Project Approval Process: Project Timeline
Any proposed LNG facility in the United States is required to undergo a comprehensive
and rigorous review by several federal, state and local agencies before construction
and operations are allowed to begin.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) has primary jurisdiction over the siting, construction and operation of LNG
facilities. FERC has established a standardized review process for LNG facility
applications that can be broken down into three main categories.
- Pre-filing Technical Consultation:
Typically, this phase of the review process includes meeting with the project
applicants to learn more about the proposal, coordinating the review process with
other agencies, conducting a thorough analysis of the proposed site and participating
in public “scoping sessions” to identify potential impacts and to ensure full public
involvement.Click here to learn more about the public participation and review requirements.
Click here to learn more about the
public participation and review requirements.
- Pre-Decision Review:
Before making any decision, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is required
under the National Environmental Policy Act to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) regarding the proposed facility.
The EIS is designed to inform the public and other stakeholders about any potential
environmental impacts and possible alternatives related to an applicant’s proposed
site and operations.
The National Environmental Policy Act also requires FERC to conduct a thorough study
of potential impacts to public safety, which includes a review of whether an application
meets the requirements set forth by the Department of Transportation and the National
Fire Protection Association’s standards.
As the lead federal agency, FERC’s staff works closely with other federal agencies
to ensure that the review process meets the requirements of numerous federal laws
and regulations, including the Endangered Species Act, the National Historic Preservation
Act ,Coastal Zone Management Act, Clean Water Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation & Management Act.
Other federal agencies that are involved in the review process include the Environmental
Protection Agency, Department of Transportation, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department
of Homeland Security.
Throughout this Pre-Decision Review, FERC accepts public comment on the LNG facility’s
application.
Click here for a complete list
of the federal, state and local agencies that will be involved in the review of
the Calais LNG project.
- Pre-Decision Review & Inspection:
The comprehensive review process continues, even after an application has been
approved.
If an applicant receives FERC approval for an LNG project and has met all of the
pre-construction conditions required, construction may begin but the project
remains subject to stringent review and oversight.
Once in operation, each LNG facility is required to file semi-annual reports regarding
the facility’s operations, maintenance activity and any abnormal events that took
place during the previous six months.
All LNG facilities in the United States are subject to regular FERC inspections
of their equipment, operations and safety and security procedures throughout the operational
life of the plant. FERC retains the right to issue a “cease operations” order at any time it deems necessary in order to protect public safety and/or the environment.
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