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.

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 Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) of the Department of Transportation is holding a virtual public meeting on January 16, 2025. This meeting involves two advisory committees, the Liquid Pipeline Advisory Committee (LPAC) and the Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee (GPAC), to discuss proposed rules on updating pipeline safety standards and cost recovery for LNG facility reviews. The public is encouraged to attend and submit comments by February 20, 2025. Information about joining the meeting will be made available online, and accommodations can be arranged for attendees with disabilities.

Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC has submitted an application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a project in Louisiana. The project aims to upgrade existing equipment and add a new compressor unit, increasing the capacity to transport natural gas to Tampa Electric Company. The public can participate in the review process by commenting, protesting, or intervening before January 30, 2025. More details and instructions on the process for participation are available on the FERC website.

The Bureau of Land Management has proposed to reinstate an oil and gas lease in Lea County, New Mexico, originally held by EOG Y Resources Inc. This action follows the lessee's request for reinstatement and payment of owed rentals since the lease termination. The lease will be reinstated under original conditions, with some changes such as increased rental and royalty rates, and the lessee has agreed to these updated terms along with paying necessary administrative and publication fees.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has issued a final rule to adjust civil monetary penalties for onshore oil and gas operations and coal trespass due to inflation. This update, effective January 17, 2025, follows the requirements of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015. The rule does not allow for public comment due to its non-discretionary nature, and it outlines increases in specific monetary penalties to maintain their deterrent effect. The adjustments are calculated using a multiplier based on the change in the Consumer Price Index from October 2023 to October 2024.

Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc. has submitted an application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for authorization to undertake the Cedar Vale Compressor Station Project. This project involves the construction and operation of a new compressor station in Osage County, Oklahoma, which will increase the gas delivery capacity to markets in Missouri and Kansas by adding firm capacity of 98,000 dekatherms per day in the Market Area and 35,000 dekatherms per day in the Production Area. Interested parties have until December 24, 2024, to file comments, protests, or motions to intervene in the proceeding, which can be done electronically or by mail. The Commission will conduct an environmental review within 90 days and offers support and information through its Office of Public Participation.

The U.S. Department of Energy has decided to update energy conservation standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. These changes aim to make the heaters more energy-efficient, leading to significant energy savings while being both technologically feasible and economically justified. Starting December 26, 2029, manufacturers will need to comply with these new standards, which are calculated to save energy and money over the lifetime of the heaters and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, despite potential minor increases in electricity use. The overall benefits include costs savings for consumers and emissions reductions, though there will be conversion costs for manufacturers to meet these standards.

Eastern Gas Transmission and Storage, Inc. has filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for its Capital Area Project, which involves upgrading compressor stations in Pennsylvania and Virginia. The project aims to increase gas transportation capacity to Washington Gas Light Company, with an estimated cost of $171 million. Interested parties are invited to participate by filing comments, protests, or motions to intervene by January 13, 2024. FERC will conduct an environmental review, and all related documents can be accessed online through the Commission's website.