Pipeline Approval Reform Bill Hits Headwinds

The pipeline approval "speed up" bill hit some speed bumps on July 9. At hearings in a House subcommittee, the unofficial "pipeline" commissioner at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) noted some potential unintended consequences that might occur if the Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act (H.R. 1900) as initially written becomes law. The bill was proposed by Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-KS). It essentially requires FERC to approve or deny a pipeline application 12 months after a certificate has been submitted.