Search Results for keywords:"Pacific Gas

The Coast Guard has made available a policy letter titled "Guidelines for Obtaining STCW Endorsements for Basic and Advanced IGF Code Operations." This policy offers guidance on how mariners can voluntarily obtain endorsements for operating vessels that use gases or low flashpoint fuels in line with international safety and training standards. The endorsements are not mandatory, but the Coast Guard will issue them to mariners who meet the training requirements. This policy is intended to help mariners and vessel operators ensure compliance with international standards, especially when operating in foreign ports.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule stating that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from electric utility generating units (EGUs) significantly contribute to air pollution that endangers public health and welfare. This determination is based on a framework where EGUs, due to their large emissions, surpass the established 3-percent threshold of total U.S. GHG emissions. While other factors could also influence this decision, the major emissions from EGUs alone justify regulation. The rule does not expect to impact energy supply, costs, or emissions notably.

Chevron Corporation and Hess Corporation have requested the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to review and nullify a previous order from January 17, 2025. This order stopped Chevron's efforts to appoint Hess CEO John B. Hess to Chevron's board following their merger, which was seen as potentially harming competition by increasing industry coordination. Chevron and Hess argue that the order lacks a valid antitrust basis, claiming that Mr. Hess's role would not significantly affect competition or oil prices, and that removing the order would be in the public interest to enhance U.S. energy production. The FTC is inviting the public to comment on this petition until May 12, 2025.

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas is considering a proposed Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement related to alleged Clean Air Act violations by Chesapeake Exploration LLC and Chesapeake Appalachia LLC. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claims these companies violated air pollution standards at 159 natural gas facilities in Ohio. As part of the agreement, Chesapeake is expected to pay a $1.2 million penalty. Public comments on the settlement are accepted for thirty days and can be submitted via email or mail.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a notice requesting public comments on its information collection activities related to several forms and applications, including FERC-519, FERC-520, FERC-546, and FERC-580. These collections involve applications for utility mergers, holding interlocking positions, gas pipeline rate filings, and fuel and energy purchase practices. The purpose of these collections is to ensure compliance with the Federal Power Act and monitor activities within the natural gas and electric utility industries. Comments on these information collection activities are due by February 3, 2025.

The final regulations from the Treasury Department and the IRS provide guidelines for claiming tax credits under section 45Q of the Internal Revenue Code, which encourages carbon oxide sequestration. They clarify how the capture, storage, and utilization of carbon oxide must be conducted and verified to qualify for credits. The regulations also define key terms, explain the process for credit recapture if captured carbon oxide leaks, and specify the documentation and reporting requirements necessary for compliance. The aim is to foster innovation and investment in technologies that reduce carbon emissions and assist in capturing carbon oxide effectively.

The Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) is delaying the effective date of its "2020 Valuation Reform and Civil Penalty Rule" from February 16, 2021, to April 16, 2021. This decision follows the January 20, 2021, White House directive to pause and review pending regulations, ensuring they properly consider applicable laws and policies. The delay also opens a 30-day comment period for public input on the rule's legal and policy foundations and the impact of the delay itself. The ONRR hopes to gather feedback on various concerns, particularly how recent changes in Executive Orders and potential adjustments to royalty calculations might affect the rule.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued a final rule to update the maximum civil monetary penalties for violating laws and regulations under its authority. This adjustment is required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act, which mandates annual updates to account for inflation. The rule comes into effect on January 14, 2025, and is being implemented without the usual notice and comment process due to legal requirements. The updated penalties apply to acts governed by the Federal Power Act, Natural Gas Policy Act, Natural Gas Act, and Interstate Commerce Act, among others.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is releasing a final rule to update regulations on the maximum civil monetary penalties for breaking laws under its control. This change is in line with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, which requires annual inflation adjustments. The rule outlines how to calculate the new adjusted penalties, which will take effect immediately upon publication in the Federal Register. The Commission asserts that public notice and comment were not needed due to legal obligations dictating both the method and amount of these adjustments.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has sent an information request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to extend the data collection required by the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for natural gas transmission and storage. This request, already approved until February 28, 2025, affects facilities that handle natural gas before it reaches consumers. The public has an extra 30 days to comment on the proposal. The estimated costs are $586,000 per year, with a total burden of 4,650 hours annually for 91 respondents.