This Week in Oil & Gas — Washington (#38, 2026)

EPA proposes revisions to gasoline distribution rules; FERC issues final EIS for Sabine Pass LNG expansion; RFS data call; PHMSA updates tank standards; new FERC pipeline filings.

This Week in Oil & Gas — Washington (#38, 2026)

September 27, 2026 to October 03, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week


Federal Government News

EPA Proposes Amendments to Gasoline Distribution NESHAPs and NSPS for Bulk Gasoline Terminals

The Environmental Protection Agency has published a proposed rule amending emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for gasoline distribution facilities and reconsidering certain provisions established in the 2024 Final Rule, including the modification criteria for bulk gasoline terminals, vapor tightness requirements for gasoline cargo tanks, and compliance requirements for control devices. The amendments address petitions from industry associations and propose technical clarifications, potential cost savings, and revised standards for monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting. Proposed compliance cost savings are estimated up to $713,400 annually for area sources. Comments are due by November 12, 2026; a virtual public hearing may occur on October 13 if requested. The EPA maintains that the proposed amendments do not affect the stringency of existing emission limits or air quality outcomes.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov
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FERC Releases Final EIS for Sabine Pass Stage 5 Expansion Project

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued the final Environmental Impact Statement for the Sabine Pass Stage 5 Expansion, which includes three new liquefaction trains at the SPLNG Terminal in Louisiana and a 55.6-mile, 48-inch pipeline across Texas and Louisiana. The EIS identifies some long-term impacts to wetlands, forested lands, visual resources, and air quality, but finds them less than significant with implementation of proposed mitigation. The review includes associated compressor stations and pipeline modifications. The statement, which is not a final decision, will inform FERC's eventual public interest determination.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

PHMSA Adopts ASME Section XII and NBIC for Hazardous Materials Transport Tanks

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is finalizing amendments to the Hazardous Materials Regulations to incorporate ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section XII and the National Board Inspection Code for the construction, inspection, and maintenance of certain cargo tank motor vehicles, cryogenic portable tanks, and ton tanks. The new rule offers regulatory flexibility, recognizes voluntary consensus standards, and is expected to reduce costs without adverse safety impacts. The rule is effective October 28, 2026, with voluntary compliance permitted from September 28, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Seeks Comments on Proposed RFS Program Information Collection Renewal

The EPA is requesting public input on the proposed extension of its information collection for the Renewable Fuel Standard Program for 2023–2025. The agency projects an increase to 11,057 respondents and 152,679 total annual burden hours, primarily due to expanded participation. Stakeholders in biogas-derived fuels, quality assurance, and related reporting are among those affected. Written comments are due by October 30, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FERC Announces New Natural Gas Pipeline Filings and Compliance Proceedings

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission published a combined notice of recent pipeline filings, including negotiated rate, refund, and compliance submissions by several major transmission companies for implementation in November 2026. These filings pertain to adjustments in negotiated transportation rates, cost recovery surcharges, and operational reporting. Stakeholders have until October 13, 2026, to intervene or comment through FERC's eLibrary system.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov
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What We're Reading This Week

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