Natural gas associations express support for legislation to improve interagency coordination in proposed pipeline reviews
A number of natural gas associations recently sent a letter to leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce in support of legislation that would support interagency coordination in proposed pipeline reviews.
The bill, H.R. 2910, would strengthen the role of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as the lead agency under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for jurisdictional natural gas projects. It would also encourage simultaneous review of permit applications by the multiple federal and state agencies involved in reviewing pipeline projects.
Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX-17) introduced the bill.
“The provisions of the legislation would improve interagency coordination, and incentivize the development of a single and more fulsome NEPA analysis by the lead agency, working in conjunction with other participating agencies,” the letter said. “In short, the provisions in H.R. 2910 strengthen the original intent of NEPA and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 in advancing a coordinated review of proposed natural gas pipeline projects.”
The letter was addressed to Rep. Greg Walden, chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Rep. Frank Pallone, ranking member of the committee.
“The need for new energy infrastructure has never been more important, as new natural gas supplies have changed the market and presented new opportunities for our economy to take advantage of this abundant and low-cost energy resource,” the letter said. “Unfortunately, the permitting process has become more protracted and challenging in recent years. We need a process that is fair, comprehensive, and ensures commonsense cooperation and timely decision-making.”
