News News Releases Archives October-December 2005

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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