Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) and Opus 12 said a nine-month study has demonstrated a process to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) in raw biogas to methane in a single electrochemical step. The Sempra Energy utility called it “a critical improvement in the science of upgrading biogas to pipeline quality natural gas,” and a simpler method of converting excess renewable electricity into storable gas. Opus 12 used a polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzer to convert CO2 to methane.

FERC Staff will prepare an environmental assessment (EA) for Cheniere Energy affiliate Sabine Pass LNG‘s (SPLNG) Third Birth Expansion Project in Cameron Parish, LA [PF18-3]. The project would add a third marine birth and supporting facilities to the SPLNG terminal on the Sabine Pass Channel. The berth would be used to load LNG vessels for export and would be sized to accommodate vessels with capacities up to 180,000 cubic meters.The supporting facilities would include tie-ins to SPLNG terminal loading lines and boil off gas lines associated with five existing LNG storage tanks. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will accept comments for the EA through May 21.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has issued an executive order (EO) requiring regulators to expedite permitting “for all projects” and prioritize permits for projects of “critical economic concern.” The order, which would cover Marcellus and Utica shale drilling and infrastructure, requires written reports be made to permit applicants explaining inaction on critical projects. It also establishes annual reporting requirements from the state development office to the governor and legislature about the progress of expedited permitting. Justice, a Republican, said the actions mirror President Trump. Trump signed an EOin 2017 to expedite major infrastructure permitting.