Legislation

Energy industry-supported legislation in Colorado, which would have imposed higher penalties for oil and natural gas operators that violated state regulations, was defeated Wednesday on the final day of the session for the General Assembly.

Legislation to extend tax credits that support the conversion of conventional vehicles to run on cleaner fuels, such as natural gas, is awaiting the signature of Oklahoma’s governor after passage by the state House. The incentive, which covers about half the cost of converting a typical vehicle and three-quarters of the cost of establishing an alternative fueling station, will be extended until 2020. The incentives are expected to cost the state — a major natural gas producer — $1.5-2 million per year.

A long list of legislation that targeted the natural gas industry in West Virginia failed to receive enough support from lawmakers before they adjourned last Saturday. However, the House of Delegates enacted a series of resolutions, perhaps offering a glimpse of things to come.

A group of Republican and Democratic senators have proposed legislation that seeks to expedite exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member nations, Japan and others.

A group of Republican and Democratic senators last week proposed legislation that seeks to expedite exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member nations, Japan and others.

The Senate earlier this week passed legislation that would allow a natural gas pipeline to be built through the Denali National Park in Alaska. However, the House of Representatives failed to act on the measure before the 112th Congress adjourned.

State legislation is likely next year in Florida to help boost the use of natural gas vehicles (NGV), according to a state House representative who is a leader on energy issues. The comments by state Rep. Lake Ray (R-Jacksonville) came as a Florida NGV organization was formed and an economic impact study released.

An appellate court in Pennsylvania has ruled that compressor stations fit the legal definition of “gas production” and therefore can’t be banned by localities where other aspects of natural gas production are already permitted.

The Ohio Senate approved new rules governing hydraulic fracturing (fracking) on Tuesday, part of a lengthy energy bill that makes changes throughout the Ohio Revised Code.