Texas Eastern Transmission, LP Submits Response to Environmental Information Request

Strategic Insights -

Texas Eastern Transmission, LP, a gas pipeline operator, has submitted a response to an environmental information request issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in relation to its Longwall Mining Panel M1 Project. The document, dated August 22, 2025, addresses concerns regarding the project's potential impact on endangered species, particularly the Indiana bat.

The response outlines the company's plans to screen the project through the Rangewide Northern Long-eared Bat and Tricolored Bat Determination Key, which indicates that the project is "not applicable" due to the lack of a Phase I habitat assessment. The company has also committed to not removing trees between May 15 and August 15, during a time when bats are in maternity colonies, to avoid taking flightless young. This restriction is intended to minimize the project's impact on federally listed bats.

The response further clarifies that the company plans to adhere to USFWS-recommended avoidance measures, which may necessitate tree clearing during the Indiana bat active season.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Texas Eastern Transmission, LP Longwall Mining Panel M1 Project has been screened through the Rangewide Northern Long-eared Bat and Tricolored Bat Determination Key, which was found to be "not applicable".
  • The company has committed to not removing trees between May 15 and August 15 to avoid taking flightless young federally listed bats.
  • The company plans to adhere to USFWS-recommended avoidance measures, which may necessitate tree clearing during the Indiana bat active season (April 1 to October 31).
  • A Phase I habitat assessment was not conducted for the project area.
  • Correspondence with the USFWS, including consultation records and recommendations, is available in Attachment A.
  • Ms. Pam Shellenberger of the USFWS PAFO has been a key email correspondent regarding the project, providing guidance and recommendations on minimizing the project's impact on endangered species.

Statistics:

  • The project area covers approximately 5 acres of trees that will not be removed between May 15 and August 15.
  • The Indiana bat active season is typically from April 1 to October 31.
  • The Rangewide Northern Long-eared Bat and Tricolored Bat Determination Key was used to screen the project, which indicated a "not applicable" result due to the lack of a Phase I habitat assessment.
  • Tree clearing may be necessary during the Indiana bat active season to adhere to USFWS-recommended avoidance measures.

Sources:

  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), dated August 20, 2025, Environmental Information Request
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Range-wide Indiana bat and Northern long-eared bat Survey Guidelines
  • Texas Eastern Transmission, LP Longwall Mining Panel M1 Project Docket No. CP25-379-000 Response to FERC Environmental Information Request Dated August 22, 2025