The FRESH Act would grant states sole authority to oversee hydraulic fracturing operations on any lands within their borders and prevent duplicative federal regulations. On June 26, 2013, a group of 18 senators led by Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK), senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, introduced the 2013 Fracturing Regulations are Effective…
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…
Three energy bills approved by the House Natural Resources Committee aim to expand federal onshore and offshore drilling by improving access to Atlantic and Pacific areas, Indian lands, and the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska (NPR-A). On June 12, 2013, the House Natural Resources Committee voted in favor of three bills – Offshore Energy and…
Illinois’ Hydraulic Fracturing Regulation Act establishes strict environmental protections and sets the stage for significant economic development in the state. On May 31, 2013, Illinois Senate passed the Hydraulic Fracturing Regulation Act (SB 1715) by a vote of 52-3, one day after it passed the House by a vote of 108-9. The legislation, developed with…
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…
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…
The State Department posted the first 100,000 comments on its draft Keystone XL pipeline assessment, planning to release the remaining 1.2 million comments in similar weekly batches. On May 23, 2013, the State Department released approximately 100,000 comments on the proposed Keystone XL pipeline project, announcing plans to release the more than 1.2 million comments…
The Northern Route Approval Act, which passed the House by a vote of 241-175, would expedite Keystone XL approval by eliminating the Presidential Permit requirement. On May 22, 2013, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act, which aims to bypass Presidential Permit for the Keystone XL pipeline. The bill, introduced…
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…
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…
