PHMSA has issued an interim final rule (IFR) to establish – for the first time ever – minimum federal standards for underground natural gas storage facilities. The IFR imposes significant new requirements in a short timeframe for “downhole facilities,” including
PipelineLaw
Connecting you to the flow of latest news and industry information
PipelineLaw, published by Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, focuses on legal developments and regulatory issues related to energy infrastructure, particularly pipelines. The blog covers topics such as federal eminent domain authority under the Natural Gas Act, state and federal regulatory enforcement actions, and the intersection of energy policy with environmental and climate change goals. It addresses litigation and administrative proceedings involving pipeline projects, including Supreme Court cases and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) enforcement reports. The blog also discusses state-level investigations and policy shifts affecting natural gas distribution and energy transition strategies, providing insights into the evolving legal landscape for energy companies and regulators.
Latest from PipelineLaw - Page 9
Agencies Emphasize Pipeline Security in Response to October Acts of Sabotage
In coordination with the TSA, PHMSA issued an advisory to remind the industry of the importance of safeguarding pipeline facilities and monitoring SCADA systems for indications of unauthorized access or interference with pipeline operations.…
GPAC Public Meetings to Discuss PHMSA Gas Rule Rescheduled
PHMSA has rescheduled the public meetings of the Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee (GPAC) for January 11-12, 2017. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss PHMSA’s proposed gas mega rule and the underlying regulatory analysis. The meetings were previously scheduled…
GPAC to Discuss PHMSA’s Pending Gas Pipeline Rulemaking
The Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee (GPAC) will meet in Washington, D.C. next month to discuss PHMSA’s proposed gas rules.…
OIG Finds Insufficient Oversight and Coordination by PHMSA
The Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a report criticizing PHMSA’s implementation of Congressional mandates and recommendations from the NTSB, GAO and the OIG itself.…
Underground Gas Storage Recommendations Likely to Inform Upcoming Rules
The Interagency Task force on Natural Gas Storage Safety formed last April in response to the massive prolonged Aliso Canyon gas leak, recently issued its report on the safety and reliability of underground natural gas storage.…
Deadlines Triggered by Publication of PHMSA Safety Rules/Notices
PHMSA recently issued pre-publication copies of several rules and notices, which have now been formally published in the Federal Register, triggering various deadlines.…
Activists Attempt to Shut Down Five Major Oil Pipelines
A group referring to itself as “Climate Direct Action” claimed to have shut down five major cross-border oil pipelines in various states on Tuesday October 11, 2016: Minnesota (Enbridge Lines 4 and 67 near Leonard), Montana (Spectra Energy’s Express Pipeline…
Pipelines Subject to Higher Penalties under New PHMSA Civil Penalty Policy
On October 11, 2016, PHMSA released a Policy Statement notifying owners and operators of oil and gas pipelines that it is finally making its civil penalty framework publicly accessible, and that respondents may now request proposed civil penalty calculations in…
Distribution Excess Flow Valve Rule Finalized
PHMSA released a pre-publication copy of its final rule expanding requirements for excess flow valves in natural gas distribution service pipelines.…