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: 2025-09-28 to 2025-10-04

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

$40 Million Federal Investment in Hitachi Energy Canada’s HVDC Transformer Expansion

On September 29, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced a $40 million investment through the Strategic Response Fund in Hitachi Energy Canada’s transformer manufacturing facility in Varennes, Quebec. The initiative will expand manufacturing capacity, establish a test laboratory, and build an HVDC simulation and collaboration centre in Montréal. With global demand for large power transformers and extended lead times, the expanded project is expected to generate over 500 high-skilled jobs and support local suppliers. The investment secures supply for grid infrastructure and positions Canada as a key hub for HVDC research and production.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Support for Indigenous-Led Hydro Projects in Quebec

On October 3, Parliamentary Secretary Brendan Hanley, speaking for Minister Tim Hodgson, announced nearly $17 million in federal funding for two major clean energy projects: the 7.5 MW Innavik Remote Hydro Project in Inukjuak and exploration of a 17 MW hydroelectric plant at Matawin dam near St-Michel-des-Saints. The Innavik project, owned by Inuit stakeholders, displaces diesel as the community’s primary energy source, while the Matawak project is backed by the Atikamekw Nation of Manawan and Innu Nation of Lac-Saint-Jean. Both initiatives are designed to support reliable power in remote areas and produce independent revenue for Indigenous communities.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Energy Innovation Funding Announcement Scheduled by Minister Hodgson

Natural Resources Canada announced a forthcoming energy technology innovation funding announcement by Minister Tim Hodgson, set for October 3, 2025 in Montréal. Additional details and participation instructions were provided for accredited media.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Media Accreditation Opens for G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting

Environment and Climate Change Canada announced the opening of media accreditation for the G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting, co-hosted by Ministers Tim Hodgson and Julie Dabrusin. Scheduled for October 30 and 31 in Toronto, the meeting will convene ministers and delegations from leading industrial economies for bilateral and multilateral talks on energy and environmental policy.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Oil and Gas Extraction Data for 2024 Released

Statistics Canada released the Oil and Gas Extraction Survey for 2024, providing detailed data on financials, balance sheets, and operational metrics across the extraction sector.

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

Primary Energy Production Rises Sharply in July 2025

Statistics Canada reported that primary energy production increased by 4.3% year-over-year in July, led by a 7.2% rise in crude oil and 4.4% in natural gas output. The reported gains may affect supply estimates and operational planning through the remainder of the year.

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

New Data: Nature’s Role as Economic Driver by Region

Statistics Canada published an environment fact sheet exploring how oil, gas, timber, minerals, and water resources shape Canada’s regional industrial mix and economic contributions.

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

Machinery and Equipment Price Index for July 2025 Now Available

Statistics Canada posted updated data for the Machinery and Equipment Price Index (2016=100), offering insight into sector costs for July.

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

Q2 2025: Equipment Rental and Leasing Services Price Index Published

Price index data for commercial/industrial equipment rental and leasing services (2020=100) were published for Q2, detailing cost trends relevant to oilfield equipment procurement.

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

US Federal GR News

PHMSA Confirms Adoption of Updated Pipeline Safety Standards for Storage Tanks

The US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) confirmed that, effective January 1, 2026, its regulations for pipelines will reference the 4th edition of API RP 2026—Safe Access/Egress Involving Floating Roofs of Storage Tanks in Petroleum Service. The rule replaces prior references to the 3rd edition and standardizes procedures for safe access on floating roofs across petroleum storage operations.

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

PHMSA Withdraws Remote Sensing Pipeline Patrol Rule after Adverse Comments

On October 2, PHMSA announced withdrawal of its direct final rule on integrating innovative remote sensing technologies in pipeline right-of-way patrols, citing the receipt of adverse public comment. Further rulemaking (NPRM) is expected for stakeholder input. The withdrawn rule had proposed updates to inspection procedures for gas and hazardous liquid pipelines.

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

PHMSA Adopts New Standards for Natural Gas Storage Caverns and Reservoirs

Effective January 1, 2026, PHMSA will incorporate the 2nd editions of API RP 1170 and 1171 in 49 CFR part 192 standards. API RP 1170 covers design/operation of solution-mined salt caverns for natural gas storage, while RP 1171 addresses the functional integrity of storage in depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs and aquifers. The update replaces existing references to the 2015 versions.

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

DOE Reviews Proposed Export Amendments for Southern LNG Company

The Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management is reviewing Southern LNG Company’s application to amend its long-term authorization for LNG exports to non-free trade agreement nations. The amendment would allow exports via approved containers and ship-to-ship transfers for marine fuel use within foreign territorial waters. Comments and motions to intervene must be submitted by October 29, 2025.

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

White House Issues Guidance for Agency-Specific NEPA Procedures to Expedite Permitting

The Council on Environmental Quality released new guidance and templates to support federal agencies in updating NEPA procedures. The changes align with recent executive orders and legislative amendments intended to accelerate approval processes for infrastructure, including energy projects. Agencies that revised procedures in consultation with CEQ are moving toward consistency with updated statutory and judicial requirements.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

Alberta Government to Lead Technical Advisory Group for West Coast Pipeline Proposal

Alberta announced it will act as proponent, forming an advisory group of three major pipeline companies and Indigenous participants to advance a formal application for a pipeline to the British Columbia northwest coast. The province has committed $14 million for early planning, with application submission targeted for spring 2026.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Issues Mandate Letters Prioritizing Oil Production and Pipeline Expansion

Premier Danielle Smith directed the Minister of Energy and Minerals to implement a roadmap to reach 6 million barrels per day of oil production by 2030 and 8 million barrels per day by 2035, to seek approval for new bitumen pipelines to the west coast, and to expedite provincial approvals for projects.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Crane Services Firm Fined Following Workplace Fatality

North West Crane Enterprises Ltd. was fined $210,000 and placed under 18 months regulatory supervision after pleading guilty in the wake of a fatal workplace incident near Clairmont.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

Ongoing Consultation: Riverside Generating Station Project (Closes October 6)

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is accepting comments on the summary of the Initial Project Description for the Riverside Generating Station Project until October 6, 2025.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: iaac-aeic.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Alberta re-enters pipeline arena, plans to propose new oil pipeline to B.C. coast: Alberta advances plans for a new west coast pipeline application.
• Alberta to draw up proposal for new oil pipeline to B.C. coast by May: Provincial government targets spring 2026 for formal submission of west coast pipeline project.
• Indigenous entrepreneurs want a bigger piece of energy contracts: Indigenous business owners seek greater inclusion in energy contracting.
• Opinion: Does Canada need a new oil pipeline? Maybe. More LNG? Definitely: Ongoing debate over need for additional pipeline and LNG terminal capacity in Canada.
• Opinion: Alberta gets oil pipeline politics bouncing again: Political developments drive renewed focus on pipeline projects.
• Despite 'hoopla,' energy insiders doubt oil pipeline will make federal priority list: Industry executives express skepticism over prospects for new major pipeline approvals.
• Enbridge CEO urges Ottawa to remove barriers to building energy infrastructure: Major pipeline company calls on federal government for regulatory changes.
• Enbridge CEO urges tanker ban end, says no company will build ‘pipeline to nowhere’: Industry leader challenges effectiveness of current tanker ban.
• Let’s build Canada now – or risk falling behind: Commentary on infrastructure investment and risks for Canadian energy development.
• N.S. introduces bill to allow local use of offshore energy: Nova Scotia government tables legislation for local access to offshore energy.

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