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: 2026-04-19 to 2026-04-25

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

EPA Proposes Amendments to Oil and Gas NESHAP in Technology Review

On April 22, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed amendments to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for crude oil and natural gas production, transmission, and storage facilities. The rule would regulate methanol as a hazardous air pollutant for certain regulated units, clarify the definition of 'associated equipment' for major source determination, and propose alternative standards for several unregulated sources if required under the D.C. Circuit's ruling in Louisiana Environmental Action Network (LEAN). The proposal maintains existing standards for regulated emission points unless new controls are found cost-effective. Public comments are due by June 22, 2026, with a potential virtual public hearing if requested by April 27.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Presidential Determinations Under Defense Production Act: Domestic Petroleum, LNG, and Grid Infrastructure

On April 20, President Trump issued multiple determinations under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act declaring domestic petroleum production, refining, logistics, natural gas transmission, processing, storage, and LNG capacity to be critical for national defense and energy security. The orders cite permitting delays, infrastructure bottlenecks, and supply chain challenges as barriers to timely industry response. The directives authorize the Secretary of Energy to provide financial and logistical support and waive certain Act requirements to expedite capacity expansion. Both determinations require publication in the Federal Register and follow Executive Order 14156 declaring a national energy emergency.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

PHMSA Incorporates New Pipeline Safety Standards: NFPA 58, NFPA 59, NACE SP0206, and ASTM A372/A372M

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued direct final rules updating pipeline safety regulations. New editions of industry standards have been incorporated by reference: NFPA 58 (2024) for liquefied petroleum gas systems, NFPA 59 (2024) for utility LP-Gas plants, NACE SP0206 (2016) for internal corrosion assessment in dry gas pipelines, and ASTM A372/A372M (2025) for steel forgings used in pressure vessels. The rules are effective January 1, 2027, unless adverse comments are received by June 23, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

PHMSA Advisory Bulletin: Preventing Excavation Damage During Increased Infrastructure Activity

PHMSA released an advisory bulletin on April 21 urging pipeline operators to enforce excavation damage prevention procedures in response to increased infrastructure construction and recent incidents. The bulletin cites excavation as a leading cause of pipeline incidents and recommends practices such as adopting CGA Best Practices, enhancing locator training, using 'white lining,' and conducting post-strike inspections. The advisory notes excavation damages cost the U.S. economy nearly $30 billion annually and are responsible for hundreds of injuries and fatalities since 2005.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

PHMSA Issues Pipeline Safety Regulatory Corrections and Reporting Changes

On April 24, PHMSA finalized a rule removing obsolete language allowing safety-related condition reports by facsimile for hazardous liquid and carbon dioxide pipelines. The agency also proposed extending the annual reporting deadline for natural gas pipeline operators to June 15, aligning it with hazardous liquid pipelines and the National Pipeline Mapping System. These actions are expected to streamline operator reporting and improve consistency across pipeline safety requirements.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act (H.R. 4690)

The Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act (H.R. 4690) advanced through the House with a motion to reconsider laid on the table. The bill proposes to repeal certain federal building energy efficiency standards under the Energy Conservation and Production Act.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to amend the Federal Power Act and the Natural Gas Act with respect to the enforcement of certain provisions (S. 4351 / H.R. 8423)

S. 4351 was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Energy and Natural Resources Committee; a similar measure, H.R. 8423, was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Both would address enforcement provisions related to the Federal Power Act and Natural Gas Act.

Sources: www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov

Energy Affordability and Reliability Act of 2026 (H.R. 8448)

The Energy Affordability and Reliability Act of 2026 was introduced and referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Providing for congressional disapproval of EPA's Renewable Fuel Standard rule (H.J.Res. 157)

H.J.Res. 157 was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The resolution would disapprove the EPA's Renewable Fuel Standard rule for 2026 and 2027, including the partial waiver of the 2025 cellulosic biofuel volume requirement.

Sources: www.congress.gov

RECOVER Act of 2026 (H.R. 8386)

The RECOVER Act of 2026 was referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means for further consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

California Joins International Union for Conservation of Nature

California was officially accepted as a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, becoming one of the first and largest U.S. subnational governments in the global organization. The state will participate in policy development, collaborate on biodiversity, marine ecosystems, and climate resilience, and help design IUCN's strategy for subnational governments.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

Texas Highlights Business Environment and Oil & Gas Industry Strengths

Governor Greg Abbott met with Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler, discussing Texas' top rankings in economic development and job creation, and referencing the state's large oil and gas industrial sector and robust regulatory climate.

Sources: gov.texas.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Phillips 66, Kinder Morgan move ahead with new US West Coast fuel pipeline: Phillips 66 and Kinder Morgan announced plans for a new fuel pipeline on the US West Coast.
• UK pushes long-term renewables deals to shield against gas price shocks: The UK government is promoting long-term contracts for renewables to protect from gas price volatility.
• Open or Shut, the Strait of Hormuz May Not Go Back to Normal: The New York Times examines potential lasting changes in oil and gas shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
• EU rethinks opposition to Arctic oil and gas drilling, FT reports: Reports suggest the EU is reconsidering its stance on Arctic oil and gas exploration.
• Gabon expects to sign production-sharing contracts with BP and Exxon within six months, minister says: Gabon's government is in final talks on production-sharing with BP and Exxon.
• A New Bureau Will Oversee Both Offshore Drilling and Seabed Mining: The Interior Department plans to consolidate oversight of offshore drilling and seabed mining in a new bureau.
• Welcome to the age of energy shocks: Reuters covers the return of energy price shocks and their impact on global markets.
• Canada greenlights Enbridge gas pipeline expansion in test of Carney approval process: Canada’s government approved Enbridge’s $4 billion gas pipeline expansion, testing new project approval frameworks.
• P&G warns of $1 billion profit hit in fiscal 2027 from higher oil prices: Procter & Gamble projects a $1 billion loss in FY27 due to increased oil prices.
• EU considers helping with Mideast energy infrastructure to bypass conflict zones: The EU is considering support for Middle East energy infrastructure to avoid conflict-prone areas.

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