The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) said it would sponsor four state legislative proposals to expand the regulatory panel’s safety enforcement authority, particularly as it relaters to pipeline safety. The CPUC said three of its proposals are the result of recommendations made by an independent review panel that the commission convened following the Pacific Gas and Electric Co. pipeline explosion in San Bruno. Assembly Bill 1514 would authorize the CPUC to issue civil penalties to a utility or excavator failing to comply with the state’s one-call law (dial 811) prior to beginning digging, and another measure (AB 1694) would permit the CPUC to employ a risk-based approach to determining the frequency of inspections for master-metered natural gas and propane systems. A third measure — still unnumbered in the legislative process — would provide gas utilities with expedited local permitting for pipeline inspection, remediation and replacement work. The fourth measure deals with the CPUC oversight of railroads.
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Susan Ackerman was reappointed to a four-year term on the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC). Ackerman was originally appointed in March 2010 to fill the remainder of the term of Chairman Lee Beyer, who resigned to run for his old seat in the state legislature where he now serves in the Senate. She was then appointed to a full term. Prior to her first appointment panel, Ackerman was an energy attorney in private practice. Her new term expires March 13, 2016.
Scientist Claims Industry Able to Avoid Quakes
Earthquakes such as the one that forced a wastewater disposal well in Youngstown, OH, to be closed at the beginning of the year can be avoided if oil, natural gas and service companies are more knowledgeable of the local and regional geology, according to an energy expert.
Scientist: Quakes from Injection Wells Can Be Avoided
Earthquakes such as the one that forced a wastewater disposal well in Youngstown, OH, to be closed at the beginning of the year can be avoided if oil, natural gas and service companies are more knowledgeable of the local and regional geology.
North America ‘Import Dependence’ Nearly Over by 2030, Says BP
Supported by abundant unconventional natural gas and oil reserves, the United States and Canada will become “almost totally energy self-sufficient” by 2030, according to a new forecast by BP plc.
Severance Tax Discussions Begin in Maryland
A Maryland panel is recommending that the state impose both a fee and a tax on shale gas development, as well as shift more costs to industry, but it did not propose specific details for any changes.
Wastewater Well Operator D&L Energy To Fund Ohio Quake Study
The Ohio company that owns a wastewater disposal well in Youngstown shut down by state regulators for allegedly triggering a series of earthquakes will pay for a study to determine the cause of the seismic activity.
Senators Concerned EPA May Stretch Diesel Definition in Fracking
A coalition of four senators has sent a bipartisan letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expressing “growing concerns” about the broad approach that the agency seems to be taking to regulate fluids used in hydraulic fracturing (fracking), not just diesel fuels.
Senators Concerned EPA Will Stretch Diesel Definition in Fracking
A coalition of four senators Wednesday sent a bipartisan letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expressing their “growing concerns” about the broad approach that the agency seems to be taking to regulate fluids used in hydraulic fracturing (fracking), not just diesel fuels.
Cheniere: Sabine Pass Hits Contract Target
Export of liquefied U.S. natural gas from the Gulf Coast drew another step closer to reality last week as Cheniere Energy Partners LP unit Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC said it had struck its second sale and purchase contract — with Gas Natural Aprovisionamientos, a unit of Gas Natural Fenosa.
