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: 2026-05-03 to 2026-05-09

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

FERC Opens Scoping for Bakken East Pipeline Project in North Dakota

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission initiated the scoping process for the Bakken East Pipeline Project, proposed by WBI Energy Transmission, Inc., in North Dakota. The project includes a 353-mile pipeline, compressor stations, receipt and delivery stations, and would provide incremental firm transportation to central and eastern North Dakota as well as connections to the Midwest. Construction would disturb roughly 8,500 acres, with 2,700 acres retained for permanent facilities. FERC has scheduled public scoping sessions in various counties through June, and comments on environmental issues are due by June 4, 2026. The NEPA review will analyze impacts across resource areas including water, wildlife, air quality, and historic properties. The Bureau of Land Management is a cooperating agency, and State Historic Preservation Office consultation is underway. Landowners affected may negotiate easement agreements, with eminent domain subject to court determination.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FERC Announces Corpus Christi LNG and Pipeline Expansion Project EIS Review

FERC issued a Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Corpus Christi Liquefaction Stage 4 Project and Corpus Christi Pipeline Expansion in Texas. Key components include four LNG trains, storage tanks, marine berth, and a 42-inch, 26-mile pipeline loop, increasing LNG vessel traffic from 480 to 870/year and gas delivery by 3 Bcf/day. Construction is expected to disturb 2,893 acres. The EIS will examine impacts to waterbodies, floodplains, seagrasses, and air quality, with public comments open until May 29, 2026. Alternatives and no-action options will be evaluated. Consultation with agencies including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Department of Energy is ongoing, and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act applies. Draft EIS publication is anticipated for September 2026, final EIS by March 2027.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Gulf South Pipeline Salt Cavern Storage Expansion - Environmental Public Input

Gulf South Pipeline Company, LLC proposed the Petal Cavern Expansion Project in Forrest County, Mississippi, seeking to build a new salt dome storage cavern of 16 Bcf capacity within the Petal Storage Field. Associated infrastructure includes pipelines, check meters, brine disposal wells, and access roads, with a construction footprint of 35.8 acres and 10.4 acres permanent. FERC has opened a scoping period for environmental comments, focusing on impacts to geology, water, wildlife, air quality, and cultural sites, with submissions due by May 29, 2026. Section 106 consultation is included. FERC will decide between an Environmental Assessment or full EIS after review.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Corrections to Pipeline Construction Notification Thresholds Proposed by PHMSA

PHMSA proposed corrections to the monetary thresholds for operator notifications on specific gas pipeline construction activities. The minimum threshold for reporting replacement/modification rises from $10 million to $20 million, and maintenance on underground natural gas storage facilities from $200,000 to $300,000. Annual adjustments for inflation are procedural. The correction rectifies earlier text errors, ensuring thresholds align throughout the rulemaking. Comments and inquiries should reference the notice published May 5, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Northern Natural Gas Files for Central Mainline Corridor Expansion

Northern Natural Gas Company submitted a formal application to FERC for the Central Mainline Corridor Expansion Project spanning Nebraska and Iowa. The project aims to deliver 535,360 dekatherms/day through new pipelines and compressor station modifications, with an estimated capital cost of $187.5 million. A rolled-in rate treatment is proposed for expansion costs. Water quality certification is required from Nebraska authorities. Stakeholder participation is invited via comments, protests, or requests to intervene by May 21, 2026. FERC’s environmental review will conclude within 90 days or set further milestones.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Bill 8698 – Gasoline and Fuel Price Gouging Prohibition

Bill 8698 was introduced to address gasoline and fuel price gouging and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Education and Workforce. The bill is pending jurisdictional review by these committees before further consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 8670 – Prohibition on Oil Exports During U.S. Military Operations Against Iran

Bill 8670 seeks to prohibit exports of crude oil, gasoline, and diesel fuel during periods of military operations against Iran. The measure was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. If enacted, the export restrictions would apply when the U.S. is engaged in military operations targeting Iran.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 8715 – Clean Air Act Penalty Enhancement for Investor-Owned Utilities Raising Rates

Bill 8715 proposes to amend the Clean Air Act by enhancing penalties for investor-owned electric or gas utilities that increase rates within two years before or after an assessed penalty. The bill is under initial review by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 8706 – Energy Act of 2020 Amendments for Energy Storage Technology

Bill 8706 aims to modify programs and projects related to energy storage technology within the Energy Act of 2020. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology for further deliberation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

PIPELINE Safety Act of 2025 – Held at Desk

Bill 2975, the PIPELINE Safety Act of 2025, covering transportation and public works, remains held at the desk in Congress and is not currently assigned to committee.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

Indiana Senator Alting Urges Gas Tax Suspension Extension

State Senator Ron Alting has called on Governor Mike Braun to extend Indiana’s gas tax holiday and suspend the 36 cents per gallon excise tax, citing recent gas price increases.

Sources: www.indianasenaterepublicans.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Is It Time to Tax the Oil and Gas Industry’s Windfall?: Opinion considers potential U.S. windfall taxes on oil and gas firms amid current price levels.
• EU considers suspending penalties for oil and gas firms that breach methane law: European Commission reviews suspending methane penalties for oil and gas firms in energy emergencies.
• XCF Global Highlights Strategic Role of Renewable Fuels in Strengthening U.S. Energy Security: Renewable fuels seen as a strategic asset for U.S. energy security and market stability.
• INEOS, Shell to jointly explore new oil and gas opportunities in Gulf Of Mexico: INEOS and Shell announce new oil and gas joint exploration prospects in the Gulf of Mexico.
• Week in review: Big oil bets, jobs and tariffs: Podcast recap covers oil industry investment trends, employment and trade impacts.
• Here’s What’s Shoring Up the Global Economy During the Energy Shock: Article examines factors stabilizing global growth against recent energy market volatility.
• Pipeline work starts on Romania's biggest Black Sea offshore gas project: Pipeline construction has begun for Romania’s largest offshore gas project in the Black Sea.
• EU energy ministers to discuss domestic gas drilling, document says: EU ministers will address domestic gas drilling strategies in upcoming summit.
• Louisiana Supports LOI Between Hapag-Lloyd AG and Southern Energy Renewables Inc. for Green Methanol Offtake: Louisiana officials endorse green methanol production LOI connecting shipping and renewable fuel sectors.
• Australia requires LNG exporters reserve 20% of gas for east coast market: Australian government mandates LNG producers to reserve a fifth of gas output for domestic supply.

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