Regulation

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.

Valero Confirms Benicia Refinery Closure Amid Tough Regulations, High Costs

Valero Energy plans to shut down its Benicia, California, refinery by April 2026, citing a challenging regulatory environment and high maintenance costs. The closure adds to growing concerns about fuel supply in the state.

Newsom Seeks to Aid Struggling Refiners Following Valero’s California Exit

California Governor Gavin Newsom has called for closer cooperation with oil refiners to secure reliable fuel supplies amid refinery shutdowns and rising pump prices, citing long-term planning needs during the state’s energy transition.

BGE Refutes Claims of Pipeline Safety Risks Tied to Falsified Contractor Audit

BGE has rejected claims by the Maryland PSC that its gas pipeline safety was compromised due to a former employee’s falsified inspection. The company insists no systemwide risks exist and defends its disciplinary handling of the matter.

South Dakota Rejects 700-Mile Carbon Pipeline Permit for Summit Carbon Solutions

South Dakota regulators have denied Summit Carbon Solutions' permit to build 700 miles of its planned carbon dioxide pipeline through the state, citing route viability and landowner opposition.

Woodside Weighs Trump Tariff Impact on $1.2 Billion Louisiana LNG Project

Woodside Energy is evaluating the impact of U.S. tariffs on its $1.2 billion Louisiana LNG project as it moves closer to a final investment decision. The company is also exploring equity sell-downs and new partnerships to strengthen project economics.

FERC’s Willie Phillips Exits Early, Opening Door for Trump to Shift Commission Balance

Democratic FERC Commissioner Willie Phillips steps down early, reportedly after a request from the Trump administration, creating an opportunity for Republicans to gain a majority on the powerful energy regulatory body.

Phillips 66 Challenges Elliott Over Citgo Conflict in Boardroom Battle

Phillips 66 is accusing activist investor Elliott of a conflict of interest tied to Citgo as a shareholder battle over board seats and the company’s future strategy escalates.

Environmental Groups Brace for Legal Fight Over Trump’s Energy Rollbacks

Environmental groups are ramping up legal teams in anticipation of challenging President Trump’s sweeping energy deregulation orders, which bypass public input and aim to sunset federal rules.

Drivers at Energy Transfer Push to Decertify Steelworkers Union in Three States

Drivers at Energy Transfer locations across Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana have petitioned for a vote to remove the United Steelworkers union, potentially affecting over 420 workers in the oil and gas transportation sector.