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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Dates: 2026-02-02 to 2026-02-08

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee Hearing on Multiple Public Land Bills, Including Offshore Exploration Ban: The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining will hold a hearing on February 12, 2026, in Dirksen 366, to consider S.3082, which seeks to prohibit oil and natural gas exploration, development, and production in specific areas off Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, along with nearly two dozen other public land and mineral development bills.

Federal Government News

Gulf of America Outer Continental Shelf Lease Sale 2 Notice

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management published the Final Notice of Sale for Lease Sale BBG2 in the Gulf of America Outer Continental Shelf, scheduled for March 11, 2026. All available unleased acreage in the region will be offered with specific terms, including primary terms of up to 10 years, bonus bid minimums of $25 or $100 per acre based on water depth, and a 12.5% royalty rate. Stipulations cover military areas, protected species, and other restrictions. Bidders must submit Geophysical Data and Information Statements and adhere to financial and regulatory requirements. BOEM reserves the right to reject any bids, and awards are dependent on confirmation of payment and compliance with regulations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Cook Inlet OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sale BBC1 Announcement

BOEM announced Oil and Gas Lease Sale BBC1 for the Cook Inlet Outer Continental Shelf, to take place March 4, 2026, under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The sale will offer roughly 1.09 million acres under a 10-year primary lease term, with minimum bonus bids of $25 per hectare and a 12.5% royalty rate. There is no royalty relief and stipulations require protections for fisheries, biological resources, and key habitats. Bidders must supply a Geophysical Data and Information Statement, and lease awards hinge on execution of documents and payment. BOEM maintains authority to reject bids and can change dates due to emergent events.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Environmental Impact Statements Notice of Availability

The Environmental Protection Agency issued its weekly notice of Environmental Impact Statements filed from January 26 to February 2, 2026, covering multiple projects across the country. Highlights for industry include a draft EIS from FERC for the Mississippi Crossing Project and South System Expansion 4 Project, and a final EIS from USACE for the Enbridge Line 5 Tunnel Project in Michigan with a review period ending March 9, 2026. Additional EISs address oil and gas leasing and development in California, with comment period extensions. Full EPA comment letters and records are accessible online for review.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Mississippi Crossing Project and South System Expansion 4 Project – Draft EIS Available

FERC released the draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Mississippi Crossing Project and South System Expansion 4 Project, which encompasses about 208 miles of new gas pipeline and related facilities in Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. The EIS evaluates environmental effects, reasonable alternatives, and mitigation measures, finding limited adverse impacts with suggested controls. A series of public comment sessions are scheduled between February 23 and March 11, 2026. Multiple federal and state agencies participated as cooperating agencies. Written comments and motions to intervene must be submitted by March 23, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Eliminates 25% Duty on Indian Imports After Russian Oil Ban

President Trump issued an executive order on February 6, 2026, eliminating the 25% ad valorem duty on Indian imports previously imposed due to India's indirect importation of Russian oil. India has agreed to cease Russian oil purchases and increase procurement of U.S. energy products. Implementation provisions include ongoing compliance monitoring and potential reimposition of duties if India resumes Russian oil imports.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

U.S.-India Joint Statement Establishes Trade Framework Including Energy Procurements

On February 6, 2026, the United States and India announced a framework for an Interim Agreement on reciprocal trade, with specific provisions for India purchasing $500 billion in U.S. energy products, aircraft, technology, and metals over five years. The agreement involves tariff reductions, reciprocal tariffs, rules of origin, and supply chain cooperation. Both sides commit to removing barriers for digital trade and expediting implementation. The agreement advances targets set in Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations initiated in 2025.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Nueva Era Dos Pipeline Project – Environmental Assessment Published

FERC released the Environmental Assessment for the Nueva Era Dos Pipeline Project, proposing construction of a 3,603-foot, 36-inch pipeline crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in Maverick County, Texas. The project would deliver up to one billion standard cubic feet per day of natural gas to Mexico. The EA concludes that approval would not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting environmental quality. Comments must be submitted by March 2, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Pipeline Safety Special Permit Request for Harvest Alaska LNG Facility

PHMSA is requesting public comments on a special permit application from Harvest Alaska LNG, LLC for its North Slope LNG facility, seeking relief from federal pipeline safety regulations regarding protective enclosures. Arctic-specific environmental and operational challenges are cited. Comments must be submitted by March 5, 2026, and PHMSA will evaluate submissions prior to making its decision.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act

Bill: 7272. The Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act was forwarded by Subcommittee to the Full Committee by voice vote on February 4, 2026. The bill aims to enhance security and preparedness for pipelines.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Energy Threat Analysis Center Act of 2026

Bill: 7305. The Energy Threat Analysis Center Act of 2026 advanced in committee, being forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by voice vote, on February 4, 2026. The bill focuses on establishing an energy threat analysis center.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To Amend Toxic Substances Control Act – Ban Use of Hydrogen Fluoride

Bill: 7384. A bill to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the use of hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid) at petroleum refineries was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on February 4, 2026.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Energy Emergency Leadership Act

Bill: 7258. The Energy Emergency Leadership Act moved forward in the legislative process, forwarded by Subcommittee to the Full Committee by voice vote on February 4, 2026. It addresses leadership and coordination during energy emergencies.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Energy Choice Act

Bill: 3699. The Energy Choice Act was placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 412, on February 4, 2026. The bill is intended to provide consumers greater choice in their energy sources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Activist shareholder ACCR, pension funds urge BP to show shift to oil and gas will deliver value: BP faces shareholder pressure to demonstrate how increased oil and gas investments will deliver value.
• India says will diversify energy supply after deal with US on Russia oil: India plans to broaden energy sources following agreement with the US to stop purchasing Russian oil.
• Morocco's energy ministry puts gas projects on hold: Morocco's energy ministry has put several gas pipeline projects on hold.
• Japan-Qatar gas tie-up highlights global push for energy security: Japan and Qatar's new gas partnership signals rising focus on energy security worldwide.
• E&E News: Trump plan confirms farm GHG cuts in clean fuels tax credit: Trump administration confirms lower farm greenhouse emissions in clean fuels tax credit guidance.
• Libya plans to boost gas exports to Europe by 2030: Libya schedules significant increases in gas exports to Europe by the early 2030s.

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