INGAA president applauds advancement of House pipeline interagency cooperation bill

A House decision to advance legislation which would strengthen interagency coordination on natural gas pipeline reviews last week has received praise from the CEO of the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA).

Don Santa hailed the bill from Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX) as one which improves the permitting process for interstate pipelines.

“Pipelines are a key to realizing the benefits of America’s natural gas revolution because they are the indispensable link from the supply sources to the ultimate gas consumer,” Santa said. “Despite the clear need for pipelines, the permitting process has become more protracted and challenging. While the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission acts in a timely manner on most proposed applications, roadblocks and delays are becoming commonplace with other federal and state permitting agencies.”

The bill, if met with similar approval in the Senate, would designate FERC as the lead agency under the National Environmental Policy Act on natural gas projects in its jurisdiction. Furthermore, it would encourage concurrent review of permit applications, remedying some of the delays as permits go from one federal and state agency to the next. It specifically incentivizes efforts to create a single NEPA analysis undertaken in conjunction with other agencies.