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.
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.
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📋 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

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

What We're Reading This Week
- COMMENTARY: Energy Watch: Big Oil's big rethink: Reuters analysis reviews strategic adjustments by major oil firms following recent geopolitical shifts.
- Alternative capital powers America's next wave of LNG and pipeline projects: Alternative financing is driving U.S. LNG and pipeline project development amid shifting investor priorities.
- COMMENTARY: Cash-rich oil majors face post-Iran strategy rethink: Oil majors reassess strategic direction and cash deployment in the wake of Iranian market changes.
- Gas Malaysia targets investment decision on Kedah LNG terminal by second half of 2027: Gas Malaysia aims to reach a final investment decision on its LNG terminal project in Kedah by late 2027.
- Explainer: What is Alaska LNG and why does the project face doubts?: An examination of the Alaska LNG project considers regulatory, economic, and logistical barriers to completion.
- Nigeria's Dangote says refinery IPO demand 'enormous' as Kenya project advances: Dangote reports strong investor interest in its Lagos refinery IPO as expansion efforts proceed in Kenya.
- How Asia Has Survived the Energy Crisis: The New York Times details methods by which Asian economies have managed recent energy disruptions.
- Vietnam's Nghi Son refinery secures crude supplies through November, mostly from Kuwait: Vietnam’s Nghi Son refinery has locked in crude deliveries—primarily Kuwaiti—through November to maintain full operations.
- Shell-led LNG Canada greenlights Phase 2 expansion, doubling export capacity: LNG Canada’s Phase 2 gets approval, setting up a doubling of export capacity from British Columbia.
- Canada’s Proposed Oil Pipeline Offers Carney Relief From Domestic and Global Turmoil: The New York Times covers Canada's proposed Alberta–B.C. pipeline and its potential role amid economic uncertainty.