October 04, 2026 to October 10, 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

President Trump Provides Emergency Tax Relief on Diesel Fuel

An executive order signed by President Donald J. Trump on October 5, 2026, defers federal diesel fuel tax payments and penalizes relief under 26 U.S.C. 7508A for taxes incurred between October 5 and December 31, 2026. The IRS will not penalize dyed diesel used on highways during the specified period. The Secretary of Agriculture and Secretary of Transportation must implement measures for fuel access and highway safety, coordinating with state governments and stakeholders. The White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs will engage with state officials to facilitate policy alignment. The order includes instructions for legislative avenues to forgive tax obligations and for prioritizing IRS inspections for fuel compliance.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

BOEM Issues Proposed Notice of Gulf Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sale

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management released the Proposed Notice of Sale (NOS) for the Gulf of America Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sale 4, as required by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The NOS provides details about size, timing, lease stipulations, minimum bids, royalty rates, and rental rates. Governors and local government executives have until December 8, 2026, to comment ahead of the final NOS publication thirty days before the March 10, 2027, bid opening. Related materials are available through BOEM's Gulf of America Region Public Affairs Office and online. The sale operates under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and Secretary’s Order 3451.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NEPA Procedures Revised for Winter Oil and Gas Exploration in National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska

The Department of the Interior revised National Environmental Policy Act implementation to include a categorical exclusion for winter oil and gas exploration in the NPR-A. Effective October 9, 2026, the exclusion facilitates permitting for seismic surveys, Applications for Permit to Drill, and Rights of Way. BLM’s review over 28 years demonstrated limited environmental impacts for such activities conducted under Required Operating Procedures. The categorical exclusion covers Vibroseis seismic surveys, temporary ice roads and pads, water withdrawals, drilling, and summer cleanup. Projects remain subject to extraordinary circumstances review, and further NEPA analysis is required if impacts are found.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FERC Pipeline Project and Rate Filings: Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America LLC and Combined Notices

Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America LLC filed an application for the Amarillo Expansion Project, including construction of Compressor Station 112, auxiliary facilities, and a delivery point in Texas. The project adds 321,200 dekatherms per day of firm gas transportation, combining with existing capacity for a total of 550,000 Dth/d aimed at electric power generation. Multiple FERC combined notices document pipeline rate filings, compliance filings, and negotiated rate agreement amendments from Southern California Gas Company, ANR Pipeline, Texas Eastern Transmission, El Paso Natural Gas Company, Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline, Iroquois Gas Transmission System, Trunkline Gas Company, Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line, NEXUS Gas Transmission, Rover Pipeline, Enable Gas Transmission, Equitrans, and others. Comment deadlines range from October 13 to October 22, 2026.

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

FERC Renews Information Collection Activities: Critical Energy Infrastructure Information (FERC-603)

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is requesting comments for the renewal of its Critical Energy/Electric Infrastructure Information Data Request (FERC-603), with OMB Control No. 1902-0197. The collection enables qualified parties to request CEII by demonstrating legitimate need and submitting a nondisclosure agreement. Annual burden is estimated at thirty hours and $3,060 (for 100 respondents). Respondents must adhere to security, nondisclosure, and use requirements, with FERC reserving the right to audit compliance. Comments on the collection are due by November 5, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Energy expert on the biggest worry as concerns grow that Hurricane Isaias could disrupt oil production: Analysts discuss potential disruptions to Gulf oil and gas production from Hurricane Isaias.
• US will rescind policy targeting oil and gas industry methane leaks: The EPA plans to rescind restrictions on industry methane leaks, reversing previous policy.
• COMMENTARY: Oil's new problem isn't supply. It's logistics: The industry faces transport and distribution challenges rather than supply constraints.
• Alaska LNG shipping savings justifies billions in investment, developer says: Alaska LNG developer argues shipping savings warrant major infrastructure investment.
• The Oil Shock Could Make Us Stronger: Oil market volatility may drive resilience across the sector.
• Vance says details of proposed Alaska LNG pipeline need to be worked out: Vice President Vance notes several outstanding issues with the Alaska LNG pipeline proposal.
• Oil prices settle down as IEA agrees to accelerate oil stock release: Oil prices stabilized following IEA's decision to release strategic reserves.
• From just-in-time to just-in-case: oil executives say world needs more export routes: Executives advocate expanding oil export routes to mitigate logistical risks.
• Bain Capital bets on demand growth for sustainable aviation fuel: Bain Capital invests in sustainable aviation fuel, anticipating rising demand.
• The Return of Middle East Oil: Middle East oil exports see renewed activity amid global trade shifts.

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