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.

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Dates: 2026-03-29 to 2026-04-04

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 🗺️ State Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

EPA Finalizes Renewable Fuel Standard Program: Standards for 2026 and 2027

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finalized Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume and percentage standards for 2026 and 2027, effective June 15, 2026. The rule sets increased applicable volumes for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel, while also issuing a partial waiver for the 2025 cellulosic biofuel requirement due to supply shortfalls. Among several regulatory amendments, the EPA is removing renewable electricity (eRINs) as a qualifying fuel under RFS, establishing new BBD standards in RINs (rather than gallons), altering equivalence values for renewable diesel and naphtha, and introducing technical corrections across recordkeeping and reporting provisions. The final volumes for 2026–2027 reflect increased domestic production and will be implemented with delayed compliance if compliance deadlines require revision.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

President Trump Addresses Operation Epic Fury and U.S. Oil Supply

On April 2, President Trump delivered a primetime address on Operation Epic Fury, affirming that U.S. military actions have dismantled significant portions of Iran’s naval and air capabilities over the prior month. The operation, which included targeted strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, was justified as necessary to prevent nuclear proliferation and safeguard U.S. interests. Trump attributed recent increases in gas prices to Iranian attacks on oil tankers and urged other nations to secure their own energy supplies. He stated that U.S. military objectives in Iran are nearing completion and underscored efforts to eliminate threats to global energy markets, recognizing the loss of 13 American soldiers.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act of 2026 (H.R. 2252)

The House placed the North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act of 2026 (H.R. 2252) on the Union Calendar as Calendar No. 501. The bill addresses the administration and completion of trust lands in North Dakota and is pending further chamber action.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

Illinois Governor Presses for Year-Round E15 Sales Amid Global and Domestic Policy Uncertainty

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker sent a letter to Congress advocating for permanent year-round E15 gasoline sales, citing market pressures from ongoing global instability and tariffs impacting Illinois farmers.

Sources: gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com

Texas Governor Stresses Economic Role of Oil and Gas at Annual TIPRO Convention

Governor Greg Abbott addressed the Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association, referencing measures passed to deter oil theft and reaffirming Texas' position as a leading U.S. energy producer.

Sources: gov.texas.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• ‘Like relying on a drug dealer:’ the world’s dependence on oil and gas has exposed a dangerous vulnerability: World reliance on oil and gas supply routes is facing renewed scrutiny amid Middle East security threats.
• Oil shock resilience in March - or smoke and mirrors?: Industry analysts question whether March’s global oil market stability is real or the result of temporary interventions.
• Will the Iran Crisis Push the World to Rethink Oil and Gas?: The latest escalation in Iran has triggered debate over accelerating the energy transition away from hydrocarbons.
• Exclusive: Vingroup proposes scrapping LNG-powered plant plan for renewables amid Iran war, document shows: Vietnam’s Vingroup considers replacing LNG power plant plans with renewables, citing regional war disruptions.
• EU to Relax Emissions Trading System as Impact of War Threatens Industry: The EU will increase carbon permit supply to buffer industrial sectors against impacts from energy market disruptions.
• A riskier Mideast will drive Big Oil toward new frontiers: Rising geopolitical risks in the Middle East prompt international oil companies to seek out new basins.

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