Regulation
US Regulator Aims to Improve Safety of Gas Distribution Pipelines
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) on Thursday proposed new measures to bolster the safety requirements of gas distribution pipelines.
Trudeau Stands by Trans Mountain Expansion as Strong Investment Amid Challenges
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday he was confident the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion was a solid investment and that interest is high among Indigenous groups who want to buy a share of the pipeline.
Key Hearing for 2,000-Mile Carbon Capture Pipeline Begins in Iowa
Iowa residents living along the route of the U.S.'s largest proposed carbon capture and storage (CCS) pipeline told state regulators they were worried about possible ruptures and land takings at the start of a hearing that will determine the fate of the project.
Residual Stress in Predicted Failure Pressure Calculation
(P&GJ) — Pipeline safety regulations require performing a calculation of the predicted failure pressure (PFP) of defects as part of an engineering critical assessment. Whether to include residual stress from pipe manufacturing, and selecting the magnitude of residual stress, can significantly affect the outcome of the PFP calculation. Guidance for accounting for residual stress is inconsistent.
Energy Transfer Seeks New LNG Export License After Extension Denied
Pipeline operator Energy Transfer on Friday requested a new and expedited export license for its proposed Lake Charles LNG plant in Louisiana, according to a filing with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
US Natural Gas Groups Oppose Federal Plan to Eliminate Methane Leaks
U.S. natural gas trade groups on Wednesday opposed federal pipeline regulators' proposed methane leak detection rules to address the climate-change crisis. The gas associations said extensive changes needed to be made to PHMSA’s proposal for it to be technically and economically feasible.
API and LEPA Release Comprehensive CO2 Pipeline Safety Guide
(P&GJ) — The guide, developed with input from the National Association of State Fire Marshals, helps operators advance a zero-incident safety culture by outlining best practices for CO2 pipeline safety and emergency preparedness.
German Government to Examine Finances of Private LNG Operator
The German government will examine the finances of Deutsche ReGas, the operator of a planned LNG terminal on the Baltic coast opposed by local authorities, it said in a response to a lawmaker seen by Reuters on Thursday.
Venezuela’s PDVSA Fails to Curb Oil Leaks, Gas Flaring Despite Pledges
Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA has failed to make any dent in its oil spill or gas flaring woes, despite nascent promises of environmental clean-up by President Nicolas Maduro's government, according to people within the company, industry sources and an internal company document seen by Reuters.
US Investor Group Clinches Tax Credit Deal for $1.5 Billion Renewable Power Acquisition
Invenergy Renewables, Blackstone and Canada's second-largest pension fund said on Wednesday they struck a deal with Bank of America to help buy wind and solar plants worth $1.5 billion, capitalizing on a new tax structure included in President Joe Biden's climate law.
Canada Reaches Out to Indigenous Groups About Trans Mountain Stake Sale
The Canadian government has reached out to Indigenous groups about potentially selling them a stake in the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project, edging ahead on its long-promised involvement of local communities in the controversial project, the finance minister's office said on Wednesday.
Montana Judge Rules State Policies Must Consider Climate Change in Fossil Fuel Projects
Montana is violating the rights of young people with policies that prohibit the state from considering climate change effects when it reviews coal mining, natural gas extraction and other fossil fuel projects, a state judge said Monday.
US Appeals Court Rejects Challenge to Mountain Valley Pipeline
A U.S. appeals court on Friday rejected a challenge to federal approvals for the Mountain Valley Pipeline, in a decision that likely ends legal fights over the construction of the $6.6 billion natural gas project led by Equitrans Midstream.
Australia Regulator Clears Way for Strike Vote at Chevron LNG Plants
Australia's labor regulator cleared the way for strike action at Chevron's Wheatstone and Gorgon LNG facilities if workers vote in favor of such a step, fueling concerns the country's exports could be cut.
US Awards $1.2 Billion to Oxy, Climeworks-Led Carbon Air Capture Hubs
The U.S. Department of Energy on Friday announced that projects in Texas and Louisiana to remove more than 2 million metric tons of carbon emissions per year will get over $1 billion in federal grants, a key step in scaling up direct air capture (DAC) technology.
Editor’s Notebook: Is Rerouting Line 5 the Best Option?
(P&GJ) — In a ruling that could be interpreted as a split decision, a U.S. District Court judge has told Enbridge it can continue to operate its Line 5 pipeline through an indigenous people’s territory but must relocate a portion of the line by 2026.
Challenges to Biden's Carbon Plan Emerge from U.S. Power Sector
Edison Electric Institute has asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for revisions of the proposed power plant standards, which hinge on the widespread commercial availability of carbon capture and storage and low-emissions green hydrogen, adding the agency's vision was "not legally or technically sound."
Venture Global LNG Addresses Controversy Surrounding Delayed LNG Cargoes
Venture Global LNG responded strongly on Monday to allegations from certain customers such as BP and Shell regarding the delay in LNG shipments from its Louisiana export facility, accusing them of distorting confidential long-term agreements.
Canada Guarantees Up to $2.2 Billion in Fresh Loans to Trans Mountain Expansion Project
A Canadian government agency has guaranteed fresh commercial loans of up to $2.2 billion to the controversial Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project that has suffered repeated cost overruns.
North Dakota Regulator Rejects Summit Carbon Solutions Carbon Pipeline Application
The North Dakota Public Service Commission on Friday rejected a permit application from Iowa-based Summit Carbon Solutions to run 320 miles (514.99 km) of pipeline through the state to transport captured carbon dioxide from ethanol plants to an underground storage site.
US Pulls Back Offer to Buy 6 Million Barrels of Oil for Emergency Reserve
The Biden administration has pulled an offer to buy 6 million barrels of oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, an Energy Department spokesperson said on Tuesday, as oil prices are expected to keep rising after an output cut from Saudi Arabia.
Pipeline Operator TC Energy Plans to Complete Coastal GasLink Pipeline This Year
TC Energy's surprise plan to split the company last week accelerated a stock selloff. Still, shareholders bet the North American pipeline operator will finish the year on a higher note by completing the 670-km (416-mile) Coastal GasLink pipeline.
Criteria to Consider in Selecting Water Transfer Flow Meters
(P&GJ) — The oil and gas industry contains a complex number of flow applications, featuring a myriad of fluids and gases that challenge even the toughest of flow instrumentation. So, choosing the right flow meter for a water transfer application should be straightforward in comparison … right?
BP to Defend Its Rights to the Fullest in Venture Global LNG Arbitration Case, CEO Says
BP will defend its rights "to the absolute fullest" in an arbitration case against U.S. exporter Venture Global LNG for failing to supply contracted cargoes, CEO Bernard Looney said on Tuesday.
Equitrans to Begin Construction on Ohio Valley Connector Expansion Project
(P&GJ) — On Monday, FERC issued the Notice to Proceed, signaling Equitrans' imminent commencement of construction. The expansion project is designed to enhance deliverability on its Ohio Valley Connector pipeline, bolstering its capacity by approximately 350 MMcf/d.
Equitrans' 303-Mile Mountain Valley Pipeline on Track to Be Completed by Year-End 2023
U.S. energy company Equitrans Midstream on Tuesday said it still expects to complete the Mountain Valley natural gas pipeline by the end of the year despite being tangled in numerous court fights since construction began in 2018.
SwRI Tapping into Geothermal Energy Possibilities in Texas
(P&GJ) — Electric power generates the second-largest share of greenhouse gas emissions and includes emissions from electricity production used by end use sectors, such as industry. Nearly 80% of electricity in the U.S. comes from burning fossil fuels, mostly coal and natural gas.
Pipeline Companies to Pay $12.5 Million in Penalties After Spills in Montana, North Dakota
Belle Fourche Pipeline Company and Bridger Pipeline LLC that own and operate a network of crude oil pipelines in Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming have together agreed to pay a $12.5 million civil penalty relating to oil spills.
TSA Updates Cybersecurity Requirements for Pipeline Owners, Operators
(P&GJ) — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced an update to its Security Directive regarding oil and natural gas pipeline cybersecurity. This revised directive will continue the effort to reinforce cybersecurity preparedness and resilience for the nation's critical pipelines.
Venture Global LNG's Calcasieu Pass 2 Project Gets Final U.S. Environmental Nod
Venture Global LNG's proposed Calcasieu Pass 2 project in Louisiana has received FERC's environmental approval, clearing the way for a final vote by the commission on expanding the company's natural gas liquefaction facility.
- Kinder Morgan Proposes 290-Mile Gas Pipeline Expansion Spanning Three States
- Enbridge Plans 86-Mile Pipeline Expansion, Bringing 850 Workers to Northern B.C.
- Three Killed, Two Injured in Accident at LNG Construction Site in Texas
- Tallgrass to Build New Permian-to-Rockies Pipeline, Targets 2028 Startup with 2.4 Bcf Capacity
- TC Energy Approves $900 Million Northwoods Pipeline Expansion for U.S. Midwest
- U.S. Pipeline Expansion to Add 99 Bcf/d, Mostly for LNG Export, Report Finds
- Enbridge Adds Turboexpanders at Pipeline Sites to Power Data Centers in Canada, Pennsylvania
- Great Basin Gas Expansion Draws Strong Shipper Demand in Northern Nevada
- Cheniere Seeks FERC Approval to Expand Sabine Pass LNG Facility
- Heath Consultants Exits Locate Business to Expand Methane Leak Detection Portfolio
