FERC Eyes Revising Some LNG And Hydroelectric Infrastructure Permits

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is exploring changes to issuing infrastructure permits to speed up some hydroelectric and liquefied natural gas projects.

To determine if and how it could fast-track these types of energy projects, FERC on Nov. 25 issued a “Notice of Inquiry” for future LNG plants and another for hydroelectric projects that both seek public comments from stakeholders.

“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,” Laura Swett, FERC chairwoman, stated in a Nov. 25 public announcement. Swett assumed her post Oct. 7 after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate. She was nominated June 2 by President Donald Trump.

LNG Considerations

FERC intends to explore the possibility of establishing procedures for blanket authorizations for some infrastructure activities at LNG plants and hydroelectric projects.

Instead of approving permits by issuing case-by-case authorizations, FERC could okay general infrastructure permits for LNG plants to reduce red tape and avoid delays. The commission regulates the siting, construction, expansion, and operation of LNG facilities that export or import natural gas.

FERC is seeking public input on a wide range of detailed questions regarding LNG plants such as possible processes, project eligibility, costs and authorization conditions as well as statutory and regulatory compliance issues.

For example, should FERC mandate an LNG operator to file a semi-annual or annual report documenting activities?

Hydropower Concerns

For hydropower facility improvements, FERC could revamp its processes to okay post-licensing activities such as maintenance, upgrades and repairs under new provisions for some activities that could be done by licensees without case-specific FERC authorization under the Federal Power Act.

FERC issues licenses for building, operating and maintaining dams, water conduits, reservoirs, power houses, transmission lines, or other projects associated with developing, transmitting and using hydroelectricity.

Before it issues hydroelectric licenses it must evaluate the outcome of the power project by giving “equal consideration to the purposes of energy conservation, the protection, mitigation of damage to, and enhancement of, fish and wildlife (including related spawning grounds and habitat), the protection of recreational opportunities, and the preservation of other aspects of environmental quality,” FERC noted.

To streamline its licensing process, FERC now wants stakeholders to weigh in about whether the commission should allow minor post-licensing modifications at a hydropower facility without a case-specific authorization.

January Deadline for Public Input

Both the LNG and hydroelectric project notices are posted in the Federal Register. The deadline to submit public comments on both notices is Jan. 26