The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has proposed a significant shift in how it reviews natural gas pipelines and liquefied natural gas export facilities. In a draft policy statement approved 4-1, FERC would no longer require air dispersion modeling as part of its environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act. Chairman Laura Swett argued that the models have become "an unnecessary source of confusion, delay and litigation risk," and that the change would not reduce environmental oversight because air permitting remains with the EPA and state agencies.
The proposal also includes a three-tiered blanket authorization framework for LNG projects, similar to what FERC already uses for pipelines. Depending on the activity, some work could proceed automatically, while other changes—such as adding liquefaction trains, LNG tanks, or marine berths—would require a 60- or 90-day notice and comment period. Commissioner Lindsay See said the idea is to focus FERC resources on projects that require "searching scrutiny" while creating a more efficient path for those that don't.
Commissioner Judy Chang dissented from the draft policy, arguing that air dispersion models are "the best tool we have for understanding the likely local and regional air impacts of the projects we permit." FERC also highlighted broader permitting reform efforts, with commissioners praising Senate legislation that would require the agency to launch nine rulemakings and could accelerate transmission and interconnection work. Chairman Swett said the only current restriction on getting American gas is the inability to get it to market due to infrastructure bottlenecks.