Stiffer

Pipeline safety reauthorization legislation that would levy stiffer penalties for violations on oil and natural gas pipelines and require installation of automatic shutoff valves on new transmission lines was approved by the Senate last week.

Pipeline safety reauthorization legislation that would levy stiffer penalties for violations on oil and natural gas pipelines and require installation of automatic shutoff valves on new transmission lines was approved by the Senate Monday evening.

The U.S. natural gas pipeline industry faces increased costs from expected stiffer safety regulations now unfolding, but the credit standing of the major pipeline operators should not suffer, according to a report released Wednesday by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service (S&P).

The Senate Commerce Committee last Thursday approved by voice vote pipeline safety reauthorization legislation that would levy stiffer penalties on pipelines (oil, natural gas and hazardous) following the rash of explosions in the past year.

The Senate Commerce Committee Thursday approved by voice vote pipeline safety reauthorization legislation that would levy stiffer penalties on pipelines (oil, natural gas and hazardous) following the rash of explosions in past months.

With the prospect for widespread shuttering of the oldest, most inefficient coal-fired power plants in the face of stiffer federal clean air requirements, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) said Friday it will close 18 coal-fired boilers, or 16% of its coal-based capacity, during the next five years. Shutdowns are to start next year.

The House of Representatives Friday was poised to vote out its oil spill legislation that imposes stiffer financial responsibilities and safety standards on offshore and onshore production and development, but the Senate was not expected to pass its slimmed-down oil spill bill before the August recess.

The House of Representatives Friday was poised to vote out its oil spill legislation, which imposes stiffer financial responsibilities and safety standards on offshore and onshore production and development, but the Senate was not expected to pass its slimmed-down oil spill bill before the August recess.

Natural gas pipelines and utilities are opposed to FERC increasing the posting requirements for Section 311 intrastate pipelines and Hinshaw pipelines to mirror the stiffer posting requirements for interstate pipelines under Section 284 of the Natural Gas Act (NGA). However, pipeline shippers endorse greater accountability for intrastates and Hinshaw pipes that provide interstate services.