on general pipeline repair Nationwide Permit (NWP) 12, in which there is minimal dredge and fill near Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS).
FERC Considers Pipeline Sales of ‘Responsibly Sourced Natural Gas’
(P&GJ) — The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) appears likely to approve the first application from a pipeline company to sell “responsibly sourced natural gas” (RSG) at a premium price.
Oil Industry Ready to Tap $430 Billion Climate Fund for Carbon Capture Projects
Tax credits in the $430 billion U.S. climate and tax bill set to be signed into law this week will kickstart carbon sequestration projects, say oil and gas proponents, offsetting startup costs for some of the anti-pollution initiatives.
Conceding to Manchin, US Climate Bill Eases Methane Fees on Oil Industry
The U.S. Senate climate bill’s fee on oil and gas industry methane emissions will cover less than half the sector’s releases of the greenhouse gas, thanks to concessions made to win over party holdout Joe Manchin, according to a review of the legislation and interviews with lawmakers that negotiated it.
PHMSA Strengthens Safety Requirements for Over 300,000 Miles of Natgas Pipelines
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) transmitted a final rule on Thursday that will strengthen the safety and environmental protection on more than 300,000 miles of gas transmission pipelines.
Manchin Appears to Have Secured Pro-Energy Side-Deal with White House
(P&GJ) – In addition to securing a commitment from President Joe Biden and the Democratic leadership that might enable the Mountain Valley Pipeline to be completed, Sen. Joe Machin apparently gained a side-deal that could have a far-reaching positive effect on energy projects.
Senator Manchin Secures Future of Mountain Valley Pipeline Project
Democratic U.S. Senator Joe Manchin has secured a commitment from President Joe Biden, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to allow the Mountain Valley Pipeline to be completed, his office told a CBS affiliate on Monday.
PHMSA Issues Notice of Limited Enforcement Discretion for Certain Gas Gathering Pipelines
The new notice specifies that PHMSA will hold off on pursuing enforcement action against operators for a further year (i.e., until May 17, 2024), but only for Type C gathering pipelines with lower outer diameters.
US Senate Bill Could Deal Significant Blow to Biden’s Anti-Drilling Pledge
U.S. President Joe Biden's vow to end federal oil and gas drilling could be axed by a $430 billion spending bill proposed by U.S. Senate Democrats. If it passes, it would effectively guarantee continued drilling rights auctions on federal lands and waters for at least another decade.
FERC OKs Natural Gas Pipeline Projects Aimed at US Exports
In the first quarter of 2022, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved three projects intended to increase U.S. natural gas exports via pipeline and as liquefied natural gas (LNG).
FERC Reviewing $160 Million Ohio Valley Connector Expansion
The U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued a notice that it will conduct an environmental review of Equitrans’ Ohio Valley Connector Expansion (OVCX) project, a regulatory hurdle that if passed will bring the project closer to receiving authorization.
Russia's Gazprom Declares Force Majeure on Some Gas Supplies to Europe
Russia's Gazprom has declared force majeure on gas supplies to Europe to at least one major customer, according to a letter from Gazprom that will add to European fears of fuel shortages.
Russian Court Overturns Suspension on Caspian Pipeline Operations
A court in southern Russia on Monday overturned an earlier ruling suspending Caspian Pipeline Consortium's operations and instead fined it 200,000 rubles ($3,300), easing concerns about a global oil supply crunch.
Ukrainian Group Files Lawsuit Against Canada for Returning Nord Stream 1 Turbine
A group representing the Ukrainian diaspora said on Tuesday it was seeking a judicial review of the Canadian government's decision to return a repaired turbine to Germany that is needed for the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline.
Russia: Future of Nord Stream 1 Depends on Gas Demand and Sanctions
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday that the future of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline to Germany would depend on gas demand in Europe and Western sanctions against Russia.
Gas Gathering Pipeline Rules: A New Beginning
The need to regulate the more than 425,000 miles of natural gas gathering pipelines throughout the United States for the first time stems from more than governmental fiat. It is tied to the transformation of the energy industry in the 21st century and the pipelines that supply increasingly complex markets.
Canada's Trudeau: 'Very Difficult Decision' to Return Turbine for Russian Pipeline
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday that it was a "very difficult decision" to grant an exemption from sanctions imposed on Russia for the return of a repaired turbine needed for the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline.
Glick Renomination, Policies Become Converging Controversies
Some key decisions about federal pipeline regulation are coming to a head as the comment period for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) two draft policy statements closed and the Senate decides whether to renew Richard Glick’s chairmanship at FERC.
Trans-Foreland Pipeline Seeks Extension for Alaska LNG Import Project
Marathon Petroleum Corp.'s Trans-Foreland Pipeline Co. unit said it has yet to make a final investment decision to build the project because the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have worsened economic and logistical conditions.
How Operators Can Respond to PHMSA Gas Gathering Reporting Rule
A new gas gathering rule, issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), expands safety oversight to all onshore gas-gathering pipelines, with the intent to make all processes associated with pipelines safer.
- Freeport LNG Plant Runs Near Zero Consumption for Fifth Day
- Biden Administration Buys Oil for Emergency Reserve Above Target Price
- Mexico Seizes Air Liquide's Hydrogen Plant at Pemex Refinery
- Kinder Morgan Declares Force Majeure on West Texas Gas Pipeline After Fire
- Enbridge Picks Contractors for Great Lakes Tunnel Project, Securing Line 5 Pipeline Route
- Pipeline Hydro Test Pressure Determination
- Venezuela Proposes Alternative Payment Plan as Weak Bids Surface in Citgo Auction
- Baker Hughes Wins Contract for Huge Aramco Gas Expansion Project
- Japan Looks at Developing Domestic Pipelines Sector
- Enbridge Picks Contractors for Great Lakes Tunnel Project, Securing Line 5 Pipeline Route
