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Independent regulatory commissions

FERC Invites Tribal Participation in Heartland Project Review

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has initiated a review of the Heartland Project, a proposed natural gas project by ANR Pipeline Company in Illinois and Wisconsin. The Commission invites the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin to participate in the review process, seeking their comments and assistance in identifying properties of traditional, religious, or cultural importance to the tribe that may be affected by the project.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Heartland Project involves the construction and operation of 68.9 miles of pipeline loop, three new compressor and two new meter stations, uprating one existing compressor station, upgrading and expanding three existing meter stations, replacing and upsizing 1.5 miles of existing pipeline, and the construction or modification of other existing minor appurtenant facilities.
  • The Commission has begun its review of the project in Docket Number CP25-79-000, and has issued a Notice of Schedule for the Preparation of an Environmental Assessment (NOS) on April 11, 2025.
  • The NOS includes a brief description of the project and the Commission's decision-making process, and was published in the Federal Register, sent to various Indian tribes, and placed in the Commission's public record.
  • FERC requests comments from the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin within 30 days of receiving the letter, and encourages the tribe to provide sensitive tribal information marked "CUI//PRIV - Do Not Release."
  • The Commission welcomes the tribe's participation in the environmental review process and offers to meet with Commission staff to discuss the project and gather information.

Statistics:

  • 68.9 miles of pipeline loop to be constructed and operated as part of the Heartland Project.
  • 3 new compressor stations and 2 new meter stations to be built.
  • 1 existing compressor station to be uprated.
  • 3 existing meter stations to be upgraded and expanded.
  • 1.5 miles of existing pipeline to be replaced and upsized.
  • Project to affect properties of traditional, religious, or cultural importance to the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin.

Sources:

  • FERC Correspondence with Tribal Governments, May 14, 2025.
  • FERC Website (www.ferc.gov), using the eLibrary link (Docket Number CP25-79).
  • Federal Register (publication date: April 11, 2025).
  • National Historic Preservation Act, implementing regulations at 36 CFR 800.2(a)(3).
  • ANR Pipeline Company, Heartland Project proposal (Docket Number CP25-79-000).
  • Merjent, Inc. (consultant assisting ANR Pipeline Company in complying with section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act).

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