Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning oil and gas production, wells, drilling, petroleum and fuels refining, pipelines, LNG, hydrocarbons, and all Landman fans. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Dates: 2025-06-15 to 2025-06-21

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📱 Public Officials' Social Media
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Competition Bureau, Canadian Natural Resources Limited reach consent agreement regarding Alberta gas plant deal

The Competition Bureau finalized a consent agreement with Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) to address competitive concerns over its acquisition of Schlumberger N.V.'s 87.5% stake in sixteen gas processing plants in southeastern Alberta, particularly around Seiu Lake, Wintering Hills, and Wayne Dalum. The Bureau had determined that the deal would consolidate processing access for area producers and could drive up costs or reduce processing alternatives. Under the consent agreement dated June 20, 2025, CNRL will divest 75% of its Seiu Lake plant interest to North 40 Resources Inc., which will become the facility operator, leaving CNRL with a non-operating 25% stake. The Bureau stated this arrangement will preserve at least two independent gas plant options for regional producers. Full details of the consent agreement are set to be released on the Competition Tribunal’s website.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada initiates CUSMA panel review of U.S. antidumping order, large-diameter welded pipe

A Request for Panel Review was filed May 30, 2025, by Evraz Inc. NA Canada with the United States Section of the CUSMA Secretariat, contesting the final determination in the five-year review of the U.S. antidumping order against Canadian large diameter welded pipe. Filed pursuant to CUSMA Article 10.12, the complaint allows parties who dispute either part or all of a final determination to proceed with a binational panel review process. Interested parties have until June 30, 2025, to submit a complaint and until July 14, 2025 to notify intent to appear. .

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

Canadian sanctions expanded on Russia: new export/import bans, ship and quantum sector restrictions

On June 17, 2025, Global Affairs Canada announced additional sanctions targeting 77 individuals and 39 entities linked to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. The package introduces trade restrictions on nearly 1,000 new items including dual-use chemicals and advanced technology, a comprehensive services ban related to over 300 sanctioned vessels (including those facilitating Russian oil and LNG exports). Sanctions were coordinated following the G7 Summit in Kananaskis.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Sidhu discusses trade ambitions, energy cooperation with UAE counterpart

On June 20, 2025, International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu met in Ottawa with Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Trade. Negotiations on a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement are ongoing. The meeting comes ahead of the Canada-UAE Business Council’s July mission to Toronto and Calgary for sectoral engagement.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Statistics Canada releases April energy transportation, mineral, and price index datasets

Statistics Canada published multiple datasets on June 20, 2025. New April data are available for transportation and storage of crude oil and associated liquids, as well as for mineral production and processing. The Industrial Product Price Index for May was also published, recording a 0.5% month-over-month drop but a 1.2% increase year-over-year for industrial products, while raw materials prices declined 2.8% annually.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca, Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca, Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

US Federal GR News

EPA proposes major overhaul of Renewable Fuel Standard for 2026–27, including import RIN reduction and eRIN removal

The Environmental Protection Agency published a proposed rule for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2026 and 2027, with a public comment window open until August 8, 2025. The rule sets increasing biofuel obligations but would halve the number of RINs generated for imported fuel and any fuel made from foreign feedstocks. The EPA also proposes to eliminate renewable electricity (eRINs) as a qualifying fuel type for all RFS purposes. The new framework is designed to prioritize domestic biofuel feedstocks.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

EPA moves to repeal 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule tightening for coal- and oil-fired EGUs

On June 17, 2025, EPA published a proposed rule to repeal certain May 2024 MATS amendments for existing coal-fired units and lignite-fired electric utility steam generating units. The targeted rollbacks include rejection of the stricter filterable PM emission standard (from 0.030 to 0.010 lb/MMBtu), a return to stack test alternatives for compliance in lieu of PM CEMS for all units, and withdrawal of revised mercury emission standards for lignite-fired EGUs.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

FERC reviews Transco’s application to abandon South East Louisiana Area gas transmission infrastructure

Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC (Transco) filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on June 4, 2025, seeking approval to abandon the SMI 106 Platform, eight associated laterals totaling 84.96 miles, and related facilities in offshore Louisiana. Estimated abandonment cost is $20,431,110. The public comment period is open until July 1, 2025.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

BSEE releases notice of intent to transfer ownership of relinquished Gulf of Mexico pipelines

On June 20, 2025, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) issued a Notice of Intent regarding the transfer of certain pipeline segments formerly held by Cox Operating, L.L.C. in the Gulf of Mexico. Following the March 12 relinquishment, BSEE determined these segments are now subject to potential private acquisition, subject to competing interest submissions until July 21, 2025, after which a new right-of-way will be issued. The new owner will assume full operational and decommissioning responsibility.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

Alberta allocates $50 million for oil sands mine water and tailings pond technology challenge

Alberta announced a $50 million investment from the TIER fund into new tailings management technologies, aiming to expedite reclamation and reduce water use in oil sands mining. The Tailings Technology Challenge, led by Emissions Reduction Alberta, will fund pilot and scale-up projects through September 24, 2025.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Alberta and Saskatchewan premiers jointly call for reversal of federal oil and gas policies, and removal of trade barriers

Premiers Danielle Smith and Scott Moe released a joint statement urging the federal government to repeal or revise the Impact Assessment Act, offshore oil tanker ban (C-48), clean electricity regulations, and emissions cap. They also flagged concerns about Chinese and U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Québec and California to hold joint cap-and-trade emissions auction on August 20, 2025

Québec’s Ministry of Environment and California's Air Resources Board announced the next joint carbon market auction will be held August 20, 2025. Application period for participation closes July 21.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Ontario Energy Minister Stephen Lecce schedules press conference for June 23

Ontario's Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, will host a media availability on June 23 in Toronto, with livestreaming available.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Jasraj Hallan stated on June 16 that federal laws including C-69, C-48, and the carbon cap restrict resource developments and investment in Canadian oil and gas.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Tony Loffreda highlighted, via social media, his questioning of Minister Chrystia Freeland regarding the projected productivity impacts of the One Canadian Economy Act (Bill C-5) during a Senate committee of the whole.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Mike Lake, in a June 17 tweet, expressed his intention to continue seeking Finance Ministry explanations regarding the apparent favouring of imported oil to Atlantic Canada, citing lack of ministry responses.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Russia signs investment deal with Myanmar, eyes offshore oil and gas prospects: Russian state entities expand exploration presence in Myanmar, including offshore oil and gas.
• Opinion: To be an energy superpower, Canada must set aside flawed green ideology: Column discusses perceived barriers to Canadian oil & gas project approvals.
• Opinion: For the G7, natural gas is destiny. Let’s embrace it as the bridge to energy security: Analysis highlights the G7’s role for gas amid transition debates.
• Opinion: The real G7 story is the quiet reassertion of Canadian energy: Commentary argues Canadian energy policy is gaining profile at high-level international summits.