This Week in Oil & Gas — Washington (#11, 2026)
DOE receives LNG export applications; Kinder Morgan files Texas pipeline project; Congressional bills address offshore decommissioning, carbon oxide credits, and pipeline safety.
This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning oil and gas production, wells, drilling, petroleum and fuels refining, pipelines, LNG, hydrocarbons, and all Landman fans. Once a week, 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. Also consider subscribing to our Oil & Gas - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.
Dates: 2026-03-22 to 2026-03-28
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
Federal Government News
Corpus Christi Liquefaction Seeks Expanded LNG Export Authorization
Corpus Christi Liquefaction, LLC, CCL Midscale 8-9, LLC, and Cheniere Marketing, LLC submitted an application to the Department of Energy for expanded long-term, multi-contract export authorization, requesting capacity for 251 billion cubic feet per year of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the CCL Midscale Complex at the Corpus Christi terminal. The application covers exports to non-free trade agreement countries and proposes a term commencing with first commercial export through December 2050, plus a three-year make-up period. DOE will consider public comments and protests electronically until May 22, 2026; decisions will reflect National Environmental Policy Act requirements and DOE regulations.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Venture Global Plaquemines LNG Seeks Increase in Export Volume
Venture Global Plaquemines LNG, LLC filed for a limited amendment to its Department of Energy authorization to raise its permitted export volume by 467.67 Bcf per year to a total of 1,873 Bcf annually. The increased capacity request aligns with proposed enhancements to the terminal's liquefaction output, now projected at 35.0 metric tons per annum. There are no significant modifications or new construction planned, and public submissions are open until May 26, 2026, referencing Docket No. 16-28-LNG.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
Rio Grande LNG Entities Request Extension on Non-FTA Export Deadline
Rio Grande LNG, LLC, Train 4, LLC, and Train 5, LLC have requested the Department of Energy amend their export authorization to non-free trade agreement countries, proposing to extend the commencement deadline from February 10, 2027 to September 30, 2027. The applicants cite progress in terminal development and commercial milestones, noting construction delays tied to final investment decision timelines. The request does not alter terminal specifications, with comments due April 22, 2026.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
Kinder Morgan Louisiana Pipeline Files Texas Access Project Application
Kinder Morgan Louisiana Pipeline LLC applied to FERC for the Texas Access Project, involving construction of a 3.05-mile, 48-inch mainline extension spanning Jefferson County, Texas and Cameron Parish, Louisiana. This project is designed to transport up to 1,300,000 Dth/d of natural gas, with infrastructure upgrades including a new interconnection and measurement building at Woodside Terminal. Estimated project cost is $112 million. FERC is accepting comments and intervention requests referencing docket CP26-136-000 through April 9, 2026.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
Argent LNG, LLC Files for Long-Term LNG Export Authorization
Argent LNG, LLC has applied to the Department of Energy for long-term authorization to export up to 1,293.75 Bcf/year of LNG from its proposed terminal project at Port Fourchon, Louisiana. The application seeks a 20-year export term with a three-year make-up period, covering sales to non-free trade agreement countries. The facility design includes multiple liquefaction units, storage tanks, and marine loading berths. Public comment window closes May 26, 2026; filings must mention Docket No. 26-28-LNG.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
Legislative Updates
Senate Bill 4239: Offshore Oil and Gas Decommissioning Reports
Bill 4239 mandates the Secretary of the Interior to submit annual congressional reports on decommissioning offshore oil and gas wells, platforms, and pipelines, with public access via a website. The bill was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Sources: www.congress.gov
House Bill 8099: Offshore Oil and Gas Decommissioning Reporting
House Bill 8099 mirrors Senate Bill 4239 in requiring annual reporting by the Secretary of the Interior on offshore oil and gas decommissioning activities. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Sources: www.congress.gov
SECURE Minerals Act of 2026
Bill 3659, the SECURE Minerals Act of 2026, addresses energy sector mineral policy and has undergone committee hearings in the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Sources: www.congress.gov
House Bill 8050: Preventing Future Vintage Plastic Pipeline Tragedies Act
Bill 8050 seeks to address safety risks related to vintage plastic pipeline infrastructure. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and to the Committee on Energy and Commerce for further consideration.
Sources: www.congress.gov
Tax Credit End Date for Qualified Carbon Oxide
Bill 4222, introduced in the Senate, amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish an end date for tax credits involving certain qualified carbon oxide. The bill was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance.
Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week
- Oil, gas exploration is back: Energy giants hunt to replenish reserves: Exploration activity is increasing among major oil and gas companies aiming to bolster reserves.
- CERAWeek Canadian crude re-exports from Gulf Coast set to surge with pipeline projects, Enbridge says: Enbridge projects Canadian crude re-exports from the Gulf Coast will rise as new pipelines come online.
- U.S. Natural Gas Futures Edge Up Ahead of Storage Data: U.S. natural gas prices showed modest gains as traders awaited new storage figures.
- The Choking of Hormuz: The Strait of Hormuz faces increasing pressure as a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas transport.
- Exclusive | Carbon-Removal Credits Licensed by EU Get Nasdaq Backing: EU-licensed carbon-removal credits are now supported by Nasdaq, attracting investor attention.
- Opinion | Democrats for Energy Disarmament: Discussion on Democratic policy initiatives regarding fossil fuels and energy security.
- The Energy Situation, Explained for Tech People: A breakdown of global energy dynamics tailored for a technology-focused audience.
- Oil & Iran War Context Weekly (W13): Overview of current events impacting oil prices in the context of Iran and conflict-related developments.
- Global Oil Data Deck (March 2026): Comprehensive monthly statistics on global oil production, consumption, and exports.
- Diesel at $5.07: The Tax on Every Aisle in America: Diesel prices at $5.07 affect transportation costs across American supply chains.