Bakken East Pipeline Project

On February 12, 2026, FERC staff approved WBI Energy Transmission, Inc. (WBI Energy) request to enter into FERC’s Pre-filing Environmental Review Process (Pre-filing Process) for the planned Bakken East Pipeline Project (Project).  More information may be found in FERC Docket No. PF26-4-000 in FERC's eLibrary. Please note that the project has not been approved at this time.

Project Route and Facilities 

The planned Project is described below according to the applicant’s filing:

• Approximately 350 miles of mainline pipeline consisting of 36 or 42-inch-diameter pipeline
• Approximately 21 miles of lateral pipelines,
• New and modified compression
• Various measurement and interconnect facilities in North Dakota

Pre-filing Environmental Review Process 

Pre-filing is a “pre-application” phase in the overall environmental review process for interstate natural gas or liquefied natural gas projects under FERC’s jurisdiction. The Pre-filing Process is designed to identify and address environmental aspects of the project before an official application is filed. The Pre-filing Process was established to encourage early involvement by stakeholders during the design and/or routing of an interstate natural gas project.

During the Pre-filing Process, members of the public will have multiple opportunities to get involved and express their views, concerns, and issues. Those opportunities include public comment periods, applicant-sponsored open houses, and FERC may host scoping sessions. These opportunities will be posted in FERC’s eLibrary in Docket No. PF26-4-000.

Public Participation Opportunities

Scoping Sessions 

When a company seeks approval to construct and operate an interstate natural gas pipeline or liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, FERC must conduct an environmental review of the proposed project’s effects. The gathering of public input is referred to as “scoping.”  Scoping Sessions are typically an in-person opportunity to collect public comments about a proposed interstate natural gas project.

A Notice of Scoping was issued by FERC on May 5, 2026.

FERC will hold a public Scoping Session as part of its environmental review of the planned project. This session offers in-person opportunities for the public to provide comments on the public record for this proceeding. 

FERC staff and the applicant will attend to provide additional context and answer questions.

Members of the public are invited to provide input on:

• Potential environmental impacts
• Reasonable alternatives
• Measures to avoid or reduce environmental impacts

Commission staff have already identified several issues that deserve attention based on a preliminary review of the planned facilities and the environmental information provided by WBI Energy.  This preliminary list of issues may change based on your comments and our analysis:

• crossing lands owned or maintained by federal and state agencies; and
• crossing navigable rivers and flood control structures.

The comment period for this phase closes on or before 5:00 pm Eastern Time on June 4, 2026.

For information on what to expect at scoping sessions, visit OPP’s Natural Gas Scoping Sessions: Public Participation and What to Expect handout.

Federal law requires FERC to seek out public comments and consider them during its review of a project. Public comments inform FERC’s reviews and serve to educate decision-makers about local concerns.

There are three methods you can use to submit your comments to FERC.

1. eComment

You can file your comments electronically using the eComment feature in FERC Online. Using eComment is an easy method for submitting brief, text-only comments.

2. eFiling

You can file your comments electronically by using the eFiling feature in FERC Online. With eFiling, you can provide comments in a variety of formats by attaching them as a file with your submission. New eFiling users must first create an account by clicking on “eRegister.” You will be asked to select the type of filing you are making. A comment on a particular project is considered a “Comment on a Filing.”

3. File a paper copy

You can file a paper copy of your comments by mailing them to FERC. Be sure to reference the Project Docket No. P-14890 on your letter. Submissions sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be addressed to:

Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street NE, Room 1A
Washington, DC 20426

Submissions sent via any other carrier must be addressed to:

Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
12225 Wilkins Avenue
Rockville, Maryland 20852

More Information and Staying Updated

You may learn more about the Project through FERC’s eLibrary. When searching for the Project, please enter Docket No. PF26-4-000 in the “Enter Docket Number” text box. FERC’s Office of Public Participation provides an educational video and demonstration on using eLibrary: WorkshOPP and Demonstration: FERC’s eLibrary. 

There is one (1) docket associated with this Project:   

• The Pre-Filing Docket: Docket No. PF26-4-000

Stay Informed:

Follow OPP on its social media channels:  

• X  
• Facebook 
• LinkedIn 
• Instagram 
• Bluesky 

OPP regularly sends announcements about upcoming participation opportunities and meetings with interested stakeholders and organizations via its social media channels.  

You may also sign up for FERC’s eSubscription service. eSubscription notifies you via email about submittals and issuances on the project. Please visit www.ferc.gov/esubscription.

You are also encouraged to contact OPP staff to learn more about the Project and participation at FERC by email at [email protected] or phone at 202-502-6595. All media inquiries should be directed to [email protected].

Resources

Guides on Public Participation 

• Step-by-step guide on how to file a comment 
• Step-by-step guide on how to intervene 
• Step-by-step guide on how to eSubscribe

Educational Videos 

• Learn to eFile, eComment, and eSubscribe 
• How to File an Intervention Using FERC’s Online System 
• Filing Comments Workshop and Demonstration
• Submitting Powerful Comments Workshop

Tips on Public Participation 

• How to Submit Effective Comments 
• Powerful Comments 
• Filing an Intervention

Informational Handouts 

• About FERC 
• About OPP 
• Natural Gas Pre-filing Open Houses: Public Participation and What to Expect
• Natural Gas Scoping Sessions: Public Participation and What to Expect

Background

December 23, 2025: WBI submits request to initiate the Pre-Filing (PF) Review Process for the planned Bakken East Project.

February 12, 2026: FERC accepts WBI’s prefile request to enter PF for the planned Bakken East Pipeline Project.

Office of Public Participation’s Outreach Corner

The Office of Public Participation (OPP) is authorized to support public participation in FERC proceedings pursuant to Section 319 of the Federal Power Act. OPP coordinates with and provides assistance to members of the public as to participation in, and understanding of, FERC proceedings. OPP provides outreach to community groups, community members, landowners and other interested parties potentially impacted by infrastructure projects.