North Carolina City Calls for Federal Review of Williams’ Transco Pipeline Expansion

The Greensboro City Council passed a resolution urging FERC to fully assess environmental and safety concerns tied to the Transco Southeast Supply Enhancement Project in North Carolina.

By Mary Holcomb, Digital Lead

(P&GJ) — The Greensboro City Council has adopted a resolution urging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to conduct a full environmental review of the proposed Transco Southeast Supply Enhancement Project, citing public safety, environmental, and economic concerns raised by local residents.

The resolution notes that the project could affect communities in and around Greensboro and calls on FERC to “fully and transparently consider the health, safety, environmental, and quality-of-life concerns raised by Guilford County residents and other affected stakeholders.”

City officials also requested that FERC require a comprehensive environmental assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to evaluate all potential risks and alternatives to the proposed expansion.

Additionally, the council urged FERC to ensure that “impacted communities are consulted and that their input is meaningfully reflected” in final decisions on the project’s approval, route, and conditions.

The resolution further calls for Williams Cos., the project developer, to provide immediate notification of emergency events to residents and local emergency management agencies.

Greensboro’s action aligns with the city’s broader sustainability efforts, including a goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2040 and its Silver LEED designation from the U.S. Green Building Council for municipal sustainability initiatives.

Copies of the resolution were sent to FERC, the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Guilford County, and members of the city’s federal legislative delegation.