As summer heat kicked into full gear, the Trump administration and Congress made several policy decisions and pronouncements during Energy Week (June 26 to July 2). The Trump administration touted the economic and geopolitical successes of the energy revolution committing to global energy dominance, which includes continued growth in U.S. energy exports; support for pipeline projects such as Keystone XL, Dakota Access and new pipelines to Mexico; repeal of portions of the Waters of the U.S. rule; announcement of a new offshore oil and gas five-year leasing program with access to new areas; and commitment to nuclear energy. The Senate took steps in preparing and moving comprehensive energy legislation focusing on technology, innovation, conservation and infrastructure.

Federal actions

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) methane rule court deadlines extended: The U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming delayed briefing deadlines in current litigation to halt the Methane and Waste Prevention Rule citing “shifting sands surrounding the rule.” Opening briefs were originally scheduled in early July. The BLM announced plans in late June to scrap and rewrite provisions of the rule.

Oral arguments scheduled for BLM hydraulic fracturing rule: The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals scheduled oral arguments for July 27 in litigation over the fracturing rule. At issue in the appeal is the lower court’s ruling that the Interior Department does not have authority to regulate fracturing. The department sent its proposal for rescinding the rule to the White House in late June.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes two-year delay for its methane rule: In mid-June EPA officials formally proposed to stall implementation of parts of the rule for two years while it reconsiders the regulation. Days earlier the agency requested a 90-day stay for portions of the rule. Environmental groups have sued the Trump administration over the delay.

Congressional oil and gas caucus launched: Freshman Rep. Vincente González (D-Texas) formed the group to educate lawmakers about the production and distribution of oil, gas and other petroleum hydrocarbons. He intends to advocate the economic benefits of “fully harnessing the country’s natural resources.”

State/local actions

Oklahoma

■ The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is lauding the success of its protocols to reduce the risk of man-made earthquakes due to hydraulic fracturing. These protocols include shutting down operations for at least six hours if an earthquake is detected in the vicinity.

Pennsylvania

■ Governor Tom Wolf’s plan to curb methane emissions faces delays due to pushback from the industry and members of the state’s General Assembly. Republican state senators have questioned whether the Department of Environmental Protection has a legal basis for controlling methane. An industry trade group has questioned whether methane qualifies as a form of pollution under state law.

Texas

■ The Railroad Commission of Texas received a funding increase of 46% from the state’s legislature to assist with the agency’s well-plugging, pipeline and well inspection programs.

Comments