Safety

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has signaled that a vote on energy legislation — largely focused on oil spill safety, natural gas vehicles, home energy retrofits and possibly a renewable electricity standard (RES) — will be delayed until after the November elections, but energy officials don’t expect to see an energy bill out of Congress this year and maybe not even next year.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has signaled that a vote on energy legislation — largely focused on oil spill safety, natural gas vehicles, home energy retrofits and possibly a renewable electricity standard (RES) — will be delayed until after the November elections, but energy officials don’t expect to see an energy bill out of Congress this year and maybe not even next year.

The Interior Department agency that oversees offshore rig safety said Friday it has launched a full investigation into the fire Thursday aboard the Mariner Energy Inc. offshore production platform.

The Interior Department agency that oversees offshore rig safety said Friday it has launched a full investigation into the fire Thursday aboard the Mariner Energy Inc. offshore production platform.

Lawmakers should look to the recent crafting of “one of the most comprehensive underground mine safety laws in the country” for inspiration when they consider the further regulation of Marcellus Shale natural gas activities in Pennsylvania, John Hanger, secretary of the state’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), told a state Senate panel Wednesday.

The Pipelines Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has authorized increases in the maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) from 0.72 to 0.8 design on portions of the Midcontinent Express (MEP) and Rockies Express (REX) pipelines and on all of the Kinder Morgan Louisiana Pipeline. Additionally, Boardwalk Pipeline Partners LP’s Texas Gas Transmission LLC subsidiary received authorization to operate its Fayetteville and Greenville laterals at standard operating pressures (0.72).

The Pipelines Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has authorized increases in the maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) from 0.72 to 0.8 design on portions of the Midcontinent Express (MEP) and Rockies Express (REX) pipelines and on all of the Kinder Morgan Louisiana Pipeline.

Natural gas futures followed big brother crude’s lead lower for a second consecutive session, which had at least one veteran broker questioning the safety of the natural gas $3.155 low for the move recorded back on April 27. August natural gas futures shaved 5.8 cents during Tuesday’s regular session to close at $3.429.

A coalition of citizens’ groups in British Columbia (BC) has called for a time-out on all coalbed methane (CBM) drilling in the province until safety and environmental issues are more thoroughly addressed.