This Week in Oil & Gas — Washington (#29, 2026)
PHMSA withdraws hazardous liquid pipeline DFR after adverse comments; new pipeline safety standards confirmed; FERC environmental reviews for major natural gas projects proceed; License to Drill Act advances in Senate committee; offshore worker whistleblower bill referred in House.
July 26, 2026 to August 01, 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.
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.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
Federal Government News
PHMSA Withdraws DFRs on ASME B31.4 and Integrity Management Guidance
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration withdrew its direct final rules on ASME B31.4 (expansion stress provisions in pipeline safety standards) and hazardous liquid pipeline integrity management guidance, both initially published April 2026. Industry groups, including the American Petroleum Institute and Pipeline Safety Trust, submitted adverse comments citing technical concerns and requesting clarification from standard organizations. Withdrawal is effective July 31, 2026; further rulemaking may incorporate some feedback.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov
PHMSA Confirms Effective Dates for Electronic Retention and Updated Safety Standards
PHMSA confirmed several direct final rules for pipeline operator requirements effective between August 3, 2026 and January 1, 2027. These include amendments permitting electronic retention of oil spill response plans (Part 194), updates to internal and external corrosion standards (adopting NACE SP0206 2016 and NACE SP0502 2025 editions), and new NFPA 58 liquefied petroleum gas code (2024 edition) incorporation. PHMSA reviewed public comments, finding no grounds for withdrawal and clarifying details on access and technical concerns.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov
FERC Environmental Reviews Advance for Multiple Natural Gas Pipeline Projects
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission set schedules and issued notices for environmental assessments for the Athens Optimization Project in Ohio, the Green Chile Project in New Mexico, Steel Reef Pipelines Flat Lake Access Pipeline (North Dakota/Saskatchewan), and the Kosciusko Junction Pipeline Project in Mississippi. Documentation deadlines for Athens Optimization (EA by Nov. 6, 2026; 90-day authorization by Feb. 4, 2027) and Green Chile (EA by Sept. 4, 2026; 90-day deadline Dec. 3, 2026) were announced. Kosciusko Junction's EIS concludes adverse impacts are mitigated to less than significant; cooperating agencies include EPA and the U.S Army Corps.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov
President Trump Discusses U.S. Naval Control and Energy Security in Iran Operations
On July 28, President Trump spoke on Fox & Friends regarding ongoing U.S. maximum pressure operations against Iran. He highlighted American naval presence in the Strait of Hormuz, intelligence and surveillance capabilities, and readiness to prevent nuclear proliferation. Trump referenced the effectiveness of the U.S. blockade for controlling ship passage and commented on Space Force’s intelligence role. He detailed the administration's approach, asserting the ability to act against Iranian infrastructure if negotiations fail.
Sources: www.whitehouse.gov
FERC Information Collection Renewal for Critical Energy/Electric Infrastructure
FERC issued a notice to extend its information collection for Critical Energy/Electric Infrastructure Information (OMB Control No 1902-0197) for three years, maintaining current reporting requirements. The collection provides industry participants a process to access CEII, subject to non-disclosure agreements and security protocols under section 215A(d) of the Federal Power Act and 18 CFR 388.113. Estimated annual burden is 0.3 hours per response for 100 respondents, with total annual cost of $3,060.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
Legislative Updates
License to Drill Act Advances in Senate Energy Committee
Senate Bill 5039, the License to Drill Act, and companion Bill 7831 were ordered to be reported favorably without amendment by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on July 29. This legislation focuses on energy policy pertinent to upstream oil and gas development, signaling committee support for permitting reforms.
Sources: www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov
Geothermal Energy Advancement Act Moves Forward
Senate Bill 5631, the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act, was ordered to be reported without amendment by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on July 29. The bill aims to support growth in geothermal resources through agency-level improvements and industry partnerships.
Sources: www.congress.gov
Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act Progresses
The Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act (Bills 3313 and 6365) was ordered to be reported favorably by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, with Bill 3313 amended and Bill 6365 unamended. Both bills focus on public lands and natural resources, facilitating emergency access corridors.
Sources: www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov
Gateway Partnership Act Receives Committee Approval
Senate Bill 2767, Gateway Partnership Act, was ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably on July 29. The bill pertains to public lands and natural resources and may affect access to infrastructure and energy corridors.
Sources: www.congress.gov
Offshore Oil and Gas Worker Whistleblower Protection Act Referred to House Committee
House Bill 9947 was referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce on July 27. The bill establishes whistleblower protections for offshore oil and gas workers, aiming to address industry reporting mechanisms for safety and operational risks.
Sources: www.congress.gov
What We're Reading This Week
- Fossil Fuel Executives Cash In: Executives in the fossil fuel sector see increased activity amid shifting global market conditions.
- Australia's oil refinery about-face will need to overcome several hurdles: Australia's refining sector reevaluates expansion plans, facing regulatory and logistical obstacles.
- Guyana set for bigger oil profits as ExxonMobil recoups initial costs: Guyana expects increased oil revenue as ExxonMobil marks recovery of project investments.
- Managing Geoeconomic and Geopolitical Risks: Industry leaders assess strategies to address rising geoeconomic and geopolitical challenges.
- Oil settles down on proposed Saudi-led maritime defence coalition: Oil prices moderate as maritime security partnerships shape transport dynamics in Middle East conflict zones.
- Iran War Forces Energy Buyers to ‘Unshackle’ From Global Markets: Energy buyers are shifting procurement strategies amid continued uncertainty after Iran conflict.
- Cheniere gets approval to introduce natural gas into final LNG expansion plant: Cheniere receives regulatory clearance to begin natural gas operations at its expanded LNG facility.
- Canada's Enbridge postpones plans for second phase of Mainline oil pipeline expansion: Enbridge delays Mainline pipeline expansion, citing market factors and regulatory challenges.
