Actions

Capping off a string of regulatory actions that have been favorable to the oil and natural gas industry — and somewhat embarrassing to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — the regulator has said it will delay the release of final air pollution standards for hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for two weeks.

Citing conflicting words and actions by President Obama on natural gas, a chief economist for a major producer group Wednesday urged Congress to put a stop to what he claims is the administration’s attempt to overregulate hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and oil and natural gas production.

Just before the New Year holiday, separate federal court actions dealt body blows to stiffer air pollution limits on vehicles and power plants. Industry sources hailed the rulings as a break for consumers facing higher fuel and energy costs.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) warned last week that irreversible climate change will occur if bold actions are not taken worldwide within the next five years, but the agency’s chief economist said he’s not optimistic that leaders will make the sacrifices necessary.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) warned Wednesday that irreversible climate change will occur if bold actions are not taken worldwide within the next five years, but the agency’s chief economist said he’s not optimistic that leaders will make the sacrifices necessary.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) took two actions Thursday related to private-sector utility ratepayer surcharges that can add up to hundreds of millions of dollars. One action most directly affects natural gas utility charges and the other electricity rates.

Changes to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) methods of reviewing and permitting natural gas pipelines in Pennsylvania, which were instituted by the Corps July 1, will result in “substantial delays” in pipeline construction in the state’s Marcellus Shale area, according to David Spigelmyer, Chesapeake Energy vice president of government relations.

Southern California Gas declared a high-linepack OFO for Friday, setting a 10% tolerance for positive daily imbalances.

The number of parties unhappy with the low level of industry representation on President Obama’s new hydraulic fracturing (fracking) advisory panel continues to grow as answers are sought and questions surrounding the Department of Energy’s (DOE) motives arise.