Regulation
FERC Policy Statement on ROE Favors Pipelines
A new FERC policy on interstate oil and gas pipeline return on equity (ROE) follows a similar policy concerning utility lines but allows for the differences between the two industries.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Appeal Dakota Access Shutdown
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced it will appeal a federal judge's shutdown order against the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Options for Low-Pressure System Now Requiring Overpressure Protection
Events over the last several years have proven the inherent risks that can be present in older low-pressure gas distribution systems. As a result, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has investigated the problems and made several recommendations.
FERC Approval Gives Alaska LNG 10 Years to Start Operations
Federal authorization for the Alaska liquefied natural gas (LNG) project sets a 10-year deadline to start operating the gas pipeline and liquefaction plant, twice as much time as regulators have generally allowed for other U.S. LNG export terminal developers to build multibillion-dollar facilities.
A Little Good News from Back East
The pipeline industry in the U.S. Northeast finally got some positive news on the permitting front, when New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) received the go-ahead to move forward with construction work on a controversial 30-mile (48-km) section of the Southern Reliability Link (SRL) pipeline in New Jersey.
Dakota Access Seeks Stay of Pipeline Shutdown Order Pending Appeal
Dakota Access has asked a federal court to stay its previous order to shut down and empty the pipeline within 30 days while an appeal of the decision is decided.
End of an Era? Series of Setbacks Bode ill for Big Pipeline Projects
A rapid-fire succession of setbacks for big energy pipelines in the United States this week has revealed an uncomfortable truth for the oil and gas industry: environmental activists and landowners opposed to projects have become good at blocking them in court.
U.S. Energy Dept. Approves Jordan Cove LNG Exports
The U.S. Department of Energy has approved LNG exports from the proposed Jordan Cove LNG project in Oregon, the first on the country's West Coast.
Supreme Court Reinstates Permit 12 but Excludes Keystone XL
The U.S. Supreme Court reinstated use of the Army Corps of Engineers' Nationwide Permit 12 but refused to allow use of the fast-track permit to resume work on TC Energy's Keystone XL project.
Energy Transfer Vows to Keep Dakota Access Oil Flowing
Energy Transfer vowed to fight a court order to shut down and empty the Dakota Access oil pipeline, contending that U.S. District Judge James Boasberg overstepped his authority with the Monday ruling.
U.S. Court Orders Dakota Access Pipeline Shut, Emptied
A U.S. District Court has ordered Energy Transfer to shut down and empty its controversial 570,000 bpd Dakota Access oil pipeline within 30 days.
Michigan Judge Allows Restart of Enbridge Line 5 Pipeline
A Michigan judge ruled that Enbridge can resume pumping oil through its Line 5 pipeline, nearly a week after shutting it down because of damage to a structure that anchors a section of the line.
Michigan Regulators Deny Quick Approval of Enbridge Pipeline Tunnel
Regulators in Michigan have denied a request by Enbridge for expedited approval of its proposed Line 5 pipeline tunnel underneath the Great Lakes instead requesting a full review of the project.
EU Prepares Response to Nord Stream U.S. Sanctions Threat
The European Union is preparing measures to protect itself against proposed U.S. sanctions against European companies involved in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
Michigan Judge Orders Immediate Shut Down of Enbridge Line 5 Leg
A Michigan judge has granted a request from the state Attorney General to order the immediate shutdown of a portion of Enbridge's Line 5 which runs under a stretch of the Great Lakes.
PHMSA Issues Final Rule for Transportation of LNG by Rail
The U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration have released its final rule on the transportation of LNG by rail.
Dominion Seeks More Time to Complete Atlantic Coast Pipeline
Dominion Energy has requested more time from U.S. energy regulators to complete its long-delayed Atlantic Coast pipeline, even after receiving a favorable ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday.
Texas Could Tighten Some Natural Gas Flaring Rules by Fall
The head of Texas' energy regulatory body said they could look at tightening the states flaring regulations as early as this fall.
EQM Delays Mountain Valley Gas Pipeline to 2021
EQM Midstream has delayed the expected completion date of its Mountain Valley natural gas pipeline to sometime in early 2021 which could drive the cost of the project close to $6 billion.
PHMSA Proposal on Valves Proves Controversial
Flack is hitting the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) from all sides over its proposed rule to require automatic and remote shut-off valves on oil and gas pipelines.
U.S. FERC Landowner Protection Rule Likely to Delay Gas Projects
U.S. energy regulators have adopted new rules that prevent natural gas pipeline and development projects from performing construction work on any land where the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission must conduct rehearings permit decisions.
Federal Court Decision Threatens Pipeline Work Around Wetlands
Pipeline construction in and around wetlands faces a major, new legal impediment given the significant decision by a federal district court in Montana in mid-April.
Technology Meets Mega Rule Materials Verification Challenge Head On
With the implementation of the Mega Rule, U.S. pipeline owners and operators will be required to provide traceable, verifiable and complete (TVC) records that confirm the physical and operational characteristics of the pipeline meet the new requirements.
Easement Agreement Serves as Last Word Concerning ROW Issues
Most issues or problems regarding a pipeline right-of-way (ROW) can be resolved by a thorough investigation of the original easement agreement. This document determines the terms and conditions of laying and maintaining a pipeline on a property. It is the base contract between the landowner (grantor) and the pipeline operator (grantee).
Illinois Rejects Bid to Delay Decision on Dakota Access Expansion
Regulators in Illinois have unanimously rejected an attempt by environmental groups to delay the expansion of TC Energy's Dakota Access Pipeline due to the coronavirus.
Poland May Fine Gazprom Over Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Case
Polish regulators are considering fining Gazprom over $56 million related to anti-monopoly proceedings against the company's Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
Golden Pass Seeks to Boost Capacity at Texas LNG Plant
Golden Pass LNG has requested permission from FERC to increase the capacity of its $10 billion LNG plant in Texas from 15.6 MTPA to over 18 MTPA .
U.S. EPA Moves to Curb State Powers to Deny Permits for Energy Projects
The head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency signed a new rule on Monday that will limit the ability of state governments to deny a critical permit to infrastructure projects in their states.
Court Ruling in Keystone XL Case Will Affect Other Major U.S. Pipelines
A U.S. appeals court ruling on Thursday in a case against the Keystone XL pipeline will likely have large effects on other major pipeline projects in the country.
Keystone XL Pipeline Likely to Face Delays After U.S. Court Denies Stay
A U.S. court ruling from last month that would impose delays and increase permitting costs for major pipeline projects in the U.S. was not overturned by an appeals court this week.
- Trump Aims to Revive 1,200-Mile Keystone XL Pipeline Despite Major Challenges
- Valero Considers All Options, Including Sale, for California Refineries Amid Regulatory Pressure
- ConocoPhillips Eyes Sale of $1 Billion Permian Assets Amid Marathon Acquisition
- ONEOK Agrees to Sell Interstate Gas Pipelines to DT Midstream for $1.2 Billion
- Energy Transfer Reaches FID on $2.7 Billion, 2.2 Bcf/d Permian Pipeline
- U.S. LNG Export Growth Faces Uncertainty as Trump’s Tariff Proposal Looms, Analysts Say
- Tullow Oil on Track to Deliver $600 Million Free Cash Flow Over Next 2 Years
- Energy Transfer Reaches FID on $2.7 Billion, 2.2 Bcf/d Permian Pipeline
- GOP Lawmakers Slam New York for Blocking $500 Million Pipeline Project
- Texas Oil Company Challenges $250 Million Insurance Collateral Demand for Pipeline, Offshore Operations