By Sarah Miller, GPA Midstream President & CEO

Congress may be in recess, and summer vacations and back-to-school are top of mind, but GPA Midstream remains focused on representing midstream interests with elected officials, regulators, and the public while delivering sold-out industry-leading training and education. Below are some examples of our recent efforts.

ADVOCACY

GPA Midstream’s federal advocacy efforts — marshaled by a collaborative group that includes member company representatives, staff, and expert consultants — engaged across multiple fronts. In July alone we submitted nine comments:

• Shared our members’ views on an initiative by the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to modernize regulations governing liquefied natural gas (LNG)
• Responded to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service request for information
• Commented on the U.S. Army Corp of Engineer’s proposal regarding Nationwide Permits
• Responded to PHMSA’s notice of its effort to revise gas and liquid pipeline repair criteria
• Shared input on PHMSA’s definition of gathering pipeline
• Engaged on a proposal by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission about initiating construction of approved natural gas facilities.
• Applauded energy choice legislation, and
• Appreciated EPA’s extension of certain unreasonable reporting deadlines.  

Our engagement in the process to develop the One Big Beautiful Bill Act ensured that the legislation included several midstream priorities, such as the 10-year delay of the Waste Emissions Charge (WEC), or Methane Tax. It also served as a platform to begin discussions with lawmakers about permitting reform proposals despite limitations of the reconciliation mechanism used to pass the bill.

Just before Congress went into its August recess, I testified about the importance of reauthorizing PHMSA pipeline safety programs at a hearing of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Energy. This was an opportunity to emphasize our industry’s commitment to safe operations for continued delivery of the affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy the world needs.

During the hearing, I was able to tell elected officials directly about midstream’s economic impact and describe the essential role of gathering lines in delivering energy and feedstock for thousands of everyday products. I was also able to articulate our core priorities — eliminating duplicative federal oversight at gas processing plants, including greater input from gathering line operators when PHMSA proposes regulations, and enacting performance-based measures rather than prescriptive rules.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

This week (Aug. 4-6), we presented a sold-out Introduction to Midstream course at the Enterprise Training Facility in Mont Belvieu, Texas. This training provides a big picture look at midstream for new employees or those who want to know more about the midstream industry works. Our next session will be Oct. 6-8 in Washington, DC. Learn more and access a shareable one-pager. We recommend registering soon — seating is limited.

Next week is the sold-out 50th Anniversary of the GPA Midstream School of Chromatography. This one-week training gives attendees a thorough grounding in the basics of gas chromatography and covers GPA Midstream analysis standards. The hands-on curriculum is managed, directed, and conducted by members of GPA Midstream’s Analysis, Test Methods, and Product Specifications Committee, who are happy to share their real-world expertise with chromatograph operators, measurement technicians and engineers involved with chromatography. The next School of Chromatography will be in the summer of 2026.

ANNUAL CONVENTION

Preparation for the 2025 GPA Midstream Convention is well underway, and we’re excited to see the agenda shaping up around the theme, “Unveiling the Magic of Midstream Innovation.” Attendees will be able to learn about the latest technologies to improve midstream operations, while networking with peers from all sectors of midstream. Click here to register for Convention.

LET’S CLEAR THE AIR

Let’s Clear the Air is GPA Midstream’s digital campaign to educate consumers about realities of energy and climate, as well as the value of midstream operations and infrastructure. We conducted an online advertising campaign earlier this year that delivered our message to a target audience of politically moderate adults, ages 25-44. We’re preparing for another advertising flight that will run from mid-August to mid-October.

I encourage you to give a listen to the Let’s Clear the Air podcast, hosted by Adam Murray of GPSA member Samuel EPC, Bryan Nix of GPA Midstream member Targa Resources, and Stuart Saulters of GPA Midstream. This year, the podcast has delved into a critical analysis of energy “transition” with Doug Sheridan, challenges and opportunities for US LNG exports with Kindra Snow-McGregor of GPSA member Petroskills, and an overview of environmental law with Sam Boxerman.

Episodes currently in the works will focus on pipeline safety, and new research on how the lack of access to natural gas and high costs of energy affect lower income communities.

You can hear more details about the Let’s Clear the Air campaign at the first-ever Communications Forum during this year’s Convention. View the Convention schedule.

JOIN US

GPA Midstream and GPSA are committed to advancing the midstream industry. By testifying before Congress, delivering sold-out training programs, and conducting a targeted public education campaign, we’re making an outsized impact on policy, workforce development, and public perception, just to name a few of our priorities on behalf of the industry.

Have questions or want to get involved? Contact me directly or select from the list below:

• Advocacy — Stuart Saulters or Andrew Mooney
• Convention — Melodi Foster or Emma Bickel
• Introduction to Midstream — Emma Bickel‍
• Let’s Clear the Air and Communications — Kevin Broom
• Safety — Brandie Disbrow
• Technical — Martin Erne

In her monthly "Midstream Matters" column, GPA Midstream President & CEO Sarah Miller writes about strategic midstream issues.