NATURAL GAS
BLM’s revised draft hydraulic fracturing regulations maintains key safety standards, allows coordination with existing state practices, and offers flexibility to oil and gas companies. On May 16, 2013, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued revised draft rules governing hydraulic fracturing operations on public and Indian lands. The revisions aim to avoid duplicate federal and…...
The 2013 Iran Sanctions Implementation Act aims to expand U.S. oil production to displace Iranian supplies in the global market and economically isolate Iran. On May 15, 2013, a group of senators led by Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) introduced the 2013 Iran Sanctions Implementation Act, aimed to enforce oil sanctions against Iran through increased oil production…...
The National Strategy for the Arctic Region intends to position the U.S. to respond to challenges and economic opportunities in the Arctic, prioritizing security, responsible resource development, and cooperation with other Arctic nations. On May 10, 2013, the White House unveiled the “National Strategy for the Arctic Region,” outlining the administration’s priorities to manage…...
The FRAC Act is reintroduced to implement federal level regulations to protect groundwater resources from potential risks associated with hydraulic fracturing. On May 9, 2013, Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) and Rep. Chris Gibson (R-N.Y.) reintroduced the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals (FRAC) Act, a bill first proposed by DeGette in 2008. The 2013 version signifies a…...
Energy tax reform proposals released by the House Ways and Means Committee outline potential modifications to federal tax code for fossil fuel production, renewable energy tax credits, and energy efficiency provisions. On May 6, 2013, the House Ways and Means Committee released the Joint Committee on Taxation report detailing tax reform suggestions to 11 Tax…...
The revised Master Limited Partnerships Parity Act would allow renewable energy projects to access financing and tax advantages that are currently available only to fossil fuel energy projects. On April 24, 2013, a group led by Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced an expanded version of the Master Limited Partnerships Parity Act introduced in 2012 to…...
EPA’s proposed standards to limit toxic waste disposal from steam electric power plants mainly target coal and other fossil fuel-fired plants. On April 19, 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed water pollution regulations for steam-electric power plants, which currently account for more than 50% of pollutants discharged into American waterways from U.S. regulated industrial…...
U.S. and China have committed to take cooperative action to combat climate change using practical emissions reduction measures and low-carbon initiatives, setting a powerful example to the rest of the world. On April 13, 2013, the U.S. State Department announced the U.S. and China will launch a Climate Change Working Group, recognizing the need for…...
In his FY 2014 budget proposal, President Obama increases spending on clean energy development, seeking to expedite R&D and boost cost-competitiveness and deployment of clean energy technologies. President Barack Obama’s FY2014 budget plan released on April 10, 2013, proposes increases in spending for clean energy production and deployment. The budget aims to support cost-competitiveness…...
The Senate Energy Committee’s natural gas forums, scheduled for May 2013, will assess several issues surrounding natural gas development to ensure that upcoming policies will maximize economic benefits while maintaining environmental safety. On April 3, 2013, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore) and Ranking Member Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) announced the…...
EPA’s new cleaner fuels and cars program aims to reduce sulfur in gasoline and tighten vehicle emissions standards while improving auto efficiency, but could result in higher prices at the pump. On March 29, 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed new standards for vehicles and fuels under its Tier 3 program to cut emissions…...
The finalized MATS rule for new power plants sets certain emissions limits at slightly higher levels than the original 2011 rule. On March 28, 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) for new power plants, revising emissions limits for mercury, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, and particulate matter,…...