Senators Introduce Bill to Expedite FERC Reviews
U.S. Reps. Pete Olson (R-Texas) and Mike Doyle (D-Pa.) are sponsoring similar legislation in the House of Representatives. In August 2018, Cassidy and Murkowski urged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to approve pending LNG export project applications in a timely manner and sought information regarding the agency’s approval process and its available resources.
A shortage of highly specialized engineers, scientists, and mathematicians tasked with reviewing construction applications at FERC has created a back-log of projects waiting to receive approval. Cassidy’s bill would improve FERC’s ability to hire the qualified staff it needs to process project applications in a timely, efficient manner.
“FERC’s backlog of applications for these infra- structure projects is standing in the way of good-paying jobs for Louisiana families,” said Cassidy, chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources’ subcommittee on energy. “FERC needs the expertise and manpower to speed up the review process and end long wait times for new natural gas terminals that benefit Louisiana workers and their families.”
FERC currently has 13 pending applications for new LNG export facilities, and four projects about to enter the filing process. Of these 17, Alaska, Oregon, Florida, Arkansas, and Mississippi have one project each, with the rest in Louisiana and Texas. The Louisiana projects awaiting approval include the Driftwood LNG and Magnolia LNG site near Lake Charles, Fourchon LNG in Lafourche Parish, and the Plaquemines LNG project in Plaquemines Parish.
“The U.S. is now the world’s largest producer of natural gas and oil, which means we are well-positioned to help other nations diversify their energy supplies and achieve a greater level of energy security,” added Murkowski, chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. “Yet, that will only become a reality if we can resolve the application backlog at FERC and allow infrastructure projects to move forward. Our bill would give FERC the ability to hire more people with the right technical expertise to streamline this process and make timely decisions.”
“LNG projects like Jordan Cove and other infra- structure projects that create jobs and bring economic opportunity to Colorado often experience long delays due to staffing shortages at the commission,” commented Gardner, a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. “This bipartisan bill will make sure FERC has the resources it needs to speed up the approval process and make sure the United States remains a global leader in energy production.”
“The U.S. LNG industry is on course for a remarkable year in 2019 with multiple projects entering service and many more navigating the regulatory process,” said Charlie Riedl, executive director of the Center for LNG. “The Timely Review of Infrastructure Act would give FERC the flexibility to bolster its highly skilled staff to handle the increased workload associated with our growing industry.”
(SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, April 1, 2019)
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