NATURAL GAS

DOE Examines Climate Change Impact on Energy Sector

DOE released a report examining the impacts of climate change on the nation’s energy and electricity infrastructure, including an assessment of ongoing efforts and potential opportunities to improve the energy sector’s climate resilience.   On July 11, 2013, the Department of Energy (DOE) released a report examining current and future impacts of climate change on…...

BLM Approves New Mexico Natural Gas Pipeline

BLM has approved a 234-mile natural gas pipeline to transport natural gas liquid products across New Mexico and to markets in Texas. On July 4, 2013, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) approved the construction and operation of the Western Expansion Pipeline Project III, a 234-mile natural gas pipeline from northwestern New Mexico to the…...

President Obama Unveils Comprehensive Climate Agenda

President Obama’s second-term climate agenda includes sweeping measures to cut carbon emissions from power plants, boost renewable energy production, increase fuel economy standards, and advance international initiatives to combat climate change. On June 25, 2013, President Barack Obama outlined a comprehensive Climate Action Plan prioritizing measures to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to set a…...

Western Governors Outline 10-Year Energy Goals

WGA’s “10-Year Energy Vision” calls for collaborative interstate initiatives to achieve energy security by increasing energy production, improving energy efficiency, and expanding energy distribution infrastructure, among other energy goals. On June 28, 2013, the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) released the “10-Year Energy Vision,” a regional plan articulating the energy goals of 19 member states, American…...

Senate Bill to Improve Energy Productivity

A newly proposed Senate bill would establish the State Energy Race to the Top program aimed at doubling the nation’s energy productivity by 2030. On June 20, 2013, Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced a bill to establish a state grant program of federal incentives to boost energy productivity.  The bill…...

NYC’s Potential for Combined Heat and Power Development

A new report identifies NYC’s potential for combined heat and power deployment and suggests potential solutions to overcome regulatory and technical barriers.  On May 30, 2013, the Columbia Center for Climate Change Law and Modi Research Group released a report examining the potential for combined heat and power (CHP) development in New York City.  Based…...

New Bill to Revive Offshore Drilling

The Offshore Energy and Jobs Act introduces reforms to revive offshore drilling, including a new five-year leasing plan aimed to expand drilling in the Atlantic and Pacific coastal regions.  On May 30, 2013, House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (R-Wash.) introduced a bill to expand offshore drilling to the Atlantic and Pacific coasts by…...

DOE Approves Second LNG Export Project

DOE’s conditional authorization of Freeport’s proposed LNG export project makes it the second facility to receive LNG export approval to non-FTA countries. On May 17, 2013, Freeport LNG Expansion LP and FLNG liquefaction LLC obtained conditional authorization from the Department of Energy (DOE) to export U.S. natural gas to non-Free Trade Agreement (FTA) nations.  The…...