FERC Approves Condition 1 Variance Request for Rio Grande LNG

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has granted a variance request for Rio Grande LNG (RGLNG) to proceed with the development of final design to facilitate an interconnect with a non-jurisdictional intrastate pipeline. The approval is based on FERC staff review of the information filed on August 19, 2025, and is consistent with Condition 1 of the Commission's November 22, 2019 Order Granting Authorizations Under Sections 3 and 7 of the Natural Gas Act. This approval is subject to RGLNG's compliance with all applicable remaining terms and conditions of the Order, as well as Department of Transportation requirements under 49 CFR 193.

Key Takeaways:

  • FERC has granted a variance request for RGLNG to proceed with the development of final design to facilitate an interconnect with a non-jurisdictional intrastate pipeline.
  • The approval is based on FERC staff review of the information filed on August 19, 2025.
  • RGLNG must comply with all applicable remaining terms and conditions of the above-referenced Order.
  • The company must also comply with any applicable Department of Transportation requirements under 49 CFR 193.
  • FERC staff will continuously evaluate the safety and reliability of LNG facilities through technical reviews and inspections.
  • Additional authorizations to proceed with the construction of the design modifications will be released once RGLNG has demonstrated full compliance with the final design conditions of the Order.
  • The Chief of the LNG Branch, Jonathan Turquette, has granted the approval and reminded RGLNG to comply with all applicable terms and conditions.

Statistics:

  • August 19, 2025: Date of filing for the variance request.
  • November 22, 2019: Date of the Commission's Order Granting Authorizations Under Sections 3 and 7 of the Natural Gas Act.
  • 49 CFR 193: Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration regulations.

Sources:

  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. (2025, September 17). In Reply Refer To: OEP/DLNG/LNG 3 Rio Grande LNG, LLC Docket No. CP16-454-000.
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. (2019, November 22). Order Granting Authorizations Under Sections 3 and 7 of the Natural Gas Act.