On February 17, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) announced two new, significant policies that may have a profound impact on both natural gas pipeline projects before the Commission and the industry in general. Headlining these policies is
Pipelaws
More than a quarter century providing legal analysis to the oil and gas pipeline industry
Pipelaws, published by Troutman Pepper Locke, focuses on legal developments and regulatory updates related to pipeline infrastructure, natural gas, and environmental compliance. The blog covers topics such as Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) policies on pipeline project analysis and greenhouse gas emissions, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) regulations on pipeline safety and leak detection, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules affecting natural gas processing and toxic release reporting, and broader environmental and water law issues impacting the energy and pipeline sectors. It also addresses enforcement, compliance, and litigation matters relevant to pipeline operators and stakeholders.
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Troutman Pepper Launches Website and Podcast to Track Developments in Water Law and Policy
Reflections on Water, a website and accompanying podcast dedicated to tracking developments in water law and policy, was recently launched by Troutman Pepper’s highly regarded Water Quality and Water Resources practice. Recognized by Chambers USA, attorneys in this practice…
PHMSA Informational Meeting on Upcoming Leak Detection Inspections
On January 27, 2022, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) announced a public informational meeting on February 17, 2022 regarding PHMSA’s plan for forthcoming audits of updated inspection and maintenance plans to eliminate and minimize leaks pursuant to…
Natural Gas Processors to Report to EPA’s Toxic Release Inventory Beginning 2023
In a final rule published in the Federal Register on November 24, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) quietly finalized a hotly contested proposed rule, adding natural gas processing facilities to the list of industry sectors required to report their releases…
PHMSA Finalizes Rule Expanding Regulation of Gas Gathering
Just as global leaders convened in Glasgow for COP26, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a prepublication copy of its new rule (Final Rule) on November 2, 2021 that significantly expands reporting and safety requirements for operators…
Mandatory Homeland Security Cybersecurity Directive
* Meg Heyse is a 2021 summer associate at Troutman Pepper. She is not admitted to practice law.
In April 2021, the Department of Energy (DOE) launched a 100-day initiative to strengthen cybersecurity protections in the energy sector. Just one…
Gas Pipeline Regulatory Reform Rule Finalized
PHMSA Publishes Midstream Processing Guidance
PHMSA has finally published guidance to better delineate federal oversight of midstream processing facilities for public comment. The guidance, in the form of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), is intended to avoid gaps or overlaps in regulatory oversight of midstream facilities,…
Class Location Proposal to Provide Flexibility to Operators
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (“PHMSA” or the “Agency”) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM” or the “Proposed Rule”) that provides increased flexibility to gas transmission pipelines that experience a certain change in population surrounding the pipeline…
PHMSA Advisories Target Distribution Pipeline Meters and Overpressure Protection
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued two Advisory Bulletins directed to natural gas distribution pipeline owners and operators. PHMSA released the advisories in response to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations arising out of two…