State AGs Urge FERC to Reject Expanded Pipeline Fast-Track Rule
A coalition of 15 state attorneys general is urging FERC to reject a proposed rule that would expand automatic approvals for natural gas pipeline projects, arguing the changes would weaken oversight and increase costs for consumers.
(P&GJ) — A coalition of 15 state attorneys general has asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to reject a proposed rule that would expand the agency's blanket certificate program, arguing the changes would allow larger natural gas pipeline projects to move forward with less regulatory scrutiny.
The coalition, led by Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, filed comments in Docket No. RM25-12-001 opposing FERC's proposal to increase the cost thresholds for projects eligible for blanket certificate approval and to broaden automatic authorization for certain pipeline facilities.
Under the proposal, the cost limit for projects eligible for automatic authorization would increase from $14.5 million to $30 million, while the threshold for prior-notice projects would rise from $41.1 million to $86 million. FERC also proposed removing cost limits for certain compressor station expansion projects located within the fence line of existing facilities.
The states argue the proposed revisions exceed the intended purpose of the blanket certificate program, which was established to streamline approval of routine, low-impact projects rather than larger infrastructure expansions. They contend the proposal could increase energy costs, reduce public oversight and limit environmental review for projects with broader impacts.
The filing also argues that automatically authorizing larger pipeline and compressor station projects would conflict with the Natural Gas Act and the National Environmental Policy Act because projects with potentially significant impacts should continue to receive project-specific review.
The coalition further urged FERC to retain existing public participation rights and instead strengthen safeguards by limiting the cumulative use of blanket certificates and expanding public notification requirements.
The attorneys general summarized their position in the filing:
"The Commission's proposal to significantly expand the scope and scale of qualifying projects under its blanket certificate program is likely to raise energy bills, increase air pollution, and cause other harms without countervailing benefits."
The coalition includes the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia.