(by Paul Vivian and Rick Preckel, www.prestonpipe.com) Market Monitor: A quick Google search for “delay in pipeline permits due to environmental protests and lawsuits” yields about 3.5 million results in less than a second. Since 2014, half of all interstate natural gas pipelines have been delayed costing billions of dollars – and the delays are getting longer. Recently, the Trump Administration unveiled a plan to speed permitting for major infrastructure projects like oil pipelines, and is being called one of the biggest de-regulatory actions of the president’s tenure, according to a Reuters article. Among other things, the proposed rule says federal agencies would not need to factor in the “cumulative impacts” of a project, which could include its impact on climate change, making it easier for major fossil fuel projects to get approved and avoid certain legal challenges. The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America identifies up to 10 federal agencies or bureaus (depending on the pipeline) that will have to approve the project. Also, in addition to the Natural Gas Act, a pipeline project will have to comply with the following laws, as applicable, based upon the nature of the pipeline: National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, and Coastal Zone Management. While the subject of pipelines is certainly controversial for a variety of reasons – NIMBY, climate change, etc. – it doesn’t alter the fact that the world still runs largely on fossil fuels. Import Supply – The November import total was 84,709 tons which is still below the license tally published last month. December import licenses are higher suggesting 96,128 tons. The January forecast, with 9 of 21 days summed, still shows weaker-than-normal volumes with 87,546 tons projected. The big import item for the month of November 2019 is carbon ERW, greater than 16” not over 24”, with 14,191 tons. The price is $1,033/ton. This category has totaled 206,838 tons awaiting the final December import volume which should add another 10-15,000 tons to the YTD.
Preston Pipe Report – The Line Pipe Market Jan 2020
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