Stalled gas pipeline projects unlikely to get relief under EPA rule, experts say
Even as industry welcomes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's latest proposal aimed at preventing states from blocking infrastructure projects, experts say the policy is unlikely to give gas pipelines the boost they want. The Aug. 9 rulemaking proposal is the latest volley in a battle between states and the Trump administration over lengthy delays to gas projects. It would limit states' authority under the Clean Water Act to block pipeline construction if a project does not meet state standards.
Enbridge plans to restore gas flows on Texas Eastern line after deadly blast
Enbridge Inc. subsidiary Texas Eastern Transmission LP has a planned timeline to resume natural gas flows through a line that was taken out of service following a fatal blast in central Kentucky. But the company cannot yet offer specific timing on startup for two other lines that were also shut in after the explosion. Texas Eastern plans to restore some service to Line 25 sometime between Aug. 24-26, once the operator completes construction and other activities on the portion of the 8,835-mile system.
Group demands that Delaware River agency step into PennEast pipeline project
An environmental group asked the Delaware River Basin Commission to claim jurisdiction over the PennEast Pipeline Co. LLC natural gas transportation project that would run between the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In an Aug. 13 letter to the Delaware River Basin Commission, the Delaware Riverkeeper Network called for the commission to provide a formal statement on how it plans to assert its authority over the 1.1-Bcf/d pipeline project. Delaware Riverkeeper expressed concern over incidents in which the group said the commission "failed to fulfill its legal obligations to protect our water sources from irreparable harm in the past."
Atlantic Coast pipeline's construction safety flagged in December 2018
Federal inspectors found in 2018 that construction on the Dominion Energy Inc.-led Atlantic Coast Pipeline in West Virginia likely violated safety standards, according to a July letter addressed to a company subsidiary. The U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration alerted Dominion Energy Transmission Inc. on July 25 that the agency had discovered "unsafe construction practices at work" during a December 2018 inspection in Doddridge and Lewis counties of the 600-mile project.
Avista inks agreement with Ore. consumer groups on gas rate increase
Avista Corp. reached a settlement agreement with all the parties involved in its natural gas general rate request that would raise natural gas billed revenues by $3.6 million, according to an Aug. 14 news release. The settlement aims to boost natural gas billed revenues by 4.2%. It also includes a 7.24% rate of return on rate base, with a common equity ratio of 50% and a 9.4% return on equity. Originally, Avista sought an increase of about $6.7 million, or 7.8%.
Atlantic Coast pipeline opponents tell North Carolina to revoke water permit
Two environmental groups asked the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to rescind a Clean Water Act certification for the 1.5-Bcf/d Atlantic Coast Pipeline LLC natural gas transportation project designed to move Appalachian production to mid-Atlantic and Southeast markets. NC Climate Solutions Network and Friends of the Earth based the request on what they described as old or inadequate environmental impact information submitted by Atlantic Coast Pipeline and project lead Dominion Energy Inc.
Federal safety agency awards $60M to fund state pipeline, gas storage oversight
The U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is giving $60.3 million in formula grants to help fund state-level pipeline and underground natural gas storage oversight, according to an Aug. 15 news release. PHMSA-certified state pipeline safety programs monitor approximately 80% of the United States' 2.8 million miles of gas and liquids pipelines.
