August 16, 2026 to August 22, 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

FERC Initiates Environmental Review for Venture Global CP2 LNG Expansion Project

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is reviewing the CP2 LNG Expansion Project proposed by Venture Global CP2 LNG, LLC and Venture Global CP Express, LLC. The planned project, located in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, and Jasper County, Texas, would add liquefaction blocks, a 720-megawatt power plant, new gas pre-treatment facilities, and supporting infrastructure. FERC requests public input on environmental, cultural, and safety impacts. Public scoping sessions are scheduled for August 25 in Louisiana and August 26 in Texas. Landowners may be contacted for easement agreements, with eminent domain possible if negotiations fail. The review process, conducted under the National Environmental Policy Act, will determine whether an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement is issued.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FERC Schedules Environmental Assessment for Rio Grande LNG Capacity Amendment

On August 19, FERC outlined the schedule for environmental review of the Rio Grande LNG Capacity Amendment submitted by Rio Grande LNG, LLC and affiliated entities. The Amendment seeks to update the terminal’s liquefied natural gas production capacity, increasing per train output from 5.4 to approximately 6.03 million tonnes per annum and nominal terminal capacity from 27.0 to 30.15 million tonnes per annum. No new construction or operational modifications are planned. Commission staff expects to issue the Environmental Assessment by August 25, 2026, with the federal authorization decision due by November 23, 2026. The docket has received input from various stakeholders and individuals.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

BSEE Proposes Renewal of Oil and Gas Drilling Operations Information Collection

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement has issued a notice to renew information collection requirements under OMB Control Number 1014-0018, covering oil and gas drilling operations on federal Outer Continental Shelf leases. The collection includes the End of Operations Report (BSEE-0125), Well Activity Report (BSEE-0133), and supplemental forms. These reports provide data for regulatory compliance, resource evaluation, safety standards, and environmental protection. The renewal concerns approximately 555 respondents, with an annual burden estimate of 83,993 hours and responses varying by activity. Comments on the process are open until October 16, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

BOEM Opens Comment Period on New OCS Qualification Application Form

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is requesting input on a new form for entities seeking to qualify to bid on, hold, or operate leases and grants on the Outer Continental Shelf under 30 CFR 556, Subpart D. The form would consolidate various certificates and evidence, aiming to reduce administrative effort for applicants and expedite qualification processing. Respondents must supply documentation to establish eligibility, with an estimated 50 responses annually. The public comment period runs until October 20, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

President Trump’s Cabinet Discusses Energy, Infrastructure, and Community Initiatives

Cabinet members, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright, conducted visits across the country to present the administration’s achievements under the 'America First' agenda. Secretary Wright promoted energy dominance initiatives in Texas, while other officials discussed infrastructure projects, veterans’ care, agricultural exports, and regulatory changes. These activities reflect ongoing federal priorities in energy production and infrastructure investment.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Advancement for Training, Education, Restoration, and Science (WATERS) Act

H.R. 6893, covering environmental protection efforts related to the Chesapeake Bay, was placed on the Union Calendar (No. 664). The bill addresses training, education, restoration, and science initiatives.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To codify Secretary's Order 3434 of the Department of the Interior

H.R. 10128 seeks to codify Department of the Interior Secretary's Order 3434. It has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources for further consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Integration in Natural-Gas Industry Drives Exit Activity: Mergers and integration drive divestments in the U.S. natural gas sector.
• Proposed Canadian crude oil pipeline projects: Overview of new crude oil pipeline proposals and regulatory status in Canada.
• ENERGY WATCH: Oil squeeze is just getting started: Markets respond to tightening oil supplies and signals of production restraint.
• India sets targets for oil companies to boost cooking gas output amid Middle East war: Indian government directs oil producers to increase LPG output in response to external conflict.
• Breakingviews - Oil shock’s bigger problem is at the refinery: Refining bottlenecks impact global oil shock management and supply chains.
• Liquefied natural gas: Updated coverage of LNG market developments and policy shifts in the U.S.
• Indian Oil close to signing LPG import deal with Algeria's Sonatrach for 2027; sources say: Indian Oil reportedly nearing agreement for LPG imports from Algeria for 2027.

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