January 2015

The US oil and gas industry has been transformed over the past few years by development of new shale resources. The US is now the world’s largest producer of natural gas and on track to be the world’s largest producer of oil. These changes have affected America’s energy future, as well as global markets.
Continue Reading Pipeline Law 2015: The Year Of Living Uncertainly

EPA has proposed to revise requirements under the National Oil and Hazardous Substance Contingency Plan (NCP) to address concerns raised during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill pertaining to the use of dispersants and other spill mitigating products.
Continue Reading EPA Proposes New Standards for Use of Dispersants Under the National Contingency Plan

As a stark reminder of the availability of criminal sanctions for violations of federal pipeline safety regulations, a pipeline corrosion monitor has pleaded guilty to charges brought under the federal Pipeline Safety Act (49 U.S.C. 60101 et seq.) and faces up to 15 years in prison and $750,000 in fines.
Continue Reading Criminal Plea Serves as a Reminder of Harsh Penalties for “Knowing and Willful” Pipeline Safety Violations

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) issued an order last month requiring Bakken producers to condition crude oil prior to transport in order to make it safer for shipment by rail.
Continue Reading North Dakota Crude “Oil Conditioning” Order: Vulnerable to Preemption Challenge?

PHMSA published a final rule to amend the federal pipeline safety regulations to incorporate by reference new and updated editions of industry standards, among other non-substantive editorial corrections and clarifications.
Continue Reading Final PHMSA Rule Updating Standards Incorporated by Reference