FERC Invites Tribal Participation in Heartland Project Review

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has extended an invitation to the Fort Belknap Indian Community of the Fort Belknap Reservation of Montana to participate in the review of the Heartland Project, a proposed natural gas pipeline project in Illinois and Wisconsin. The project, proposed by ANR Pipeline Company, would involve the construction and operation of 68.9 miles of pipeline loop, three new compressor stations, two new meter stations, and other facilities. FERC has initiated its review of the project in Docket Number CP25-79-000, and the Commission is seeking comments from the Fort Belknap Indian Community to ensure that their concerns are identified and properly considered in the environmental analysis.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Heartland Project, proposed by ANR Pipeline Company, would involve the construction and operation of 68.9 miles of pipeline loop, three new compressor stations, two new meter stations, and other facilities in Illinois and Wisconsin.
  • FERC has invited the Fort Belknap Indian Community to participate in the review of the project, which is part of Docket Number CP25-79-000.
  • The Commission is seeking comments from the Fort Belknap Indian Community to ensure that their concerns are identified and properly considered in the environmental analysis.
  • The deadline for submitting comments is within 30 days of the date of the letter, which is May 14, 2025.
  • Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Michael Blackwolf and the Fort Belknap Indian Community's Tribal Historic Preservation Officer have been copied on the correspondence.
  • ANR Pipeline Company and its consultant, Merjent, Inc., will assist FERC in complying with section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

Statistics:

  • 68.9 miles of pipeline loop proposed in the Heartland Project.
  • Three new compressor stations, two new meter stations, to be constructed as part of the project.
  • Proposal includes uprating of one existing compressor station, upgrading and expanding of three existing meter stations, replacement and upsizing of 1.5 miles of existing pipeline.

Sources:

  • FERC Correspondence with Tribal Governments (Document Accession #: 20250514-3040, Filed Date: 05/14/2025)
  • Federal Register notification (April 11, 2025)
  • eLibrary link on the FERC website (www.ferc.gov)
  • eFiling feature on the FERC's web page (www.ferc.gov under the "FERC Online" link)