In a story published March 17 in NGI’s Daily Gas Price Index, “Pipeline Safety Bill Advances With Lawsuit Provision, For Now” (see Daily GPI,March 17), which covered Wednesday’s advance of a draft bill to reauthorize the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act, the story and headline both made reference to a “Section 15.” In early March, that provision would have allowed private citizens to sue the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) for perceived “failure to perform and non-discretionary duty…” (see Daily GPI, March 2). But lawmakers subsequently struck that provision and used the same number for a new provision granting the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT) the power to impose emergency orders. Also, comments made by Don Santa, CEO of the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America; and Dave McCurdy, CEO of the American Gas Association, were incorrectly correlated to the bill’s advance. The comments actually addressed newly proposed safety regulations by PHMSA. NGI regrets the errors.
Provision
Articles from Provision
Production Booming, Profits Slipping, Range Eyes Wetter Marcellus
Range Resources Inc., which two years ago turned away from the Barnett Shale and toward the Marcellus Shale, saw its overall production boom in 3Q2012, based in large part on a surge of Marcellus gas, according to CEO Jeff Ventura.
Correction
In the article “Senate Passes Pipeline Safety Reauthorization Bill” (see Daily GPI, Oct. 19), NGI incorrectly stated that a provision that would have grandfathered older pipelines from having to install certain safety devices had been removed from S. 275. In fact, senators included in the bill an amendment calling “for testing to confirm the material strength of previously untested natural gas pipelines located in certain areas.” The amendment would require tests on pipelines operating at more than 30% of specified minimum yield strength in densely populated or environmentally sensitive areas. Language requiring the use of automatic or remote-controlled shut-off valves “on transmission pipelines constructed or entirely replaced” after a final rule is issued remains in the legislation. NGI regrets the error.
Industry Briefs
A coalition of 20 Senate Democrats has called on Vice President Joe Biden to make sure a provision stripping major oil and natural gas producers of an estimated $21 billion in tax breaks over the next decade is included in any deficit-reduction package negotiated with Republicans.The coalition led by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) made the request in a letter to Biden, who is representing the administration in efforts to reach a deficit-cutting deal with Republicans, The Hill reported. On May 17 “a majority of the Senate voted for legislation to close these loopholes for the Big Five oil companies, and this mandate cannot be ignored,” the group told the vice president. While 52 senators, including three Republicans, voted for the bill to repeal the tax breaks, the measure was blocked because the majority failed to get the 60 votes needed to advance the bill. The bill, sponsored by Menendez, sought to revoke the tax breaks for Chevron Corp., BP plc, Royal Dutch Shell plc, ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil Corp. Following the bill’s defeat, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said he expected the legislation to resurface.
Administration Urged to Repeal Tax Breaks in Deficit-Cutting Deal
A coalition of 20 Senate Democrats has called on Vice President Joe Biden to make sure a provision stripping major oil and natural gas producers of an estimated $21 billion in tax breaks over the next decade is included in any deficit-reduction package negotiated with Republicans.
West Virginia DEP Seeks to Cut Deficit Through $10,000 Permit Fee
Increased drilling activity in West Virginia’s Marcellus Shale area and a dramatic decline in revenues from natural gas drilling permits have prompted the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to seek a larger piece of the state’s budget pie, a larger staff to handle about 750 active wells and a dramatic increase of horizontal permitting fees.
New Mexico Supreme Court to Consider Cap-Trade Challenge
The New Mexico Supreme Court has set a hearing for Wednesday to see if the state’s new governor can block a cap-and-trade provision affecting oil/gas operations and power generation. The New Mexico Environmental Law Center filed earlier this month with the state’s highest court, contending that Gov. Susana Martinez violated proper legal protocol in attempting to block a new greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions rule.
New Mexico Supreme Court to Consider Cap-Trade Challenge
The New Mexico Supreme Court has set a hearing for next Wednesday to see if the state’s new governor can block a cap-and-trade provision affecting oil/gas operations and power generation. The New Mexico Environmental Law Center filed earlier this month with the state’s highest court, contending that Gov. Susana Martinez violated proper legal protocol in attempting to block a new greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions rule.
Offshore Producers Score Break in Stopgap Spending Measure
Offshore oil and natural gas producers received an unexpected Christmas gift in the stopgap funding measure signed by President Obama — it excludes a provision that would have extended the federal review period of new offshore drilling plans to 90 days from 30 days. It also provided additional funding to the states for low-income energy customers.
Offshore Producers Score Break in Stopgap Spending Measure
Offshore oil and natural gas producers scored a break in the stopgap funding measure signed by President Obama late Tuesday — it excludes a provision that would have extended the federal review period of new offshore drilling plans to 90 days from 30 days.
