QSA's Week in Oil & Gas (#41, 2025)
Canada invests $32M in Manitoba energy upgrades; Indigenous-led clean energy initiative for Saskatchewan; USTR modifies tariffs, removing LNG shipment licensing restriction; Trump designates Energy Dominance Month; FERC reviews new infrastructure; PHMSA considers pipeline safety exemption;

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: 2025-10-12 to 2025-10-18
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Committee Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Parliamentary Committee Calendar
- House of Commons Environment and Sustainable Development Committee Meeting – 2030 Emissions Plan Review (Oct 20): Scheduled for October 20, 2025, the committee will review effectiveness and possible improvements of Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction plan. Witnesses include Professor Ross R. McKitrick and representatives from Efficiency Canada and Future Earth Canada.
- House of Commons Environment and Sustainable Development Committee Meeting – Emissions Plan Update (Oct 23): Set for October 23, 2025, the committee will host Clean Energy Canada, Energy For A Secure Future, Montreal Economic Institute, Premier Danielle Smith (Alberta), Net Zero Industry, and New Economy Canada to discuss the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan.
- Senate Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee – Net-Zero Advisory Body Report (Oct 21): On October 21, 2025, the Senate committee will meet in camera to examine the Net-Zero Advisory Body Report, with testimony from Robert Hornung.
- Senate Fisheries and Oceans Committee – Ocean Carbon Sequestration (Oct 21): On October 21, 2025, the committee will consider research on ocean carbon sequestration with presentations from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Carbon Removal Canada, and Carbon to Sea Initiative.
Canadian Federal GR News
Canada and Manitoba Announce $32 Million in Renewable Energy Upgrades
Environment and Climate Change Minister Julie Dabrusin and Manitoba’s minister Mike Moyes have announced up to $32 million in joint federal-provincial funding directed at projects designed to lower energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Manitoba. The new Manitoba Climate and Economy Solutions Program, launching with up to $23 million from federal and provincial sources, aims to support fuel switching from fossil fuels, energy efficiency upgrades, vehicle retrofits, and renewable fuel production. Recent funding under the Merit-Based Program included $4.3 million for 18 projects, of which 11 focused on transitioning agricultural operations from propane or natural gas to cleaner alternatives. The Canadian Mennonite University received $351,000 for a geothermal heating and cooling installation expected to reduce emissions by 25%. These investments extend ongoing collaborative efforts by Canada and Manitoba to cut emissions and accelerate momentum toward a net-zero economy.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Indigenous-Led Clean Energy Initiative Announced for Saskatchewan
The federal government is supporting an Indigenous-led clean energy and innovation initiative in Saskatchewan. On October 17, 2025, Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development) and federal Member of Parliament, will announce details on behalf of Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, in Beauval, SK. The initiative signals ongoing federal activity aimed at fostering Indigenous leadership in energy development and investments in renewable technologies within the province.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
US Federal GR News
USTR Announces Modification of Section 301 Maritime and LNG Tariffs
The Office of the United States Trade Representative issued notice of modifications to Section 301 tariffs targeting China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. Among the actions, the USTR eliminated Paragraph (j) of Annex IV from the April 23 tariff notice, removing the authority to suspend licensing for liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments. New duties of 100 percent were imposed on ship-to-shore cranes and certain cargo handling equipment originating from China, taking effect November 9, 2025. The agency is also proposing additional tariffs of up to 150 percent on other categories of port equipment including rubber tire gantry cranes, rail-mounted gantry cranes, reachstackers, and straddle carriers. Public comments on these proposed modifications are open until November 10, 2025. The notice highlights continued government pressure to reduce U.S. economic dependence on Chinese shipping and logistics hardware and to promote domestic shipbuilding capacity for LNG exports.
Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov
Trump Proclaims October as National Energy Dominance Month
President Donald J. Trump designated October 2025 as National Energy Dominance Month. His statement recapped previous decisions to expand U.S. energy production, including opening offshore mineral extraction, lifting coal plant restrictions, advancing nuclear energy, and authorizing drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Trump’s administration established the National Energy Dominance Council to coordinate these efforts and positioned energy security as a priority by rescinding earlier restrictions on the industry.
Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov
Pipeline Safety: PHMSA Seeks Comments on NGPL Special Permit Expansion in Texas
PHMSA at the Department of Transportation has opened a public comment period on Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America’s request to extend special permit coverage for additional pipeline segments in Texas. The proposed expansion encompasses 1,333 feet of pipeline along Louisiana Line #2, following prior permits spanning over 10 miles. The agency’s environmental review concluded no further assessment is necessary, and interested parties are invited to provide comments by November 13, 2025. The decision will consider pipeline safety requirements for the affected transmission segments.
Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov
White House Statement: Trump Energy Policy Drives Down Gasoline Prices
The White House credited Trump administration energy policies for a marked reduction in U.S. gasoline prices, with national averages projected below $3 per gallon for the first time since 2021 according to AAA figures. Data from GasBuddy indicated widespread price drops, with some regions potentially dipping under $2. The administration attributed lower costs to strong oil production and seasonal demand factors.
Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Reviews Major Gas, Power Infrastructure Projects
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission held its 1129th meeting on October 16, 2025, reviewing multiple industry filings including natural gas pipeline standards, new certificate applications, and market reliability concerns. Items included Transwestern Pipeline Company, NGO Transmission, and Rover Pipeline applications for new or expanded infrastructure. Documents associated with market operations and electric power system reliability were also tabled for consideration.
Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov
Canadian Provincial GR News
Alberta Streamlines Silica Sand Regulations to Support Oil and Gas Sector
Alberta’s government announced regulatory changes facilitating silica sand exploration and extraction, reducing provincial reliance on imports for oil and gas operations, with decision times shortened and greater accessibility for producers on public lands.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca
Nova Scotia Premier Promotes Offshore Natural Gas at Trade Mission in UK and Italy
Premier Tim Houston is leading a trade delegation to the United Kingdom and Italy this week, with meetings focused on attracting investment in Nova Scotia’s energy sector and offshore natural gas developments.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca
New Brunswick Invests $58 Million in 56 Climate Change Fund Projects
New Brunswick will allocate more than $58 million to 56 projects as part of the 2025-26 Climate Change Fund, with emphasis on emissions mitigation, adaptation, and local innovation for greenhouse gas reductions.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca
Ongoing Petroleum System Remediation After December 2024 Spill in New Brunswick
The New Brunswick government reported continued remediation activities at the Irving station diesel spill site in Woodstock, as part of wider fuel outlet inspections and enforcement for industry compliance under provincial regulations.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca
Alberta MLA to Meet U.S. Legislators on Pacific NorthWest Trade and Energy
MLA Shane Getson of Alberta will attend meetings in Washington, D.C., with U.S. federal and state legislators as part of the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region Capital Visit, promoting Alberta’s role in North American energy trade corridors.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca
Government Consultations
Comment Period Opens on Proposed Federal-Provincial Environmental Notification Agreements
Environment and Climate Change Canada announced the availability of proposed agreements for environmental occurrences notification with six provinces and territories, with a 60-day comment period now underway.
Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca
What We're Reading This Week
- Ksi Lisims LNG developer welcomes shift in political support for industry: LNG sector observers note evolving industry discussions.
- An energy superpower: A new approach is needed to achieve a new vision for Canada: Advocacy piece covers Canada’s positioning in global energy markets.
- Low-carbon energy storage needed to achieve Canada’s net-zero strategy: Industry op-ed examines infrastructure gaps for energy transition.
- Global oil surplus could stretch into 2026 on higher OPEC+ output, softening demand, IEA says: IEA forecasts continued global oil surplus.
- Could natural gas unlock new potential for Churchill’s port?: Regional analysis considers natural gas impact on northern trade hub.
- SGBX Subsidiary Olenox to Implement AI Algorithm to Streamline Wellsite Production and Operator Input: Technology developments in oilfield operations.
- SGBX Subsidiary Olenox to Implement AI Algorithm to Streamline Wellsite Production and Operator Input: Parallel coverage of wellsite automation initiatives.
- India seeks to import more U.S. oil and gas under pressure from Trump to stop Russian oil purchases: Market developments in U.S. oil and gas exports.
- Opinion: Is Carney willing to play the Keystone card?: Commentary on cross-border pipeline policy.
- Global oil output: OPEC+, international energy agency: Further reporting on agency supply/demand forecasts.