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.

Want to track the upstream and downstream forces affecting Oil & Gas? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Utilities & Power and Mining.

Dates: 2025-09-14 to 2025-09-20

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ House of Commons Committee Meetings
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

House of Commons Committee Meetings

• International Trade Committee to Examine Canada's Role in Rules-Based Trade System: On September 22, the House International Trade Committee will discuss Canada’s engagement in the global rules-based trading system; scheduled witnesses include senior trade officials from Global Affairs Canada as well as experts from Cassidy Levy Kent LLP, Carleton University, and the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance. The meeting is set for 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET and will be televised.
• Environment and Sustainable Development Committee Briefing by Environment Canada Officials: Scheduled for September 22 at 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., this House committee meeting will feature Environment Canada assistant deputy ministers and branch chiefs briefing MPs on departmental operations and priorities; the session will be televised.

Canadian Federal GR News

Federal Government Clears Ksi Lisims LNG Project After Substituted Impact Assessment

On September 15, the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, issued a federal decision to allow the Ksi Lisims LNG Natural Gas Liquefaction and Marine Terminal Project to proceed to permitting, based on a substituted impact assessment led by British Columbia. The assessment focused on adverse effects within areas of federal jurisdiction, finding that these impacts are significant but limited when mitigation is applied. The government determined these effects are justified in the public interest, considering economic reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, regional economic outcomes, and Canada's trade diversification. Proponents—including the Nisga’a Nation, Rockies LNG Limited Partnership, and Western LNG LLC—must adhere to legally binding conditions addressing fish and bird habitats, Indigenous health and socio-economic safeguards, cultural heritage, and accommodation of Indigenous rights. Canada's Impact Assessment Agency will oversee the implementation of follow-up programs to monitor mitigation effectiveness and Indigenous engagement throughout the project life cycle. The one-project, one-review approach is designed to reduce duplication and incorporate requirements from the Nisga’a Final Agreement (Treaty), aiming to accelerate infrastructure supporting diversified energy exports and regional development.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Ottawa and Ontario Launch $37.5 Million Partnership to Expand Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program

The Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario announced a new partnership on September 20 to co-deliver the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) program, supported by $37.5 million in federal investment. Through collaboration with Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and the Save on Energy program, eligible households will access streamlined funding with up to $25,000 available per home ($15,000 federally and $10,000 provincially), plus an upfront $250 payment. The OHPA program is designed to help low- and median-income Ontarians switch from oil heating to more affordable and energy-efficient electric heat pumps. Federal officials report that previous program participants have seen average annual savings exceeding $1,300 and emissions reductions equating to removal of 17,000 vehicles from the road. The funding aims to lower household energy costs and reduce grid demand through adoption of more efficient heat pump technologies.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Hodgson Describes Major Projects Office and First Tranche of Nation-Building Energy Infrastructure

In remarks delivered to the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce on September 17, Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson detailed the federal government’s new Major Projects Office (MPO), designed to accelerate regulatory and permitting for critical energy and infrastructure projects. The initial tranche includes LNG Canada Phase 2, Darlington New Nuclear Project, Contrecœur Terminal expansion at the Port of Montreal, Foran Copper Mine, and Red Chris Copper and Gold Mine expansion. Together, these projects represent over $60 billion in private investment and are expected to create thousands of jobs as well as expand Canadian energy and mineral exports. The MPO will also target development of critical minerals supply chains, long-term wind resource deployment in Atlantic Canada, and advanced carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) projects, including Pathways Plus in Alberta. The Office will pursue fast-tracked engineering and permitting for projects of national interest, implement Buy Canadian policies for key inputs, and support partnerships with Indigenous organizations, particularly for new energy corridors and Arctic infrastructure. Future rounds of project selection are anticipated before year-end, with an expanded focus on market diversification and domestic energy security.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Prairie Businesses Facing Tariff Disruptions Now Eligible for Targeted Federal Support

Prairies Economic Development Canada began accepting applications on September 16 for its Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), aiming to assist Prairie businesses affected by recent global trade changes. Incorporated businesses, Indigenous-owned organizations, and eligible non-profits in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba can apply for funding to improve productivity, diversify markets, add resiliency to supply chains, and boost domestic trade. Priority will be given to sectors most impacted by tariff changes or providing significant regional economic value. RTRI covers a variety of eligible costs including labour, materials, equipment, infrastructure, consultancy and training expenses, with retroactive eligibility dating to March 21, 2025. Projects must be concluded by March 31, 2028. This support is part of the government’s response to extended trade uncertainty in key economic regions.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Fraser to Announce Progress in Offshore Wind and Major Projects Office in Halifax

On September 19, Minister Sean Fraser, responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, announced upcoming progress on offshore wind development and expansion of the Major Projects Office during a media event in Halifax. The announcement details federal work to fast-track large-scale infrastructure projects by streamlining regulatory assessments and approvals, coordinating project financing, and partnering closely with provinces, Indigenous Peoples, and private investors.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal and Ontario Governments to Announce Energy Affordability Partnership

The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, on behalf of Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson, is scheduled to announce a federal-provincial partnership for energy retrofits and affordability in Ontario on September 20. Media availability will accompany the announcement.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases July Data on Transportation and Storage of Crude Oil and Petroleum Liquids

Statistics Canada made available new data for July on the transportation and storage of crude oil and other liquid petroleum products, offering insights into current logistics and infrastructure utilization figures for the upstream and midstream sectors.

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

StatsCan Publishes July Mineral Production and Smelting Data

Statistics Canada published the July 2025 results from its Monthly Mineral Production Survey and the Monthly Survey of Smelters and Metal Refineries, providing updated figures for domestic mineral output and metal production relevant to the supply of inputs for energy-related manufacturing.

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

StatsCan Reports July Manufacturing Sales Increase, Led by Petroleum and Coal Product Subsector

StatsCan figures from the Monthly Survey of Manufacturing show a 2.5% increase in national manufacturing sales in July, with contributions from transportation equipment, petroleum and coal products, and primary metals. The data suggest continued momentum for energy sector manufacturing and refining operations.

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

US Federal GR News

EPA Proposes Rollback of Greenhouse Gas Reporting for Most Sectors, Suspension for Petroleum/Natural Gas Until 2034

On September 16, the EPA proposed amendments to the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP), eliminating reporting requirements for all but the petroleum and natural gas systems sector. For subpart W (petroleum and natural gas), reporting will be suspended until 2034, with the Natural Gas Distribution segment removed permanently. The EPA estimates an annual regulatory cost savings of $303 million, $256 million of which is attributed to the petroleum and natural gas sector. The agency cited the absence of statutory requirements for continuous data collection under the Clean Air Act and anticipated alternative data collection methods by other agencies. The rule is slated to take effect 60 days after publication, with reporting for most sectors ending after 2024 and subpart W resuming a decade later. The proposal is open for public comment.

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

Katherine Scarlett Confirmed to Lead the Council on Environmental Quality, Focuses on Permitting Reform

On September 18, Katherine Scarlett was confirmed as the 13th Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), serving as President Trump’s advisor on environmental policies and administrator of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Scarlett brings experience from the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, the White House Permitting Council, and previously as CEQ’s Chief of Staff. Organizations such as the American Exploration & Production Council, American Petroleum Institute, and the National Association of Manufacturers have publicly expressed approval of her confirmation. Scarlett’s agenda includes advancing bipartisan permitting modernization, implementing NEPA reforms, and enhancing collaboration between government and industry around energy security and infrastructure development.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

EPA Addresses Small Refinery Exemptions and Renewable Volume Obligations for 2026-2027 Under RFS Program

The EPA issued a supplemental proposed rule on September 18 for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program, setting out standards for 2026 and 2027 and partial waiver of 2025 cellulosic biofuel requirements. The agency co-proposes reallocating either 100% or 50% of exempted Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) from 2023-2025 into the standards for 2026-2027, aiming to maintain renewable fuel production and mitigate disruptions from increased carryover Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs). The EPA projects 2.18 billion RINs will not need to be retired as a result of exemptions, distributing impacts across four renewable fuel categories. A virtual public hearing is scheduled for October 1, with comment deadline on October 31.

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

BOEM to Apply New DOI NEPA Rules in Cook Inlet Lease Sale 258 Supplemental EIS

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced on September 18 that the supplemental environmental impact statement (EIS) for Lease Sale 258 in Alaska's Cook Inlet planning area will adhere to new DOI NEPA regulations and procedures. Public hearings and draft EIS release will not take place, as the scope has already been set by court order following legal challenge. The final supplemental EIS, addressing deficiencies in range of alternatives and effects on Cook Inlet beluga whales, is expected by end of 2025, after which a modified Record of Decision will be issued.

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

FERC Issues Environmental Assessment for Golden Pass LNG Supply Lateral Project

On September 17, FERC released the environmental assessment for the Golden Pass LNG Supply Lateral Project in Jefferson County, Texas, comprising 0.22 miles of 42-inch-diameter pipeline, a receipt interconnect, and two meter stations. The facilities are designed to connect intrastate and interstate pipelines to Golden Pass LNG, providing up to 2.6 million dekatherms per day to the terminal for improved feed gas supply flexibility. FERC staff concluded the project would not significantly impact environmental quality and invited public commentary through October 14. The environmental assessment is available in electronic format, with the final decision pending after review of stakeholder feedback.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Ksi Lisims LNG Receives B.C. Environmental Assessment Certificate with 23 Legally Binding Conditions

The B.C. government granted an environmental assessment certificate to the Indigenous-led Ksi Lisims LNG project, requiring the facility be net-zero ready by 2030 and imposing 23 enforceable provincial conditions on environmental protection and Indigenous engagement.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Alberta Moves to Update TIER System, Enhancing Flexibility for On-site Emissions Reductions

Alberta is pursuing legislative amendments this fall to the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) system that allow large industrial facilities to count on-site emissions reduction investments as regulatory compliance and give smaller operators options to leave or opt out for cost savings.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Hosts Summit on Interprovincial Energy Infrastructure, Champions Nuclear Expansion

Ontario convened the Connecting Canada – Building an Energy Superpower Summit, where provincial and territorial energy ministers agreed to collaborate on transmission corridors, pipelines, clean energy build-outs, and Indigenous partnership for nation-building projects.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Quebec Calls for Collaborative Innovation Projects in Strategic Sectors Including Energy Transition

Quebec’s government launched a program supporting up to $1 million per project for consortia developing or commercializing innovations in designated strategic sectors, including energy transition, with a priority on SMEs and high-growth startups.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Quebec and California Announce Joint Cap-and-Trade Auction Scheduled for November 19

Quebec's ministry confirmed it will hold its next joint carbon market auction with California on November 19, with application details now published.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Exxon Says Energy Demand Makes Case for Fossil Fuel Growth: Exxon Mobil signals robust global energy demand and continued role for fossil fuels.
• Is there demand for LNG? Researchers weigh in on viability of Fermeuse Energy's plan: CBC examines market prospects for new LNG export projects in Atlantic Canada.
• Nisga’a Nation leader touts reconciliation after Ksi Lisims LNG project gains government approvals: Globe & Mail interviews Indigenous leadership following LNG project federal approval.
• Federal energy minister hails ‘one project, one review’ approval for BC LNG plant: CTV covers ministerial statements addressing regulatory efficiency in B.C. LNG project approval.
• These engineering consultants are helping companies meet the challenge of climate change: Globe & Mail looks at Canadian consulting firms' technical expertise for climate and energy transition.
• Opinion: Want a pipeline? Let’s use nuclear power to reduce oil sands emissions: Opinion piece advocates nuclear solutions for emissions in oil sands developments.
• Wood Mackenzie harnesses AI-powered analytics to decode complex energy market interconnections: Coverage of AI-driven analysis for global energy markets.
• Wood Mackenzie harnesses AI-powered analytics to decode complex energy market interconnections: Financial Post details AI market solutions in energy sector data analytics.

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