Regulation

Cheniere Energy Advocates for U.S. to Stay in Paris Climate Agreement

Top U.S. LNG exporter Cheniere Energy on Tuesday came out in favor of the United States remaining in the Paris climate agreement and complying with methane emissions restrictions, cautioning the incoming Trump administration against reversals.

Plains All American Agrees to Pay $73 Million to Settle California Oil Spill Lawsuit

The spill occurred after a pipeline, which ran across California's coastline, ruptured and spilled an estimated 126,000 gallons of oil into the ocean and on the beaches.

Crown LNG Races to Develop and Start Texas LNG Plant Before Trump's Term Ends in 2029

Crown LNG aims to complete a Texas-based LNG export plant before President Trump’s term concludes in 2029, with a focus on expediting offshore development to streamline regulatory approval.

Analysts: U.S. Needs Canada’s Oil, Making Tariffs Unlikely

Canada’s oil industry argues that U.S. dependence on Canadian crude, critical for American refineries, should deter tariffs under President Trump, citing potential impacts on fuel prices and refinery costs.

Cheniere Study Shows Lower GHG Emissions in Updated LNG Life Cycle Analysis

Cheniere Energy recently published an updated life cycle assessment of greenhouse gas emissions tied to its liquefied natural gas operations, incorporating new data from its supply chain.

Norway to Acquire Full Control of Gas Pipeline Network in $1.6 Billion Government Deal

Norway has agreed to a $1.6 billion buyout with seven private owners to nationalize most of its gas pipeline network, enhancing government control over the key energy infrastructure.

Trump Prepares to Withdraw from Paris Climate Agreement, NYT Reports

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's transition team prepares executive orders to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, end the LNG export pause, and revoke California's pollution waiver, according to the New York Times.

Freeport LNG Sets New Gas-Processing Record After Plant Overhaul

Freeport LNG drew record natural gas volumes on several days this week, according to financial firm LSEG, following completion of an overhaul that increased processing capacity.

Biden Administration Makes Final Oil Purchase for Strategic Reserve as Funding Ends

The Biden administration announced its last oil purchase for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve after record sales in 2022, as Department of Energy funding for the reserve has been fully tapped.

Trump Win Expected to Lift Barriers on U.S. LNG Export Projects, Say Developers

U.S. LNG developers anticipate accelerated project approvals following Donald Trump’s election, as his administration promises to streamline Department of Energy reviews. Companies like Energy Transfer and Commonwealth LNG expect this shift to fast-track multibillion-dollar export projects, while environmental groups vow continued opposition.

EU Explores LNG Imports From U.S. to Counter Trump’s Tariff Threat, Boost Trade Balance

The European Union is considering increasing LNG imports from the U.S. to ease trade tensions with a potential second term for Donald Trump, as Brussels braces for new tariffs. This move is seen as a way to address the trade deficit while diversifying energy sources in the wake of geopolitical instability.

Sempra's Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 Progressing Faster Than Cameron LNG Expansion, CFO Says

The Texas-based Port Arthur project benefits from a continuous construction agreement with Bechtel and is on track to receive its non-FTA export permit early next year. Meanwhile, the timing for financial approval of the Cameron expansion remains uncertain.

Federal Regulators Approve Venture Global to Introduce Natural Gas at Louisiana LNG Plant

Federal regulators have granted Venture Global permission to introduce natural gas into its Plaquemines LNG plant in Louisiana, bringing the facility closer to producing liquefied natural gas (LNG) and strengthening U.S. LNG export capacity.

Trump’s Return May Shift U.S. Energy Focus, but Clean-Energy Boom Remains Strong

Donald Trump's return to the White House would likely redirect U.S. energy policy towards oil and gas, but experts believe the nation's clean-energy boom will maintain momentum due to existing subsidies and market dynamics.

Texas Reelects Craddick to Lead Oil Regulatory Body, Signaling Continued Industry Growth

Texas voters have re-elected Christi Craddick as chair of the Texas Railroad Commission, reinforcing her conservative stance on energy regulation and signaling further growth for the state’s oil industry, including the Permian Basin.

Texas GulfLink Project Gets EPA Backing for Crude Export Hub off Texas Coast

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given its nod to the Texas GulfLink (TGL) Deepwater Port Project, a venture proposed by Texas GulfLink Holdings, a subsidiary of Sentinel Midstream LLC, intended to facilitate crude oil exports from the U.S. coast.

Another Major U.S. Oil Refinery Shutting Down as Lyondell Confirms Houston Closure

LyondellBasell Industries plans to permanently close its 263,776 bpd Houston refinery in early 2025, citing long-term shifts in fuel demand amid rising renewable energy and electric vehicle adoption. The closure adds to a wave of U.S. refinery shutdowns as the industry adapts to changing market conditions.

Trump Victory Could Accelerate End of U.S. LNG Export Moratorium, Says Technip Energies

Technip Energies' CEO Arnaud Pieton suggested that a potential victory for Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election could expedite the lifting of the U.S. moratorium on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.

Valero Considers All Options, Including Sale, for California Refineries Amid Regulatory Pressure

Valero Energy Corp. is evaluating various options for its two California refineries, including potential sales, in response to increasing regulatory pressures in the state. CEO Lane Riggs indicated that "all options are on the table," highlighting the challenges faced by refiners in California.

Permitting Reform Legislation Once Again on the Table

The need to update and improve the arduous process of obtaining the permits needed to get critical infrastructure projects off the ground is a longtime priority among supporters of American energy, especially advocates of infrastructure transporting fossil fuels.

Cheniere Energy Moves Closer to Starting New Texas LNG Export Operation

Cheniere Energy moves closer to starting production at its Corpus Christi Stage 3 LNG export facility in Texas, receiving federal approval for key operations. The expansion will add around 10 million metric tons per year to U.S. LNG export capacity.

Canada Halts Imperial’s Norman Wells Oil Permit Extension Over Pipeline, Environmental Concerns

The SSI outlined concerns about the impact of climate change on the Norman Wells operations and the Enbridge pipeline that transports the oil to Alberta in a September letter to the CER.

Workers Sue Pemex Over Injuries from Texas Refinery Gas Leak

Three workers have filed a lawsuit against Mexico's national oil company Pemex for injuries allegedly caused by a hydrogen sulfide gas release at a Deer Park, Texas refinery.

U.S. Northeast Outlook: Permitting Reforms Seen as Crucial to Region’s Energy Woes

The state of Massachusetts earlier in 2024 joined its fellow New England states, along with Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and New York in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a framework for coordinating their activities to improve interregional transmission planning and development.

Federal Court Slaps FERC’s Hands on Project Approvals

According to the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA), 2023 saw the smallest increase in added interstate pipeline capacity on record in the United States.

FERC Denies Shell Access to Older Commissioning Records in Venture Global LNG Dispute

Shell has lost a bid to have U.S. regulators allow it to view nonpublic commissioning documents related to Venture Global LNG's Calcasieu Pass facility, a setback in a broader dispute over access to cargoes from the plant.

Fatal Gas Leak at Pemex’s Texas Refinery Kills 2, Sparks Investigations

A deadly gas leak at Pemex's Texas refinery in Deer Park claimed two lives and injured 35 workers, prompting investigations into the cause. The accident, which released toxic hydrogen sulfide gas, has sparked concerns about safety protocols at the Mexican state-owned refinery.

U.S. Appeals Court Blocks Kinder Morgan’s Tennessee Pipeline Permits

A U.S. appeals court on Friday put on hold approvals and permits necessary to allow a Kinder Morgan subsidiary to construct a 32-mile gas pipeline in Tennessee, at the urging of environmental groups.

Federal Court Rejects Four New Pipeline Safety Rules

Not only has the D.C. Federal Court of Appeals upending FERC decisions, but it has also now injected itself into Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) decisions.

Siemens Sues Citgo Parent in Texas Over $200 Million Default

Siemens Energy has filed a lawsuit against PDV Holding, Citgo's parent, in Texas, seeking to recover $200 million for a promissory note defaulted by Venezuela. The action comes as creditors pursue claims amid ongoing financial disputes.