Search Results for keywords:"Pacific Gas

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) announced a waiver of the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act's requirements for certain natural gas products like gas service risers, meters, and regulators because these are not available in large enough quantities domestically. This waiver, which applies to projects funded by the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization (NGDISM) Grant Program, aims to ensure timely project completion while maintaining safety. It is based on public feedback indicating supply issues and will last for three years starting January 22, 2025. PHMSA has emphasized the importance of having enough compliant products to avoid delaying critical safety construction projects.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a final rule amending the Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations to reduce regulatory burdens on gas pipelines while maintaining safety. It includes revisions to inspection requirements, such as extending intervals for atmospheric corrosion checks on certain pipes and allowing remote monitoring of rectifier stations. The rule also updates the reporting criteria for incidents by adjusting monetary thresholds for inflation and revises welding and testing requirements for pipe components. These changes aim to streamline regulatory processes and reduce costs without compromising safety standards.

In a Notice of Inquiry, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is seeking new information and viewpoints from stakeholders regarding the certification of new interstate natural gas transportation facilities. This initiative is an effort to explore potential changes in their policies, especially concerning the necessity of proposed projects, environmental impacts, and the effects on communities, including those focused on environmental justice. FERC is also interested in improving the efficiency of the certification process and invites comments on several related questions, due by April 26, 2021, providing guidance on how stakeholders can submit their opinions.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has decided to go ahead with Alternative B, which involves building and running a 500-megawatt gas plant at the New Caledonia Gas Plant site in Mississippi. This project aims to meet increasing electricity demands and integrate renewable energy sources while keeping costs low and ensuring reliable power for their service area. The plan uses existing site infrastructure to minimize environmental impacts and is part of TVA's strategy to reduce carbon emissions in the long term. Although there will be temporary environmental effects during construction, the project will benefit the economy and help incorporate more solar power into the grid.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has updated their timeline for completing the environmental assessment of the Black Bayou Gas Storage Project. Initially expected by February 14, 2025, the assessment is now scheduled for release on April 18, 2025, due to delays in receiving necessary information from Black Bayou Gas Storage, LLC. Following the assessment's release, there’s a 90-day window for Federal Authorization decisions, set to end by July 17, 2025. For updates and further information, the public can subscribe to the Commission's eSubscription service or contact the Office of Public Participation.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has received an application from Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for a new major license to operate the Balch Hydroelectric Project in California. Located on the North Fork Kings River, the project includes a diversion dam, reservoirs, powerhouses, and infrastructure necessary for electricity generation and distribution. The public can submit scoping comments on the environmental impact of the project by January 12, 2025. The Commission will evaluate the potential environmental effects as part of the licensing process and invites the public to participate in this process.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has updated its regulations to include the latest version (Version 4.0) of business practice standards for interstate natural gas pipelines, created by the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB). This update aims to improve efficiency and reliability in the natural gas industry and enhance cybersecurity protections. The new rules go into effect on February 7, 2025, with compliance required by August 1, 2025. FERC continues to exclude certain standards, like optional model contracts, from being incorporated by reference.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the availability of the Draft Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks from 1990 to 2023 for public review. They are asking for feedback and suggestions to improve the quality of this inventory report, which will be finalized in April 2025. The report gives a detailed account of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by different sectors and aligns with global standards set by the IPCC and UNFCCC. Comments are welcomed until February 14, 2025, but will also be considered for future reports even if submitted later.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has published a notice to request public comments on a special permit application from Tennessee Gas Pipeline, L.L.C. (TGP). This permit seeks an exemption from certain federal pipeline safety regulations, particularly concerning changes in pipeline class locations and maximum allowable operating pressure. The exemption covers sections of the pipeline in Texas, Louisiana, and Tennessee, which need relief instead of replacing the pipeline or reducing its pressure. Interested parties have until February 18, 2021, to submit their comments regarding the safety and environmental implications of granting this permit.

PHMSA is asking the public to comment on a second set of draft Frequently Asked Questions (Batch-2 FAQs) related to the "Safety of Gas Transmission Pipelines" rule. This rule involves reconfirming Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (MAOP) and expanding assessment requirements for gas transmission pipelines. The FAQs are designed to help explain the rule and how to implement necessary changes, but they are not legally binding. Interested individuals can submit their comments via the Federal Register or by mail, and once reviewed, the final version of the FAQs will be available online.