Regulation

United States Grand Jury Accuses Amplify Energy of Negligence in Oil Spill

A federal grand jury has accused Amplify Energy and two of its subsidiaries of illegally and negligently discharging oil during a pipeline break in California in October.

Enbridge Removes Michigan's Oil Pipeline Lawsuit to Federal Court

Enbridge Inc. removed to U.S. federal court a lawsuit filed by Michigan's attorney general against its Line 5 oil pipeline, the latest in a long-running dispute between the Canadian company and the Midwestern state.

New York City Bans Natural Gas in New Buildings

The New York City Council voted on Wednesday to ban the use of natural gas in new buildings, following in the footsteps of dozens of smaller U.S. cities seeking to shift from fossil fuels to cleaner forms of energy.

Investor Group Faults New Exxon Board Members on Climate Transition Plan

A coalition of Exxon Mobil Corp. investors wants the oil company to replace its chief executive officer and move more aggressively to slash greenhouse gas emissions.

Report: High Rates of Methane Spewing from Permian Oilfield Operations

Methane continues to escape at a high rate from oil and gas operations in the Permian Basin, according to an aerial survey released Tuesday.

Plains All-American Hoping to Replace Ruptured Oil Pipeline in California

Plains All American Pipeline is applying for a replacement pipeline project in California, showing the state still has potential to host fossil fuel infrastructure even as it takes significant measures to curb climate change.

Lukashenko Reiterates Warning on Gas Transit Blockade to Europe

Belarus' leader Alexander Lukashenko has again warned that Minsk could suspend the transit of natural gas across its territory to Europe.

Belarus Oil Firm Cancels 2022 Druzhba Pipeline Exports to Germany After EU Sanctions

Belarusian oil company Belorusneft has cancelled its 2022 export plans to Germany via the Druzhba pipeline following new European Union sanctions on the company.

Willie Phillips Sworn in as Newest FERC Commissioner

Nominated by President Joe Biden, Phillips’ unanimous Senate confirmation to FERC on Nov. 16 marks the first time a D.C. Commissioner was appointed to this position.

Biden Methane Proposal Ups Pipeline Responsibility

The Biden administration proposal to limit methane emissions from pipeline transmission compressors and pneumatic controllers goes beyond what the Obama administration had put in place in 2017.

FERC Punts on GHG ‘Significance’ Again

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission continues to hesitate in determining whether greenhouse gas emissions from new pipeline projects are a “significant” contribution to climate change.

Implementation Struggles of PHMSA’s Fatigue Mitigation Regulations

Fatigue is one of a controller’s greatest threats. Despite restrictions that have transpired for monitoring and mitigating controller fatigue in the past decade, fatigue is not a new worry within the oil and gas industry.

Natural Gas and Oil Industry Committed to Reducing Methane Emissions, API Testifies

American Petroleum Institute Vice President of Upstream Policy Kevin O’Scannlain testified during the EPA's hearing on proposed methane regulations for new and existing sources.

Kremlin Hopes Belarus Won't Stop Gas Transit to EU Amid Migrant Crisis

Russia hopes Belarus will not suspend gas transit to Europe, the Kremlin said on Wednesday, after Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko threatened to block shipments as part of a crisis over migrants at the border.

Michigan Drops Federal Case Against Enbridge Pipeline to Clear Way for State Court Case

The move is a welcome development for Enbridge in one part of the long-running battle over Line 5, but Governor Gretchen Whitmer made it clear she will continue to fight against the 68-year-old oil pipeline.

Ukraine's Naftogaz Says Russia-EU Gas Transit Deal May Not be Renewed

Ukraine's state energy firm Naftogaz has no power to halt the Nord Stream 2 pipeline being built between Russia and Germany, despite its role in the certification process, while its own transit deal with Russia may not be renewed.

APGA Continues Focus on Advocacy of Natural Gas

In this interview, Alonzo Weaver, chairman of APGA and senior vice president and COO at Memphis Light Gas & Water, discusses APGA’s priorities for the coming year, helping members who are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic and engaging the public concerning natural gas and other topics.

Enbridge May Face Tougher Fight for Oil Barrels, Lower Rates, After Pipeline Ruling

A Canadian regulator's rejection last week of Enbridge's plan to sell space long-term on the country's biggest oil pipeline dealt the company a double whammy that analysts say could hit its bottom line.

Germany Said to be Working with US on Nord Stream 2 Deal

Germany's foreign ministry said it continued to coordinate closely with the U.S. administration on implementing a joint declaration on the $11 billion pipeline.

Canada Rejects Enbridge Plan to Sell Oil Pipeline Space Under Contract

The Canada Energy Regulator on Friday rejected Enbridge's plan to sell nearly all space on its Mainline oil pipeline under long-term contracts, rather than rationing it on a monthly basis.

Australia Unveils Plan to Spur Pipeline Investment

Australia outlined a plan to spur investment in new gas pipelines to beef up gas supply, despite the government's pledge to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050

Delay to Nord Stream 2 Pipeline May Be Short - Analyst

The suspension of the approval process for the Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline by a German regulator could be short-lived as Europe is hungry for more gas, an analyst said after meeting officials of Russian state gas giant Gazprom.

U.S. Energy Secretary: Companies Making Big Profits Should Increase Oil Supply

U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm on Tuesday urged U.S. energy companies to increase oil supply amid "enormous profits," as the Biden administration tries to bring down the price of gasoline.

US Wants NatGas/Power Coordination to Prevent Another Feb Freeze

U.S. power reliability regulators recommended electric grids strengthen cold weather rules and coordinate with the natural gas industry to prevent a recurrence of the February freeze that left millions in Texas without power for days.

Perspective: Stemming Methane Leaks from Pipelines, Landfills Could Quickly Slow Climate Change

Methane, which is more potent than carbon dioxide but has a shorter lifespan, reached record levels in the atmosphere last year, at about 2.5 times above those during the pre-industrial era.

Judge Rules Enbridge Line 5 Oil Pipeline Case with Michigan be Heard in Federal Court

A legal battle between Canadian company Enbridge Inc. and Michigan over Enbridge's Line 5 oil pipeline will be heard in federal court, a judge ruled on Tuesday, dismissing Michigan's motion to have the case sent back to state court.

Jitters in Europe as Russia Shows No Sign of Increasing Gas Supplies

Russia showed no sign on Monday of carrying out an order by President Vladimir Putin to pump more gas to Europe, deepening European concerns about tight supplies, high prices and energy dependence on Moscow as winter looms.

Uniper CFO: Nord Stream 2 Completion Not Cure-All for Gas Market Woes

The completion of the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to bring more Russian gas into Germany under the Baltic Sea would go some way to relieving the tight gas market this winter, but there are other factors at play.

Will Democratic-Run FERC Bless Use of ‘Social Cost of Carbon Tool’?

In a decision at the end of September, FERC staff handed the pipeline industry what could be a short-lived victory by approving three compressor stations – one new – in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Israeli Pipeline Group EAPC Indicted Over 2014 Oil Spill

Israeli state-owned energy group Europe Asia Pipeline Company was indicted on Tuesday over a 2014 oil spill that severely damaged a desert nature reserve, the country's Justice Ministry said.