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FERC Faces Criticism for Rushed Comment Period on Termination of Gas Project Reviews

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Critics of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) are accusing the agency of undermining public engagement and participation in the review process for new gas projects. The Commission has proposed to terminate proceedings in docket numbers PL18-1-000 and PL18-1-001, which have been ongoing for over seven years. A group of organizations, including Earthjustice, Center for Biological Diversity, and Natural Resources Defense Council, has submitted a document requesting an extension of the comment period to October 2, 2025, arguing that the current seven-day window is insufficient.

Key Takeaways:

  • FERC has proposed to terminate proceedings in docket numbers PL18-1-000 and PL18-1-001, which have been ongoing for over seven years.
  • The organizations submitting the document request an extension of the comment period to October 2, 2025, citing the need for a more meaningful opportunity for public engagement and participation.
  • The current seven-day comment period is considered inadequate by critics, who argue that it does not allow for sufficient time for review and comment on the proposed termination.
  • FERC recognized over seven years ago that its gas project review process was "long overdue" for update.
  • The document highlights the significant efforts made by the public and FERC staff in contributing to the proceedings, including the filing of thousands of comments.
  • The organizations submit that a minimum of thirty days is required for comment on the proposal and its underlying rationale.

Statistics:

  • Over 26 years have passed since the Commission last updated its policy for reviewing gas projects.
  • The proposed comment period is just seven days, which is considered inadequate by critics.
  • The proceedings in docket numbers PL18-1-000 and PL18-1-001 have been ongoing for over seven years.
  • Thousands of community members, landowners, organizations, industry actors, and other members of the public filed comments in the above-captioned dockets.

Sources:

  • EARTHJUSTICE et al., Certification of New Interstate Natural Gas Facilities, Docket Nos. PL18-1-000 PL18-1-001 (September 3, 2025)
  • Certification of New Interstate Natural Gas Pipeline Facilities, 88 FERC P 61,227 (1999)
  • Certification of New Interstate Natural Gas Pipeline Facilities, 92 FERC P 61,094 (2000)

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