FERC proposes easier approvals for gas pipelines and LNG projects
Infrastructure
Friday, October 16, 2026
· Updated Oct 16, 2026 12:42
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has proposed dropping air dispersion modelling from its environmental reviews of gas projects and creating a three-tier blanket authorisation system for LNG projects.
Why it matters: If adopted, the proposals would shorten the approval path for US gas pipelines and LNG export capacity at a time of rising gas-fired power demand, though they remain proposals open to comment, not final rules.
Data as of Friday, October 16, 2026, 12:42 ET. Single sourced to Utility Dive reporting of the FERC monthly meeting, opened and read in full, hence grade C for a developing item.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Thursday proposed no longer requiring air dispersion modelling in its National Environmental Policy Act reviews of gas projects, in a draft policy statement adopted by a 4 to 1 vote, with Commissioner Judy Chang dissenting. Chair Laura Swett said the modelling had become a source of delay and litigation risk, while Chang said it remained the best tool for assessing local air impacts short of physical monitors.
FERC also proposed a three-tier blanket authorisation framework for LNG projects, under which some activities at existing plants would proceed automatically, others after a 60-day notice and comment period, and larger additions such as liquefaction trains, tanks and marine berths after 90 days.
Sources
- FERC proposes easing regulatory pathway for gas pipeline, LNG projects · Utility Dive · 2026-10-16