FERC Weighs Blanket Authorizations to Streamline LNG Permitting

FERC is seeking comments on creating blanket authorizations for certain LNG and hydropower activities, aiming to streamline permitting and improve regulatory certainty for infrastructure developers.

(P&GJ) — The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is considering new blanket authorizations that could ease permitting and maintenance activities at liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities and hydroelectric projects. The Commission opened two Notices of Inquiry (NOI) to gather industry feedback on ways to simplify regulatory approvals.

“Energy infrastructure needs to be built now, and existing projects need to be maintained efficiently to ensure grid reliability today and in the future. We are taking a hard look at our processes and ways we can simplify certain activities,” FERC Chairman Laura Swett said.

LNG Blanket Authorization Proposal

The first NOI asks whether FERC should revise its regulations to create streamlined procedures that would allow certain activities at LNG plants to proceed without case-specific orders under Section 3 or Section 7 of the Natural Gas Act. The agency is seeking information and stakeholder perspectives on how such a framework might be implemented.

Hydropower Authorization Review 

The second NOI focuses on hydropower facilities. FERC is asking for comments on whether its post-licensing review process should be updated to simplify approvals for maintenance, repairs, and infrastructure upgrades. It also seeks views on whether some activities could be carried out without case-specific authorization under the Federal Power Act.

Comments on both inquiries are due 60 days after they are published in the Federal Register.