PIPELINE NEWS
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Evers, Wisconsin DNR demand halt to Enbridge Line 5 work after spill
KBJR: Crew of 150 responders work to remedy Line 5 rupture site
Michigan Advance: Tribal leaders, clean water advocates rally in Lansing as Line 5 fight intensifies
Durango Herald: Hickenlooper: Pipeline safety standard should be ‘zero accidents’
Iowa Capital Dispatch: Regulators investigate Black Hills Energy’s high number of pipeline safety violations
KOTV: ONEOK: Contractor damaged pipeline near Berryhill campus
WASHINGTON UPDATES
Reuters: US preparing to ease environmental reviews for Alaska oil and gas drilling
Bloomberg: Permitting Fixes, Energy Aid Top Democrats’ Affordability Agenda
Washington Post: $900 million from a canceled wind deal will benefit a Trump donor
STATE UPDATES
WAND: Christian County approves year-long restriction on data centers, carbon sequestration
Energy Intelligence Group: Exxon’s Rose CCS Faces CO2 Storage Permit Delay as Challenge Reviewed
Grist: On Louisiana’s disappearing coast, a natural gas terminal is poised to become the largest in the US
Odessa American: Big oil companies’ CEOs face perplexing questions
Planet Detroit: DTE will seek approval for 2 natural gas plants as coal phases out, data centers go online
KTUU: Sheen vanishes, mystery remains after pilot reports oil slick near Cook Inlet platform
KDLL: Hilcorp to inspect lines near oily sheen in Cook Inlet
EXTRACTION
Canadian Press: N.B. to review ban on fracking amid U.S. tariffs, premier says
Energy Intelligence Group: Oil Sands Players Soft Pedal Growth-Capex Commitments
Clean Energy Wire: German draft export credit rules leave fossil gas loopholes open, NGOs say
Press release: Hemisphere Energy Responds to Incident at Atlee Buffalo Oil Battery
OPINION
Forbes: Canada/USA Standoff Highlights Enbridge Line 5 Importance
PIPELINE NEWS
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Evers, Wisconsin DNR demand halt to Enbridge Line 5 work after spill
Laura Schulte, Caitlin Looby, 8/27/26
“State officials are demanding the halt of construction on a controversial pipeline through Wisconsin’s Northwoods, following a natural gas spill in Iron County,” the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. “In an Aug. 27 letter to Enbridge, Department of Natural Resources Secretary Karen Hyun asked the company to halt construction on the Line 5 reroute while it investigates the Aug. 25 natural-gas spill near Sitan Road outside Saxon and implements measures to prevent future incidents. “The agency is deeply concerned about this spill and immensely frustrated by other recent noncompliance events and has several outstanding questions of Enbridge and would appreciate written responses as expeditiously as possible,” Hyun said in the letter obtained by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “The department requests that you halt work on the pipeline re-routing project until this event on the existing pipeline is sufficiently resolved and Enbridge has demonstrated that measures are in place to prevent future spill events related to all pipeline work.” “...According to the DNR, at around 10 a.m., an Enbridge vehicle rolled into an open excavation on Sitan Road striking a natural-gas transmission line and causing a release… “The department requested more information about the Saxon spill, including how much natural gas was released, and the rate of release of vapors that may have escaped during the event, in addition to what control measures are in place to mitigate the release of vapors… “Hyun also shared concerns about public health, and asked Enbridge to communicate with the state Department of Health Services, in addition to local Tribal Nations.”
KBJR: Crew of 150 responders work to remedy Line 5 rupture site
Leslie Krebs, 8/27/26
“Emergency crews remain on scene two days after a valve on the Line 5 pipeline ruptured near Saxon, causing a natural gas liquids leak,” KBJR reports. “In an update Thursday evening from Enbridge, about 150 people are working at the scene… “Superior Fire Chief Camron Vollbrecht told KBJR natural gas liquids are mostly propane and butane, and should not be confused with natural gas… “Vollbrecht told KBJR residents should stay away from the spill site to prevent health issues, explaining the reason for the evacuations. “They’re not extremely toxic but it’s not something that you’ll wanna be inhaling.”
Michigan Advance: Tribal leaders, clean water advocates rally in Lansing as Line 5 fight intensifies
Kyle Davidson, 8/27/26
“Following a flurry of developments surrounding Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel project, tribal citizens and environmental advocates gathered in Lansing to share concerns about the project and lay out the next steps in their yearslong fight to have the pipeline decommissioned,” the Michigan Advance reports. “...Organized by the Anishinaabe Friendship Center, Wednesday’s rally welcomed leaders from the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, along with environmentalists and state officials calling for Line 5 to be shut down. “This is not just a Native issue, and let me repeat that: it’s not just a Native issue,” said Winnay Wemigwase, the chairperson of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. “It is not just an environmental issue. It is a Michigan issue. It is a human issue.”
Durango Herald: Hickenlooper: Pipeline safety standard should be ‘zero accidents’
Jessie Bowman, 8/28/26
“U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper said he’s not sure if the federal pipeline regulatory agency has failed to adequately protect residents and investigate pipeline failures like the one that occurred nearly two years ago south of Durango – but he intends to find out,” the Durango Herald reports. “It has been 20 months since an Enterprise Products pipeline ruptured and released an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 gallons of gasoline into the ground within the boundaries of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. On Wednesday, the senator toured the site of the ongoing cleanup alongside about 30 other people… “The cleanup has been marked by disagreements between the tribe and Enterprise about the volume of gasoline released and how the contamination should be addressed. Additionally, it has included larger critiques that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration – the regulatory agency responsible for investigating pipeline failures – has been ineffective. PHMSA’s slow response has been a point of contention for La Plata County commissioners who, for months, have expressed frustration about the lack of clarity regarding pipeline oversight, operator enforcement and potential deficiencies in other parts of the pipeline that might be at risk of failing again. If this is PHMSA’s normal pace, “they’re not meeting their standard” and that’s unacceptable, Hickenlooper told The Durango Herald after Wednesday’s tour… “Like aviation, the standard for pipelines should be “zero accidents,” or as close to zero as possible, Hickenlooper said.”
Iowa Capital Dispatch: Regulators investigate Black Hills Energy’s high number of pipeline safety violations
Cami Koons, 8/27/26
“The Iowa Utilities Commission is evaluating potential penalties and corrective action for Black Hills Energy following a hearing Thursday on an investigation into the gas company’s safety and management practices in Iowa,” the Iowa Capital Dispatch reports. “Routine inspections from IUC revealed Black Hills Energy had disproportionally more instances of probable violations than the other top gas providers in Iowa over the past several years. The IUC also flagged that Black Hills has significantly longer correction times for probable violations than the other major gas providers… “In June 2025, IUC submitted a routine inspection report on Black Hills’ Spencer Unit in northwest Iowa that had more than 100 safety issues in 16 violation categories. IUC said that while the violations didn’t pose and immediate threat to the public, the high volume was cause for an investigation. As IUC reviewed additional data with other Black Hills operations in the state, it “became increasingly concerned” about potential “company-wide safety issues” across Black Hills’ operations in the state, according to a news release from IUC. While IUC can levy civil penalties to utilities that commit violations, the commission decided to defer its final decision on civil penalties for Black Hills until it could evaluate compliance standards through the rest of the utility’s systems in Iowa.”
KOTV: ONEOK: Contractor damaged pipeline near Berryhill campus
Brian Smallwood, 8/27/26
“Emergency and utility crews responded near Berryhill’s campus Thursday morning after a reported gas leak that officials later determined was an off-campus fuel leak,” KOTV reports. “...ONEOK said a contractor damaged a refined products pipeline while mowing on the company’s right-of-way Thursday morning… “ONEOK will remain on site throughout the day because of the possibility that the substance could enter a creek running through campus… “Earlier this morning, a contractor damaged a refined products pipeline while mowing on our right-of-way. Employees quickly isolated the affected area…”
WASHINGTON UPDATES
Reuters: US preparing to ease environmental reviews for Alaska oil and gas drilling
Nichola Groom, 8/26/26
“The U.S. Interior Department is preparing to ease environmental review requirements for some oil and gas exploration activities in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve as part of the Trump administration’s push to speed energy development in the Arctic, an Interior spokesperson said on Wednesday,” Reuters reports. “The agency is working on a proposed “categorical exclusion” that would accelerate permitting for winter oil and gas exploration activities, including seismic surveys and exploratory drilling operations in the reserve, the spokesperson told Reuters. The proposal would be based on findings from dozens of prior environmental reviews showing that winter exploration activities conducted under established operating procedures and mitigation measures have no significant impacts, the spokesperson told Reuters.”
Bloomberg: Permitting Fixes, Energy Aid Top Democrats’ Affordability Agenda
Kellie Lunney, 8/27/26
“House Democrats looking to win back the majority in November are prepping proposals ranging from faster permitting for energy projects to expanding a federal heating and cooling assistance program to rein in the cost of living for everyday Americans,” Bloomberg reports. “...Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), who is in a safe Democratic district, leads a working group of House Democrats responsible for crafting proposals to tackle high energy prices… “A permitting overhaul must happen to help ease energy prices for consumers, and generating more energy and updating the electric grid — two goals of an expedited permitting process — would bring down energy costs for average Americans, Budzinski told Bloomberg… “Budzinski and Rep. Mike Levin (D-Calif.) lead the gas and utilities group, which has solicited input from other members of Congress, as well as lobbyists in Washington, and voters… “Budzinski told Bloomberg her group will give Jeffries recommendations on lowering the cost of energy sometime in September… “Senate negotiators left for August recess without a bipartisan agreement to improve permitting but hope to release a plan when they return in September.”
Washington Post: $900 million from a canceled wind deal will benefit a Trump donor
Evan Halper, 8/27/26
“The Trump administration’s latest deal to cancel offshore wind projects and boost fossil fuel energy development instead is generating a huge payday for one of the president’s million-dollar donors,” the Washington Post reports. “Behind the windfall is a settlement stipulating that German energy giant RWE will receive $1.2 billion from a federal fund on the condition that it gives up its offshore wind leases in New York, California and Louisiana and invests in unspecified oil, gas or nuclear “conventional energy” projects. Most of the payout — $900 million — will be spent by RWE to buy a stake in a massive Louisiana liquefied natural gas project, according to statements from RWE and Woodside Energy, the majority owner of the gas project. What hasn’t been previously reported is that the stake is being purchased from a private equity fund run by Australian billionaire Michael Dorrell, who owns a mansion on a private island near Mar-a-Lago and has boasted of socializing with President Donald Trump’s inner circle at the club. Dorrell personally gave $926,300 to the Trump Vance Inaugural Committee two weeks after Trump was elected for a second term in late 2024 and another $73,700 a few weeks later, according to federal filings. (The Australia native also has U.S. citizenship.)”
STATE UPDATES
WAND: Christian County approves year-long restriction on data centers, carbon sequestration
La’Miya Starnes, 8/27/26
“Many people in Christian County are breathing a sigh of relief after the county board approved a year-long restriction on data centers and carbon sequestration,” WAND reports. “Thank you for looking at a resolution that will slow things down and allow the time to put in regulations that will protect the town,” said one resident. Some people feel carbon capture is not a reliable process after learning about a CO2 leak at ADM in Decatur. “The theory is that it will be contained under a hard rock, but the APM project indicator has proved to us quite well that it doesn’t necessarily stay where you put it,” said a second resident. “...“I’m also pleased that they have shown interest in allowing a group of us to work with them and with the zoning board on developing ordinances that we feel will really protect our constituents, our neighbors and our friends,” said resident Debbie Webber.”
Energy Intelligence Group: Exxon’s Rose CCS Faces CO2 Storage Permit Delay as Challenge Reviewed
Isaac Windes, 8/27/26
“Texas oil and gas regulators have postponed a vote on whether to approve so-called “Class VI” CO2 sequestration well permits for Exxon Mobil’s Rose carbon capture and storage (CCS) project by at least a month, marking the first major test of the state’s newly granted authority to govern its own Class VI permitting program,” Energy Intelligence Group reports.
Grist: On Louisiana’s disappearing coast, a natural gas terminal is poised to become the largest in the US
Tristan Baurick, 8/27/26
“Less than two years after opening, a liquefied natural gas terminal near New Orleans is seeking a multibillion-dollar expansion under the Trump administration’s new “emergency” permitting process that cuts regulatory review and could put nearby wetlands and waterways at greater risk,” Grist reports. “Earlier this summer, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers granted Plaquemines LNG fast-tracked permitting under a “national energy emergency” that President Donald Trump declared last year. The agency cut the public comment period from the typical 30 days to 10, and is expected to move quickly to approve the expansion, a step that would allow the terminal to more than double in size, growing from nearly 590 acres along the Mississippi River to about 1,220. That would make the facility the largest LNG export terminal in North America, according to its owner, Virginia-based Venture Global. Environmentalists warn that the expedited review will mean less scrutiny of dredging, in-water construction, and the filling of marshlands in a region rapidly losing land… “Louisiana is already dealing with a coastal crisis,” Matt Rota, a senior policy director with Healthy Gulf, a New Orleans-based environmental group, told Grist. “Destroying 400 more acres in Plaquemines Parish is ridiculous. I don’t know how many acres they have left, but it’s not that much.”
Odessa American: Big oil companies’ CEOs face perplexing questions
Bob Campbell, 8/27/26
“The major oil companies have been making big profits since the Strait of Hormuz was constricted, but that is a great distance from being the whole story,” according to the Odessa American. “Long-term planning has become harder as the CEOs face a panoply of problems each day with some having commonality with other such companies and others being unique to his or her company as they pursue various initiatives and projects. Waco economist Ray Perryman and Odessa oilman Kirk Edwards told OA the majors’ leaders earn every dollar… “The planning process is certainly complicated by geopolitical tensions but also by the ongoing energy transition to lower carbon options that must occur while recognizing that fossil fuels produced and used in a cleaner manner will be needed in increasing quantities in the future,” Perryman told OA… “Perryman told OA companies must perpetually decide how much to invest in drilling programs and replacement supplies while simultaneously weighing other options like optimal investments, carbon capture and reduction, hydrogen or biofuels… “So yes, the integrated majors that own both producing assets and refineries are making tremendous money in this environment.” But he told OA he would be very reluctant to criticize them for earning those profits.”
Planet Detroit: DTE will seek approval for 2 natural gas plants as coal phases out, data centers go online
Brian Allnutt, 8/27/26
“DTE Energy is seeking approval for two natural gas plants — 700 megawatts and 1,400 megawatts — in its upcoming Integrated Resource Plan filing, Planet Detroi reports. “... Each additional 1-gigawatt data center could necessitate a new natural gas plant, DTE CEO Joi Harris said last year… “The utility is considering multiple baseload generation sources, including nuclear energy and natural gas with carbon capture and storage, to help replace its Monroe coal plant and serve new demand from data centers, spokesperson Ryan Lowry told Planet Detroit in April.”
KTUU: Sheen vanishes, mystery remains after pilot reports oil slick near Cook Inlet platform
Lars Hanson, 8/26/26
“Four consecutive aerial surveys of Cook Inlet have turned up no visible trace of an oily sheen first reported near a long-dormant oil platform, state officials said Wednesday, as the source, cause and total scope of the spill remain unconfirmed three days after it was first spotted,” KTUU reports. “The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation said in its latest situation report that overflights conducted three times Tuesday and again Wednesday morning found no sheen on the water near the Spark Platform, an inactive Hilcorp Alaska structure in North Trading Bay, roughly 50 to 60 miles southwest of Anchorage. The update, issued Wednesday afternoon, marks the second situation report since a pilot’s sighting triggered the multi-agency response… “As a precaution, all oil and gas lines in the area were shut in Monday. Hilcorp is now developing plans to inspect and test those lines, and the company’s oil spill response contractor, Alaska Response Corporation, will be on scene when officials move to bring the lines back online, the report states.”
KDLL: Hilcorp to inspect lines near oily sheen in Cook Inlet
Ashlyn O’Hara, 8/26/26
“State officials say they still cannot trace an oily sheen observed in western Cook Inlet on Monday to a nearby oil platform,” KDLL reports. “...The state says Hilcorp investigated the platform Tuesday and Wednesday and did not find evidence of an oil spill, or a possible source of the sheen… “The state says Trading Bay is home to all five species of salmon, as well as endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales, sea and river otters, harbor seals, sea lions and a handful of migratory birds and waterfowl. The sheen prompted outcry from environmental groups, including the Homer-based nonprofit Cook Inletkeeper. In a press release, the group says the sheen demonstrates the risks of leaving aging oil and gas structure in Alaska waters indefinitely. “This is one more reminder of why having oil and gas in our backyard is a liability to the marine ecosystems we rely on for our livelihoods and wellbeing,” Clean Water Lead Satchel Pondolfino said in the statement. “Enough is enough; we have to start holding operators accountable for dismantling retired infrastructure.”
EXTRACTION
Canadian Press: N.B. to review ban on fracking amid U.S. tariffs, premier says
Eli Ridder, 8/26/26
“New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt says her government is launching a review of the province’s long-standing ban on hydraulic fracturing,” the Canadian Press reports. “The Liberal premier says the review of the 2014 ban on fracking is part of her government’s work to explore ways it can strengthen the provincial economy. Officials told CP the Liberal provincial government will consult First Nations communities, local governments, industry stakeholders and regular New Brunswickers. Holt backed the ban as recently as last year, but told CP the review of the moratorium doesn’t guarantee a return of widespread drilling. She told CP Canada’s escalating trade war with the United States in recent days has strengthened her belief the province needs to invest in ways to bring about more economic stability.”
Energy Intelligence Group: Oil Sands Players Soft Pedal Growth-Capex Commitments
Luke Johnson, 8/27/26
“As the world contemplates longer-term energy security needs in the wake of the Mideast war, now entering its seventh month, Canada’s oil sands would seem to be hitting their stride at an opportune time,” Energy Intelligence Group reports. “While the North American producer will hardly lead the charge on non-Opec supply growth in the coming years — combined oil sands and conventional oil growth is set to tally 245,000 barrels per day between 2025 and 2030, according to the Canada Energy Regulator’s (CER) base-case forecast — its ability to deliver year after year of record output this decade despite continued capital discipline is gaining attention. At the same time, oil sands giants have noted a clear change in sentiment within the industry, with fresh hope that a newly supportive federal government could pave the way for more growth. Oil sands producers have been coming off a banner year in 2025, with production rising by nearly 4% last year to a record above 3.59 million b/d, pushing total Canadian oil production toward a record 5.6 million b/d, according to the CER. This year’s production could rise even higher, with companies like Cenovus Energy and Canadian Natural Resources reporting their highest quarterly output on record in the second quarter… “Production is reaching new peaks and set to keep growing as more optimization and expansion projects continue to come on line,” Mark Oberstoetter, Woodmac’s vice president of upstream, told EIG.”
Clean Energy Wire: German draft export credit rules leave fossil gas loopholes open, NGOs say
Benjamin Wehrmann, 8/28/26
“Environmental groups have criticised a government proposal on climate guidelines for German export credit guarantees, arguing that the changes would make it easier for companies to secure state-backed support for fossil and nuclear power projects abroad,” Clean Energy Wire reports. “...The NGOs said that the proposal by the economy ministry would continue to allow for the support of natural gas plants under the condition of making them ready for later use with hydrogen and if they are equipped with carbon capture and storage (CCS/CCU) technology. According to DUH and urgewald, this opens the door to more general support for fossil gas infrastructure, including maintenance work on existing plants and new construction in developing countries. “Also the exploration, extraction, transport and storage of fossil gas remain eligible for support under certain conditions,” the groups said.
Press release: Hemisphere Energy Responds to Incident at Atlee Buffalo Oil Battery
8/26/26
“Vancouver, British Columbia-based Hemisphere Energy Corporation reports that a fire incident occurred overnight at the Company’s largest oil battery at its Atlee Buffalo property (southeast Alberta). Emergency protocols were activated immediately, and the fire has since been extinguished with all damage contained within the Company’s lease. There are no injuries reported. The incident resulted in the loss of all three treaters at the battery and is expected to cause significant downtime at the facility while clean-up, assessment, and rebuild activities are completed. The affected oil battery accounts for up to 2,650 boe/d (99% heavy oil), or approximately 75% of the Company’s production.”
OPINION
Forbes: Canada/USA Standoff Highlights Enbridge Line 5 Importance
Daniel Markind, 8/27/26
“The decision last Friday night by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to walk away from bilateral trade talks with the United States, and the subsequent “tit-for-tat” sanctions imposed by each nation against the other, have only magnified the significance of the oil and gas infrastructure that runs through and/or affects both countries,” Daniel Markind writes for Forbes. “Among that infrastructure is the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline, which moves Canadian oil through the United States back into Canada, where it can be processed at the refineries of Sarnia, Ontario, for ultimate consumption… “Another potential threat to United States interests raised by Canadian officials lies with oil and gas. Canada supplies nearly four million barrels of crude oil per day to the United States, and Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford has proposed either taxing that product or holding it back from the United States entirely. Two can play at that game, however, and the continuing issues surrounding Enbridge Line 5 would only be magnified by a trade standoff between the two countries… “Getting into an ill-advised trade standoff now with by far its largest trading partner would seem like the worst thing that Canada could do to improve its economy.”