July 19, 2026 to July 25, 2026

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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📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

EPA Approves Missouri SIP Revision for Petroleum Liquid Storage, Loading, and Transfer

The Environmental Protection Agency finalized approval of Missouri’s State Implementation Plan revision regulating emissions from petroleum liquid storage, loading, and transfer in the St. Louis area. Effective August 24, 2026, the revision updates tank size thresholds, incorporates additional state rules by reference, clarifies definitions, and simplifies the permitting process for vapor recovery systems at gasoline dispensing facilities. According to the EPA, these modifications are consistent with requirements of the Clean Air Act and will be incorporated by reference into federal regulations, without adverse impact on the state’s attainment of National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FERC Environmental Assessment: Columbia Gas Transmission Southeast Virginia Energy Storage Project

Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC's proposed Southeast Virginia Energy Storage Project received an Environmental Assessment from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The project involves a 14.6-million-gallon LNG storage tank, a 10,000 Dth/d liquefaction system, a 120,000 Dth/d vaporization system, and a one-mile, 12-inch natural gas pipeline in Sussex County, Virginia. The EA concludes there would be no significant environmental effect. Public comments are open until August 17, 2026, with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration participating as a cooperating agency.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Application: Freeport LNG Hourly Production Increase Project

Freeport LNG filed for an amendment to its FERC authorization to increase the maximum hourly LNG production rate at its Quintana Island facility in Texas. The increase—from 33.6 MMSCFH to 35 MMSCFH—will utilize existing equipment and does not raise the previously authorized annual production capacity. The application is open for comment and intervention until August 11, 2026. No construction of new facilities is anticipated; FERC will complete environmental review within 90 days.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Final Public Hearing Scheduled for ST LNG Deepwater Port License Application

The Maritime Administration will hold a final public hearing for the ST LNG Deepwater Port Development Project, intended to export LNG offshore Matagorda, Texas. The hearing will take place August 12, 2026, in Bay City, Texas. The terminal, comprising four liquefaction units with a combined 8.4 MTPA capacity, is located in Brazos Outer Continental Shelf Lease Block 476. Public input will be recorded for inclusion in MARAD's decision record.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Pipeline Rate and Compliance Filings Announced by FERC

FERC published multiple compliance filings and complaint records, including rate changes for Viking Gas Transmission Company, modifications to Tres Palacios Gas Storage's storage service, and a complaint filing by M4 Energy against Equitrans L.P. Comment dates range from July 28 to August 17, 2026. Proceedings are accessible via FERC's eLibrary and open to intervention in accordance with Commission rules.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Expedited Approval for Interstate Oil and Natural Gas Pipelines

Bill 9838 was introduced to provide for expedited approval of interstate oil and natural gas pipelines deemed critical to U.S. national security. The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and additionally to Transportation and Infrastructure, and Natural Resources for further consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act

Bill 8790, focused on geothermal research and development, was received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources following House action.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Public Participation in Oil and Gas Leasing Decisions

Bill 5118 requires that the Secretary of the Interior provide opportunities for meaningful involvement of the public and relevant government entities before offering parcels for oil or gas leasing. It is now before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

House Companion Legislation: Public Participation in Oil and Gas Leasing Decisions

Bill 9924, a House version requiring the Secretary of the Interior to engage the public and State, Tribal, and local government officials prior to oil or gas leasing decisions, was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Grid Modernization Through Advanced Conductors

Bill 9945 proposes accelerating modernization of the national electric grid by supporting advanced conductors and related systems. It has been referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Mideast war escalation threatens recovery in global oil refining: Escalating conflict in the Middle East is impacting global oil refining recovery.
• ADNOC greenlights $6.2 billion Umm Shaif Gas Cap project: ADNOC approves major investment in offshore gas cap expansion for Umm Shaif field.
• EXCLUSIVE: Buyers to press Qatar, UAE for cheaper, more flexible LNG deals after Hormuz shock: LNG buyers seek cost reductions and flexibility after disruptions near Hormuz.
• Analysis: The Middle East energy map is being redrawn | CNN Politics: Pipeline projects and regional conflict are reshaping Middle East energy trade routes.
• Why Trump is facing his biggest danger from rising oil prices since the war began: Political discussion intensifies amid oil price surge linked to ongoing conflict.
• CPC oil loadings suspended again after drone attack on tanker Nelsa: CPC halts oil shipments following drone attack on tanker in loading zone.
• Add a month at sea and $2.5 million - what it costs oil tankers to flee Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb: Tankers face longer routes and higher costs to avoid regional maritime conflicts.
• EXCLUSIVE: Egypt in talks with energy majors for multi-year LNG supply deal, sources say: Egypt negotiates extended LNG supply contracts with global energy companies.

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