Category Archives: Regulatory issues
DOT issues new guidelines for shipping crude oil by rail
In response to recent crude oil tank car derailments in North America, the US Department of Transportation (DOT), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued new actions this week. The DOT issued … Continue reading
Railway accidents involving crude oil raise alarms
The Bakken area is one of the largest crude oil producing regions in the United States. The recent surge of production in the Bakken region is due to the increased use of hydraulic fracturing to access oil and gas from … Continue reading
Keystone Pipeline review process extended
On April 18, 2014 the State Department extended the length of time the eight federal agencies have to submit their views on the Keystone Pipeline permit application. Since the pipeline crosses an international boundary, the State Department ultimately decides whether … Continue reading
$687 million proposed to aid drought-stricken California
In response to California’s severe drought conditions, lawmakers have proposed a $687 million emergency drought relief plan to aid drought-stricken areas. The funds would be distributed across multiple sectors, including areas that face acute water supplies and agricultural producers. A … Continue reading
Coal related chemical spills plaguing West Virginia
West Virginia has found itself in the spotlight this year after multiple coal related spills have threatened the state’s water supply and contaminated aquatic habitats. To recap, a chemical spill occurred on January 9, 2014 in Charleston, releasing at least … Continue reading
California desperate for water as drought threatens millions
California has found itself in perhaps the most severe drought in the state’s history, with two-thirds of the state being designated as “extreme drought.” On January 19, 2014, state Governor Jerry Brown declared a drought emergency and urged residents to … Continue reading