Environment

El Paso, Olympic Face Record Fines for Fatal Pipe Blasts

The Department of Transportation (DOT) last week announced it was seeking a fine of $2.52 million against El Paso Natural Gas for several “probable violations” that potentially contributed to the fatal explosion on its pipeline system in New Mexico last August, which resulted in 12 deaths. It was said to be the “largest civil penalty” ever sought against a pipeline operator for federal safety violations.

December 3, 2001

Deregulation Causing Shift For Online Business Models

The emergence of online exchanges in both energy commodities and other products has enabled energy companies to shift to an environment where suppliers can expand their reach and receive a wider comparison selection when they make business decisions. A report by Energy Info Source, “Online Exchanges in the Energy Industry,” examines an evaluation of the challenges and the drivers impacting energy e-commerce.

July 17, 2001

SSB’s Morris Sees Sub-$4 Averages this Spring, Fall

In the near-term, gas prices could easily drop below $4/MMBtu because of the rapid rise in storage levels this spring. But summer prices likely will spike above $6, and the long-term forecast shows prices will average between $4 and $5, said Robert Morris of Salomon Smith Barney at NGI’s GasMart/Power in Tampa last week. However, Morris doesn’t expect recurring winter peaks above $10/MMBtu.

May 14, 2001

SSB’s Morris Sees Sub-$4 Averages this Spring, Fall

In the near-term, gas prices could easily drop below $4/MMBtu because of the rapid rise in storage levels this spring. But summer prices likely will spike above $6 and the long-term forecast is that prices will average between $4 and $5, said Robert Morris of Salomon Smith Barney yesterday at NGI’s GasMart/Power in Tampa. However, Morris doesn’t expected recurring winter peaks above $10/MMBtu.

May 11, 2001

FERC Says Guardian Environmentally Sound

In a draft environment impact statement (EIS) released last week, FERC staff concluded the Guardian Pipeline would have “limited adverse environmental impact” and would be an acceptable action, with appropriate mitigating measures.

July 17, 2000

FERC Says Guardian is Environmentally Sound

In a draft environment impact statement (EIS) releasedyesterday, FERC staff concluded the Guardian Pipeline would have”limited adverse environmental impact” and would be an acceptableaction, with appropriate mitigating measures.

July 12, 2000

Deepwater Drilling Gets Good Marks from MMS

Routine drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico’s deepwaterpose little threat to the environment or human health, and, infact, play a significant role in the socioeconomic status of itsport communities. That’s the conclusion of a new report by theMinerals and Management Service (MMS) of the U.S. Department ofInterior, which published its conclusions for a projected 10-yearperiod on deepwater operations between 1998-2007.

June 19, 2000

Deepwater Drilling Gets Good Marks from MMS

Routine drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico’s deepwaterpose little threat to the environment or human health, and, infact, play a significant role in the socioeconomic status of itsport communities. That’s the conclusion of a new report by theMinerals and Management Service (MMS) of the U.S. Department ofInterior, which published its conclusions for a projected 10-yearperiod on deepwater operations between 1998-2007.

June 16, 2000

Gas Pipes Urged to Learn from Bellingham

Natural gas pipelines have come a long way in their effort toprotect the public and environment from the potential threats posedby their systems, but the journey is far from over, says a keypipeline safety official with the Department of Transportation(DOT).

June 15, 2000

Alaska Cool to BP Amoco, ARCO

After Alaska’s governor balked at a move by BP Amoco to pushconsideration of its ARCO acquisition through the Federal TradeCommission, the company has backed off and pledged to address thestate’s anti-competitive concerns. Discussions between the companyand Alaska were ongoing last week.

November 8, 1999