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The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), a part of the Department of Transportation (DOT), is making corrections to certain rules regarding gas transmission pipelines. These changes are necessary following a 2024 court decision that removed specific safety requirements from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) because they were not justifiable. The amendments remove rules about monitoring internal pipeline corrosion and immediate repair criteria for specific types of pipeline damage. These changes take effect immediately to ensure that the regulations reflect the current legal environment and accurately guide pipeline operators.

The Coast Guard is implementing a permanent safety zone in the waters around Bahia de Ponce, Ponce, Puerto Rico. This safety zone is designed to protect lives during ship-to-ship transfers of liquefied gas, preventing any unauthorized persons or vessels from entering the zone while these operations are active. The safety zone extends 100 yards from the transfer location, and access is only permitted with permission from the Captain of the Port San Juan or a designated Coast Guard official. This new rule becomes effective on March 5, 2021, and aims to ensure navigational safety in this busy maritime area.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has assessed that its proposed rule to implement consumer protections for Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing will not have a significant impact on the environment. PACE loans help finance home improvements like solar panels and energy efficiency projects. The proposed rule would require lenders to ensure borrowers can repay these loans, potentially reducing the number of loans issued. While some argue this could limit environmental benefits from such projects, the CFPB found the rule's effect on the environment would be minimal and does not necessitate a more extensive environmental review.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has updated its regulations under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. This final rule expands the definition of qualifying cogeneration facilities to include fuel cell systems that use waste heat in a process to produce hydrogen, covering systems beyond just solid oxide fuel cells. The aim is to recognize technological advancements and promote efficient energy generation using fuel cells with integrated steam hydrocarbon reformation processes. This change encourages more efficient energy production and supports the evolving energy landscape while complying with existing environmental and energy conservation laws.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is asking the public for comments on the information collection called FERC-545, which relates to changes in gas pipeline rates. This request is part of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, and the comments are due by March 10, 2025. The purpose of this collection is to ensure that the rate changes are fair, reasonable, and comply with the Natural Gas Act. Those interested can submit their feedback through the FERC website or by mail.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued a waiver to exempt City Utilities of Springfield, Missouri, from the Buy America requirements for certain products used in its natural gas project funded by the NGDISM grant. This waiver is granted because these products, such as locator markers and magnesium anodes, are not available in sufficient quantities from domestic manufacturers. City Utilities had previously sought suppliers but found no companies able to provide the required products compliant with the Buy America Act. The waiver applies only to this specific project and is effective until the project concludes, estimated by June 30, 2029.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a final interpretive rule regarding energy conservation standards for products like residential furnaces and commercial water heaters. The rule states that non-condensing technology and its associated venting is considered a "feature" that must be preserved under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). This decision comes after public comments and aims to prevent eliminating this technology through energy-saving regulations. This interpretation may limit potential energy savings but allows consumers more choices and prevents unnecessary building modifications. The DOE also withdrew previous proposals on energy conservation standards that were inconsistent with this interpretation.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is asking for public comments on the information collection known as FERC 545: Gas Pipeline Rates: Rate Change (Non-Formal). This request aligns with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and covers information needed to implement certain sections of the Natural Gas Act. The collection helps FERC ensure that gas rates are fair and not discriminatory. The public has until April 25, 2025, to submit any comments on this matter through specified online platforms or by mail.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is proposing to update more than 20 incorporated consensus standards in the Federal pipeline safety regulations. This proposed rulemaking involves incorporating newer versions of technical standards, clarifying regulatory language, and making minor corrections to improve clarity without imposing new initiatives on pipeline operators. The changes will allow operators to use the latest technologies and practices in pipeline safety, while also aligning with federal policies to incorporate voluntary consensus standards. Public comments on the proposal are invited until March 16, 2021.

The final regulations from the Internal Revenue Service under the Treasury Department focus on implementing credits for producing clean hydrogen as part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. These regulations cover how to assess greenhouse gas emissions, verify clean hydrogen production, and apply energy credits for hydrogen production facilities. They impact all taxpayers who either produce qualified clean hydrogen or use renewable energy sources to make it, aiming to encourage cleaner hydrogen production processes. The rules are effective from January 10, 2025.