Politics & Regulation

New Environmental Ruling With Broad Implications for the US Pipeline Industry

This week the United States witnessed a sea change in the policy of the US government toward pipeline construction.

Indeed, President Trump's program to rebuild America's infrastructure suffered a big blow when a federal court ruled that regulators must examine the pipeline's impact on global climate change before granting approval.

European Union to stop cartel proceedings against Gazprom

After two years, a delicate conflict between Russia and the European Union could soon be over. The European Union Commission wants to stop the a antitrust-suit against Gazprom after the Russian state has made concessions. However, before the procedure is actually terminated, interested parties should have the opportunity to comment, said Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager.

National Energy Board to Review Energy East

Energy East, the proposed 4,500-kilometre $15.7 billion pipeline that would carry more than a million barrels a day of Canadian crude from Alberta to refineries and an export terminal in St. John, will be reviewed once again by the Canadian National Energy Board.

Work on the troubled project has been delayed numerous times since it was publicly announced in 2013.

Bulgaria and Serbia Agree to Work Together in Constructing Pipeline Interconnector

In a long anticipated move to enhance the security of supply, reduce dependency on Russia and boost regional cooperation, Bulgaria and Serbia have signed an agreement to jointly build a 150 km gas pipeline between the two countries.

The so-called Interconnector Link is expected to be operational by the end of 2020.

Sioux Indians Secure Legal Victory in Effort to Thwart Construction of Pipeline

Though President Trump signed an Executive Order this week to expedite the construction of the Dakota Access pipeline, James Boasberg, a Federal judge, has ruled that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers should begin with a full environmental study of the disputed crossing of the Missouri River in North Dakota.

Trump revives Keystone XL and Dakota Access Pipelines

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a number of executive orders to advance approval of the controversial Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines. His administration takes a swift step forward to finally enable the construction of these two pipelines, which both had been blocked by former president Barack Obama’s administration.

New PHMSA Rule to Strengthen Pipeline Safety Requirements

Building on a series of deliberations over the past year designed to strengthen the regulatory environment pertaining to gas leaks and pipeline operations, the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) said on Friday it has passed a rule to boost safety requirements on the country's oil and refined products pipelines.