This Week in Oil & Gas — Washington (#33, 2026)
FERC moves on Texas Gateway and Franklin Farms projects; Constitution Pipeline environmental assessment released; pipeline rate and compliance filings under review; data and emissions regulatory updates issued.
August 23, 2026 to August 29, 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
• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Congressional Calendar
- House Oversight Subcommittee to Examine Effects of State and Local Gas Bans: The House Oversight Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs will hold a hearing titled “No Flame, More Pain: How State and Local Bans on Natural Gas Increase Costs” on September 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Rayburn 2154.
- House Small Business Subcommittee to Discuss Resource Needs and Small Business Opportunities: The House Small Business Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Supply Chains will conduct a hearing, “Fueling the Golden Age: Future Resource Needs and Small Business Opportunity,” on September 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Rayburn 2360.
Federal Government News
FERC Opens NEPA Scoping for Gulf South Pipeline's Texas Gateway Project
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has initiated the environmental review for Gulf South Pipeline Company's proposed Texas Gateway Project, encompassing the construction of approximately 154 miles of new natural gas pipeline and related compressor stations across east Texas and southwest Louisiana. The proposal aims to enable transportation of approximately 1.8 billion cubic feet per day from Texas supplies to delivery points including LNG export hubs in Louisiana. Expected effects to be analyzed include waterbody and scenic river crossings, wetland impacts, potential effects on federally designated habitat, and issues relating to land use along the corridor. Public comments on the scope of the Environmental Impact Statement are being accepted through September 24, 2026; the draft EIS is anticipated in April 2027. Permitting will involve several federal and state agencies, including the Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Availability of Environmental Assessment for Constitution Pipeline and Wright Interconnect Projects
FERC staff have released the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Constitution Pipeline and Wright Interconnect Projects in Pennsylvania and New York. The Constitution Pipeline would cover 125 miles of newly constructed 30-inch pipeline, along with associated valves, metering, and communication systems. The Wright Interconnect Project involves expansion of an existing compressor station in Schoharie County, New York. The EA concludes that project approval would not constitute a major federal action significantly impacting the human environment. Public comments are invited through September 21, 2026, with further intervention procedures outlined. The EA serves as an analytical document for FERC’s determination under the Natural Gas Act for certificate applications associated with the project.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
FERC Seeks Comments on ETC Tiger Pipeline's Proposed Franklin Farms Project
FERC has opened the scoping period for the Franklin Farms Project, proposed by ETC Tiger Pipeline, LLC, in Richland Parish, Louisiana. The proposal includes 13.2 miles of new 36-inch and 1.75 miles of 20-inch pipeline, connecting to Entergy Louisiana’s new combined cycle generating facilities, with an eye toward supporting a forthcoming data center campus. The infrastructure aims to provide up to 1,000,000 dekatherms per day of lateral capacity. Approximately 250 acres would be disturbed during construction, with 107 acres in permanent use. The scoping period will remain open until September 24, 2026. FERC will assess effects on natural resources and determine whether to proceed with an Environmental Assessment or Impact Statement.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
FERC Issues Multiple Pipeline Rate and Compliance Filings
FERC’s recent notice enumerates a series of filings affecting natural gas pipeline rates and compliance activities nationwide. Notable dockets include Delta North Louisiana Gas Company’s amended rate filing, Calpine Energy Services’ request for waiver for capacity release regulations, and an array of compliance filings from entities such as National Fuel Gas Supply, Columbia Gas Transmission, BP Energy, and more. Many filings address the NAESB 4.0 revisions, scheduled to come into effect January 1, 2027. Interested parties must intervene or comment by the specified deadlines—generally September 8, 2026—to participate in these proceedings. Complete records are available on FERC’s eLibrary.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
EPA Proposes to Approve Puerto Rico Negative Declaration for Oil and Gas Emissions Guidelines
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to approve a negative declaration by Puerto Rico certifying that there are no existing crude oil or natural gas facilities within its jurisdiction subject to the Greenhouse Gas Emission Guidelines for Existing Crude Oil and Natural Gas Facilities. This step fulfills CAA section 111(d) requirements, allowing Puerto Rico to forgo submission of a state plan for regulating such sources under subpart OOOOc. Written comments are being accepted through September 28, 2026 before EPA finalizes this rulemaking.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week
- A stunning U.S. gas build-out is coming — maybe: Global Energy Monitor projections point to ongoing expansion in U.S. natural gas infrastructure.
- White House pushes for more refinery waivers to ease pump prices: The administration is reportedly urging an increase in refinery waivers to mitigate fuel prices.
- As Nigeria's Dangote refinery nears record IPO, investors focus on oil supply costs: The Dangote refinery prepares for an IPO as participants assess future oil supply expenses.
- TotalEnergies profitably moving heavily discounted oil through Strait of Hormuz, says CEO: TotalEnergies CEO discusses the company’s approach to exporting discounted oil through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Dangote refinery drives seven-fold rise in Nigeria petroleum product exports, EIA says: EIA data show the Dangote refinery has contributed to a sharp increase in Nigeria’s petroleum product exports.
- COMMENTARY: US LNG exports set for endurance test as high gas prices bite: U.S. LNG exports may encounter challenges amid sustained high domestic gas prices.
- COMMENTARY: US refiners face historic stress test as global crisis looms: U.S. refiners navigate operational pressures as market uncertainty builds.
- Chinese refiner Sinopec to boost oil imports from outside the Gulf: Sinopec signals plans to increase oil purchases from non-Gulf sources.
- Trump to meet refiners, fuel retailers as Iran war boosts gas prices ahead of midterms, sources say: Sources indicate former President Trump will hold discussions with refiners and fuel retailers as gas prices climb.
- Opinion | Good news, President Trump. You can slash gas prices yourself.: An editorial argues that reducing biofuel standards could influence gasoline prices.