October 11, 2026 to October 17, 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

Proposed Notice of Sale for Cook Inlet Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sale 2 Released

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) published a Proposed Notice of Sale for the Cook Inlet Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas One Big Beautiful Bill Act Lease Sale 2. The notice outlines size, timing, and location for the upcoming lease sale, with stipulations, terms, minimum bids, royalty, and rental rates specified under Section 50102 of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Comments from affected state governors and local government executives are due December 14, 2026, ahead of the scheduled bid opening on March 3, 2027. The Proposed Notice and detailed package are accessible via BOEM's Alaska Region website, providing relevant information for prospective bidders and stakeholders. The lease sale will be conducted under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and related regulations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Proposes Revisions to Small Refinery Exemption RFS Reallocation Volumes for 2026-2027

The Environmental Protection Agency announced proposed revisions to the Renewable Fuel Standard small refinery exemption (SRE) reallocation volumes for 2026 and 2027, addressing a higher-than-forecasted volume for 2025. Two approaches are presented: splitting the additional 770 million Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) equally between 2026 and 2027 or allocating the entire volume to 2027. The action aims to mitigate reduced demand for renewable fuels and RINs in the period. A virtual public hearing will occur November 4, 2026, and written comments are due December 4. Technical amendments to correct minor regulatory inaccuracies are included, and the EPA projects that gasoline and diesel prices may rise by less than one cent per gallon. The proposal evaluates statutory requirements across production, air quality, energy security, and fuel prices and notes no significant economic impact on small entities.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

BSEE Renews Information Collection on Well Operations and Equipment in Federal OCS

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has proposed renewal of its information collection for well operations and equipment, OMB Control Number 1014-0028, under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Public comments are invited by November 16, 2026. The collection is designed to enhance safety during drilling, workover, completion, and decommissioning operations and includes third-party reviews, rig tracking, equipment testing, and Blowout Preventer (BOP) maintenance. The updated Rig Movement Notification Report expands rig type options and incorporates additional operation details and certification requirements. The action affects roughly 550 Federal Outer Continental Shelf lessees and operators, with an estimated 150,335 annual responses totaling 353,355 burden hours and $11.89 million in costs.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

BSEE Seeks Comment on Application for Permit To Drill and Supporting Documentation Collection

BSEE has proposed renewing the information collection for Application for Permit to Drill (APD), Revised APD, Supplemental APD Information Sheet, and supporting documents under 30 CFR part 250. The collection supports safety and environmental compliance on the Outer Continental Shelf. Comments are requested by November 16, 2026, through reginfo.gov or via email. Forms BSEE-0123 and BSEE-0123S capture drilling activity, well location, geologic formations, equipment, and safety protocols for Federal OCS lessees, operators, and pipeline rights-of-way holders. BSEE estimates 10,820 responses annually with a 49,446-hour burden and $299,876 in nonhour costs.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

DOE Announces Opening of Emissions Value Request Process for Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit

The Department of Energy has launched the Emissions Value Request Process to support the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service's administration of the section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit. The process enables transportation fuel producers to petition for a provisional emissions rate (PER) if their fuel type or pathway is not listed in the published emissions rate tables. The request process is published after prior Federal Register notices and public commentary. The credit, established under the Inflation Reduction Act and amended by the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act, bases eligibility on lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions rates. The new process is available on DOE's website, and further guidance is provided for applicants seeking a PER determination.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Saudi Arabia eyes raising its pipeline oil export capacity to 10 million bpd, energy minister says: Saudi Arabia intends to expand its pipeline oil export capacity to 10 million barrels per day.
• EXCLUSIVE: Guyana may scale back LNG plans as Exxon needs more gas for its wells, sources say: Guyana is expected to reduce LNG development as ExxonMobil requires more gas for its operations.
• Denmark says US resource exploration in Greenland must respect local laws: Denmark clarified that US oil and mineral exploration in Greenland must comply with local regulations.
• Singapore marine fuel supplier Equatorial eyes higher LNG bunker demand from 2028: Equatorial, a Singapore marine fuel supplier, anticipates increased LNG bunker demand from 2028.
• Edison CEO says EDF has paused stake sale plan as Qatar LNG uncertainty persists: EDF has paused Edison stake sale plans amid ongoing uncertainty regarding Qatar LNG supplies.
• UK Jackdaw gas field decision is imminent, says Britain's energy minister: Britain's energy minister indicates a decision on the Jackdaw gas field is expected soon.
• Bessent calls for World Bank reforms, including upstream oil and gas financing: Bessent has urged the World Bank to undertake reforms related to upstream oil and gas financing.
• Brent steady as US weighs easing sanctions on global 'shadow fleet': Brent oil prices remain stable as the US considers easing sanctions targeting the global 'shadow fleet.'
• How Aramco learned to keep pumping oil under fire: Aramco’s operational strategies allowed oil output to continue despite conflict threats.
• COMMENTARY: Middle East LNG industry remains hostage of Iran war: Bousso: The Middle East LNG sector faces persistent risk due to ongoing hostilities involving Iran.

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