NATURAL GAS
The Maryland Board of Public Works on Jan. 2 unanimously rejected a permit for Columbia Gas Transmission LLC to build a pipeline across the state to transport natural gas from Pennsylvania to West Virginia. Republican Gov. Larry Hogan joined Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp to vote against an easement required to install a…...
The U.S. shale revolution which kicked off a decade ago ushered in a new era for natural gas which has reshaped the power grid overtaking coal as the dominant source of electricity generation and established a thriving market for liquefied natural gas exports. The U.S. has remained the world's top producer of natural gas since 2009, and natural gas accounts for a third of all U.S. electricity generation. Last year, the U.S. became a net natural gas exporter for the first time in almost 60 years. The trend is expected to continue with growing production, increasing export capacity, and expanding gas infrastructure.
The low price of natural gas makes it the go-to choice for ensuring reliability in several states where renewables have captured a large market share. On the other hand, the dominance of natural gas in the power sector is facing a backlash in states that are aggressively pushing for renewable resources. In both cases, however, regulators have become increasingly more concerned about grid reliability as the share of natural gas in the fuel mix continues to grow.
To overcome protests against oil and gas pipelines, at least 8 states are advancing bills creating new penalties for disrupting pipeline operations. Despite the Trump administration's moves to support pipeline developers, the opposition - consisting of environmentalists, landowners, and a few state governments - has dramatically slowed down some projects.
Federal agencies have reacted quickly to President Trump’s executive order, issued in March 2017, on reducing undue burdens on domestic energy production. On February 16, the Department of the Interior (DOI) announced the date for the largest sale of oil and gas leases in U.S. history. Scheduled for March 21, the sale will include all available areas in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. However, over the past year, the administration’s push for deregulation has prompted numerous legal challenges creating uncertainty in the industry.
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Federal agencies have reacted quickly to President Trump’s executive order, issued in March 2017, on reducing undue burdens on domestic energy production. On February 16, the Department of the Interior (DOI) announced the date for the largest sale of oil and gas leases in U.S. history. Scheduled for March 21, the sale will include all available areas in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. However, over the past year, the administration’s push for deregulation has prompted numerous legal challenges creating uncertainty in the industry.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved the controversial Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley pipeline projects denying requests for broader reviews and evidentiary hearings. Recent setbacks due to state decisions and court rulings have now drawn attention to state battlegrounds in pipeline approvals. FERC's apparent inclination to supplant state decisions adds to concerns over jurisdictional issues.
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The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved the controversial Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley pipeline projects denying requests for broader reviews and evidentiary hearings. Recent setbacks due to state decisions and court rulings have now drawn attention to state battlegrounds in pipeline approvals. FERC's apparent inclination to supplant state decisions adds to concerns over jurisdictional issues.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has rejected the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s approval of the Southeast Market Pipelines Project – a three-part interstate pipeline – over concerns of inadequate review of greenhouse gas emissions. The decision comes while the Trump administration strives to streamline infrastructure permitting, and could broaden the scope of environmental reviews required under the National Environmental Policy Act for pipeline projects and other energy infrastructure.
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The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has rejected the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s approval of the Southeast Market Pipelines Project – a three-part interstate pipeline – over concerns of inadequate review of greenhouse gas emissions. The decision comes while the Trump administration strives to streamline infrastructure permitting, and could broaden the scope of environmental reviews required under the National Environmental Policy Act for pipeline projects and other energy infrastructure.
Legislation enacted across states in 2017 calls for greater diversity in power sources—from expanding renewables to supporting nuclear and natural gas infrastructure. However, there is a clear trend showing the intent to prioritize clean energy and climate policy. States in the forefront of grid modernization plans continue to support renewable development while others are following their models as a way to emulate effective policies.
This content requires that you purchase additional access. The price is $99.00.
Legislation enacted across states in 2017 calls for greater diversity in power sources—from expanding renewables to supporting nuclear and natural gas infrastructure. However, there is a clear trend showing the intent to prioritize clean energy and climate policy. States in the forefront of grid modernization plans continue to support renewable development while others are following their models as a way to emulate effective policies.