August 09, 2026 to August 15, 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 Launches Section 610 Review of Oil and Natural Gas Sector Emission Rule

On August 14, the Environmental Protection Agency announced the initiation of a Section 610 review of the 2016 final rule regulating emissions from new, reconstructed, and modified sources in the oil and natural gas sector. The review will examine the rule's necessity, public comments, complexity, overlaps with other regulatory bodies, and technological or economic shifts since promulgation. Stakeholders can submit comments referencing Docket ID EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-3160 within 60 days, following submission guidance in the Regulatory Agenda. The rule's original legal authority derives from the Clean Air Act, and the agency contact is Paz Aviles, Office of Air and Radiation.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FERC Regulatory Agenda: Updates to Business Practices and Oil Pipeline Index

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission published its semiannual regulatory agenda, listing rulemaking activities underway and completed since May 2025. Among current actions, the Commission proposes to amend regulations to incorporate the latest NAESB standards for business practices of interstate natural gas pipelines (Version 4.0), streamlining access to gas-electric coordination data during extreme weather events (Docket No. RM96-1-044). FERC is also reviewing the index used to determine annual changes to oil pipeline rate ceilings, proposing the Producer Price Index for Finished Goods (PPI-FG) at 1.42% for the July 2026–June 2031 period (Docket No. RM26-6-000). Comment periods and specific agency contacts are provided for each action in the agenda.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FERC Environmental Assessments: Columbia Gulf Transmission and Wiscons8 Projects

On August 14, FERC released environmental assessments for two projects. The Columbia Gulf Transmission Maysville Project proposes constructing 42 miles of new natural gas pipeline, a tie-in to the Columbia Gulf Mainline, a meter station, and mainline valves in Kentucky. The EA concluded approval would not significantly affect environmental quality; comments are open until September 10. Wiscons8, LLC submitted a surrender and decommissioning plan for a hydroelectric project; FERC staff analysis concluded no major federal action would result. Public may comment until September 10 following instructions in the EA notices.

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

Legislative Updates

Energy Utility Lobbying Ban Act

Bill 10080, the Energy Utility Lobbying Ban Act, was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce as of August 10. The bill would address restrictions on lobbying activities by energy utilities.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Providing for Congressional Disapproval of EPA Commercial Harbor Craft Rule

Bill 213 was introduced to disapprove the EPA rule concerning California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards for Commercial Harbor Craft. The latest action is referral to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Providing for Congressional Disapproval of EPA Small Off-Road Engines Rule

Bill 214 seeks congressional disapproval of an EPA rule about California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards for Small Off-Road Engines. It was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026

Bill 10076 imposes sanctions on Russia and Iran and was referred to multiple House committees including Foreign Affairs, Judiciary, Oversight and Government Reform, Financial Services, Ways and Means, Rules, and Energy and Commerce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Hazardous Materials Transparency Act

Bill 10108, named the Hazardous Materials Transparency Act, was referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. No further actions are noted as of August 13.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to eliminate penalties for dyed fuel use

Bill 10104 proposes to remove penalties for use of dyed fuel in taxable applications by amending the Internal Revenue Code. It has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means as of August 13.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Safety Starts at the Top Act of 2026

Bill 10077 addresses safety standards and was referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on August 10.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Nigeria's Dangote refinery plans retail-focused IPO, no foreign listing for now: Dangote refinery will pursue a retail IPO with no immediate plans for a foreign stock listing.
• Oman says grounded tanker oil spill covers 400 square km: Oil spill from a sanctioned Russian tanker off Oman has spread, reportedly impacting 400 square kilometers.
• Nigeria approves deep-water oil investment framework aimed at unlocking $50 bln: Nigerian government approves a framework expected to steer $50 billion in deep-water oil investments.
• Uniper CEO predicts high gas prices as long as Strait of Hormuz shut: Uniper's CEO signals continued high gas prices if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.
• ‘A Dying Community’: An Energy Crisis Worsened by the War Strains Alaska: War-linked energy shortages and price spikes are straining rural communities in Alaska.
• Madagascar imports diesel cargo to address energy emergency: Madagascar imports diesel to alleviate a declared energy emergency amid supply disruptions.
• Data center backlash echoes fossil-fuel politics: Growing opposition to energy-hungry data centers draws parallels to fossil fuel protests.
• Libya's NOC says Zawiya oil fires brought under control: Libya’s NOC reports containment of oil depot fires at the Zawiya facility.

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