EPA proposes rollback of Obama-era methane emissions rule
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency moved to roll back an Obama-era rule aimed at capturing fugitive methane from oil and gas operations, arguing the prior administration made errors in its attempt to regulate emissions of the planet-warming greenhouse gas. The EPA on Aug. 29 put forward two proposals that would amend the 2016 New Source Performance Standards, which placed limits on emissions of methane and ozone-forming volatile organic compounds from new or modified oil and gas infrastructure.
NY gas pipe standoff brings state, National Grid to brink of historic conflict
Gov. Andrew Cuomo's threat to strip National Grid USA of its right to deliver natural gas in parts of New York represents a proposed exercise of state authority that sector experts say has rarely been used against a major utility in the last century, illustrating how a standoff over pipeline construction in the Empire State has created a level of brinkmanship few expected. Cuomo directed state regulators on Aug. 27 to expand an ongoing investigation into National Grid's decision to reject new gas customers following reports that the utility had improperly shut off service to existing customers.
Ore. senator calls for probe into Jordan Cove over alleged abusive practices
Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., urged the federal government to look into the alleged abusive methods used by Canada's Pembina Pipeline Corp. in obtaining the rights to build its proposed Jordan Cove LNG export terminal in southern Oregon. In an Aug. 21 letter to U.S. Assistant Attorney General Stephen Boyd, Wyden called for an investigation into whether the developer has been trying to force elderly landowners to sign easement agreements for the company's planned LNG pipeline, which runs through Coos, Douglas, Jackson and Klamath counties in Oregon.
National Energy Board is no more as Canada Energy Regulator takes over
Canada's National Energy Board has given way to its successor, the Canada Energy Regulator — the result of legislation that splits approvals for major projects between the regulator and an environmental assessment board. As of Aug. 28, the Canadian Energy Regulator Act came into effect. "This transition will not impact the critical work we do as the federal energy regulator," the Canada Energy Regulator said in a posting on its website.
Canadian energy regulator to probe Enbridge mainline open season
The Canada Energy Regulator has agreed to open a probe into Enbridge Inc.'s plan to fundamentally change the way it sells space on the nation's largest export pipeline network. The regulator said in an Aug. 27 letter to oil producers that it will begin an expedited process to review Enbridge's open season for its mainline system.
Texas, Oklahoma look to take control over oil and gas wastewater disposal
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a considerable say in the disposal of wastewater from oil and gas exploration and production. However, two of the largest hydrocarbon producing states are looking to change that. Both Texas and Oklahoma have made moves in recent months to challenge the EPA's primacy over the disposal of wastewater as they look to take control of the matter.
