During the last two years, we have seen the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) pick up the pace in granting conditional authorizations for companies to export liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) to countries that do not have a Free Trade Agreement with the United States (“non-FTA countries”). Despite the DOE’s increased stride in reviewing outstanding applications, … Continue reading
The reporting in late June of the Commerce Department’s private rulings that authorized two companies to export condensate has ignited discussions regarding the real prospect of changes in U.S. oil export policy. Industry participants reportedly have viewed the Commerce Department rulings as “a major opening for the U.S. energy industry, and not simply a technical tweak to … Continue reading
The U.S. Energy Information Administration recently reported that U.S. natural gas net imports in 2013 were down 14% to 1,311 billion cubic feet (Bcf), which is the lowest since 1989. According to the report, imports decreased by 8% during 2013 and were likely displaced by the production of domestic natural gas. Preliminary data shows that domestic … Continue reading
The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s latest report of U.S. Natural Gas Exports and Re-Exports by Country reflects liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) exports and re-exports dating back to 1985. In 2013, the U.S. exported and re-exported a total of 2,924 Million Cubic Feet (Mcf) of LNG. The majority of that volume was re-exported LNG, which “are shipments … Continue reading
FERC recently granted a Presidential Permit and National Gas Act Section 3 authorization for Houston Pipe Line Company LP to build a transboundary pipeline to export and/or import natural gas from Texas into Mexico. The pipeline is planned to supply gas-fired power plants and industrial customers in Mexico. FERC found that the project is not inconsistent with … Continue reading
Last week, the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy and Power reviewed H.R. 6, the Domestic Prosperity and Global Freedom Act, which was introduced by Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO) to expedite liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) exports to U.S. allies in the wake of Russia’s recent aggression. The legislation is designed to grant immediate … Continue reading
SENATE HEARING TO DISCUSS LIFTING BAN ON U.S. CRUDE OIL EXPORTS: At 9:30 a.m. on January 30, 2014, the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources will hold a hearing to discuss the export of U.S. crude oil, which has been prohibited (with minor exceptions) by a policy implemented in the 1970s. Whether to lift the ban … Continue reading
This year we have seen the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) move relatively quickly to approve applications for authorization to export liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) to countries that do not have a free trade agreement with the U.S. (“non-FTA countries”). The first DOE authorization for LNG export to non-FTA countries was granted in May 2011 to the … Continue reading
Last week, the House Energy & Commerce Committee held a hearing to explore the potential impacts of H.R. 3301, the North American Energy Infrastructure Act, which seeks to restructure the current regulatory framework that governs oil and natural gas pipelines, and electric transmission facilities that cross the borders of the United States into Mexico … Continue reading
Last week, Dominion Cove Point LNG, LP (“Dominion”) became the third facility this year to receive conditional authorization from the Department of Energy to export domestically produced liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) to countries that do not have a free trade agreement with the United States (“non-FTA countries). See DOE Press Release. This is the … Continue reading