Gas Pipelines
FERC reviews applications for construction and operation of interstate natural gas pipelines under authority of section 7 of the Natural Gas Act. FERC review ensures that applicants certify that they will comply with Department of Transportation safety standards.
FERC itself has no jurisdiction over pipeline safety or security, but actively works with other agencies with safety and security responsibilities. To meet the growing demand for natural gas, FERC must continue to respond quickly when companies propose to expand and construct needed pipelines and related facilities. The Commission has expedited the certification of natural gas pipelines by having Commission staff actively participate in projects that were using the pre-filing process to engage stakeholders in the identification and resolution of stakeholder concerns prior to the filing of a certificate application with the Commission. The staff's participation and initiative in these efforts will allow for the filing of better certificate applications enabling more efficient and expeditious licensing actions by the Commission.
- Standards for Business Practices of Interstate Natural Gas Pipelines »
- Approved Major Pipeline Projects (2015-Present)
- Major Pipeline Projects Pending (Onshore)
An Interstate Natural Gas Facility on My Land? | Download Guide (Updated August 2015)
LNG
FERC regulates twenty-four operational LNG facilities and is the federal agency responsible for review of new LNG facilities subject to section 7 and section 3 of the Natural Gas Act.
Blanket Certificates
Under a blanket certificate issued pursuant to section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act, a natural gas company may undertake a restricted array of routine activities without the need to obtain a case-specific certificate for each individual project.
Natural Gas Storage
Natural gas-a colorless, odorless, gaseous hydrocarbon-may be stored in a number of different ways. It is most commonly held in inventory underground under pressure in three types of facilities. These are: (1) depleted reservoirs in oil and/or gas fields, (2) aquifers, and (3) salt cavern formations. Two of the most important characteristics of an underground storage reservoir are its capacity to hold natural gas for future use and the rate at which gas inventory can be withdrawn-its deliverability rate.
Pre-Filing
The concept of pre-filing is to proactively pursue issues. To go out and go to the states, go to the people who would most be affected by lateral infrastructure. To minimize the issues before an application is ever brought to the Commission.