News October-December 2005
News Release: November 17, 2005 | View Printable PDF Version |
Docket Number: PL06-2-000 |
Commission moves to implement EPAct authority on processing
of natural gas projects
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission today delegated to the
Director of the Office of Energy Projects (OEP), on an interim
basis, its Energy Policy Act of 2005 authority to assure the expeditious
processing of natural gas project proposals, until that authority
can be permanently vested with the OEP Director in a pending rulemaking.
"In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, there is an urgent
need to strengthen our energy infrastructure. Our action today
will prevent unreasonable delays in decisions by other federal
and state agencies on gas infrastructure projects," commented
Commission Chairman Joseph T. Kelliher.
The OEP Director, on a case-by-case basis, will establish deadlines
and coordinate federal and state actions for all federal authorizations
necessary for proposed natural gas projects under section 3 and
section 7 of the Natural Gas Act.
Today's delegation of authority is an interim measure as the Commission
prepares a rulemaking to implement section 313 of the Energy Policy
Act, which directs the Commission "to establish a schedule for
all federal permits, authorizations, certificates, opinions, or
other approvals required for a Natural Gas Act section 3 or 7
proposal." The Energy Policy Act also requires any federal or
state agency involved in the processing of an application to comply
with deadlines set by the Commission.
Today's action applies to all natural gas proposals pending before
the Commission, not just those filed since the enactment of the
Energy Policy Act and any future proposals that may be filed.
R-05-78
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