May 12, 2025
Shale Law Weekly Review—Week of May 12, 2025
Public Lands: Department of Interior Announces Plans to Decrease Review Time for Energy Project Assessments ⚡
On April 23, 2025, the Department of the Interior (DOI) announced that it would be “accelerat[ing] the development of domestic energy resources and critical minerals” through certain “emergency permitting procedures.” The procedures will help a variety of energy projects, such as production and leasing, become expedited in reviewing and approval processes. Further, the procedures set to be implemented will apply to a variety of energy sources, such as natural gas, coal, and biofuels. Additionally, DOI will be using “emergency authorities” through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Under NEPA, the Department is planning to have projects with environmental assessments reviewed within 14-28 days. Under ESA, DOI will be implementing an “expedited Section 7 consultation process.” Under NHPA, DOI will be requiring that bureaus “follow alternative procedures for compliance with Section 106 of the [NHPA] for proposed undertakings responding to the energy emergency.”
LNG Infrastructure: Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration Proposes Updated LNG Regulation Modernization
On April 29, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation, through the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA), proposed amendments to the regulations for liquified natural gas (LNG) facilities. The agency proposed modernizing pipeline repairs to increase safety and efficiency, and allow new safety requirements to account for population changes near existing pipelines. The PHMSA also plans to revise hazardous materials requirements for petroleum-based fuel transportation, with the goal of reducing burdens on shippers of the fuel. This is another department action resulting from the “Unleashing American Energy” executive order, issued in January of 2025.
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CENTER PROGRAMS & RESOURCES
Center Staff Attorney Jackie Schweichler will present “Navigating ADA Compliance for Agritourism Guests” as part of the National Agricultural Law Center’s webinar series.
- May 21 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm. More Information and Register Here
Understanding the Basics of the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act
The Penn State Center for Agricultural and Shale Law, alongside the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s (PDA) Agricultural Business Development Center (ABDC), will present the next webinar in the Understanding Agricultural Law Educational Series:
- May 30 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm. More Information and Register Here
Follow us on Twitter @AgShaleLaw to see the latest with our #ShaleLaw HotLinks
Connect with us on Facebook.
Penn State Farmland Energy Legal Podcast: Listen to the latest episode here.
Oil & Gas Law & Policy Resources:
Sharma, Stapczynski, Indian LNG Buyers Embrace US Benchmark to Balance Volatility (May 7, 2025)
Sartain, Bankruptcy Court Blocks GLO’s State Lease Termination (May 6, 2025)
Eisenson, 100 Days of Trump 2.0: Renewable Energy Siting and Permitting (May 5, 2025)
Chin, Oil Edges Higher as Trump Signals Announcement on Trade Deal (May 8, 2025)
Sartain, Geophysicist’s Claims Turn on Definitions (May 2, 2025)
FEDERAL ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE & LEGISLATIVE
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY PRESS RELEASES
DOE Halts Fossil Fuel Ban for Federal Buildings (May 2, 2025)
DOE Announces New Leadership to Tackle Challenges of Growing Energy Demand (May 2, 2025)
Energy Department Lifts Regulations on Miscellaneous Gas Products (May 2, 2025)
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY PRESS RELEASES
FEDERAL EXECUTIVE AGENCIES (Federal Register May 2 – 9, 2025)
Environmental Protection Agency
90 FR 19460 Proposed Rule: “Air Plan Approval; Missouri; Control of Emissions During Petroleum Liquid Storage, Loading, and Transfer” (May 8, 2025)
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
90 FR 19483 Notice: “Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, LLC; Notice of Availability of the Environmental Assessment for the Proposed 507G Line Abandonment Project” (May 8, 2025)
90 FR 19481 Notice: “Rover Pipeline, LLC; Notice of Revised Schedule for Environmental Review of the Rover-Bulger Compressor Station and Harmon Creek Meter Station Expansion Project” (May 8, 2025)
90 FR 18974 Notice: “Great Basin Gas Transmission Company; Notice of Application and Establishing Intervention Deadline” (May 5, 2025)
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
90 FR 19369 Notice: “Pipeline Safety: Information Collection Activities” (May 7, 2025)
90 FR 18949 Proposed Rule: “Pipeline Safety: Amendments to Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities” (May 5, 2025)
U.S. HOUSE ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE
H.R.3157 Bill: “To amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to add a standard related to the evaluation of State intermittent energy policies, and for other purposes.” (May 1, 2025 – Referred to House Committee Energy and Commerce)
U.S. SENATE ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
STATE ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE & LEGISLATIVE
PENNSYLVANIA DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PRESS RELEASES
PENNSYLVANIA EXECUTIVE AGENCIES (Pa. Bulletin Vol. 55, No. 18 – May 3, 2025)
Department of Environmental Protection
55 Pa.B. 3072 PIOGA, et al. v. DEP, et al. (April 26, 2025 – Announcement of Settlement)
Written by:
Riley Amdor, Research Assistant
Caden Dean-Sauter, Research Assistant
Jose Rojas, Research Assistant
Jackie Schweichler, Staff Attorney
