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Newsletter
FERC faces legal challenge over Louisiana LNG terminal approval
Environmental and local groups have petitioned the U.S. Court of Appeals to block the construction of a massive liquefied natural gas export facility in Louisiana, arguing that FERC failed to consider environmental justice and climate impacts.
In short:
- Opponents argue that FERC’s approval of the CP2 LNG facility ignored its potential to increase greenhouse gas emissions and harm local communities.
- The petitioners include environmental groups and commercial fishers concerned about air pollution and disruption of fishing areas.
- A recent court decision against FERC in Texas may influence the outcome of this case.
Key quote:
“FERC made a terrible and unjust decision when they approved CP2, but it’s not too late for the court — or even the Commission — to right this wrong.”
— Travis Dardar, founder of Fishermen Involved in Sustaining our Heritage.
Why this matters:
The LNG facility could significantly worsen air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Local fishers also fear the project will damage their livelihoods by further degrading fishing grounds already affected by existing LNG terminals.
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Credit: AvigatorPhotoGrapher/Big Stock Photo
Court overturns approval for South Texas LNG export plants
A federal court in Washington, D.C., has invalidated the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's approval of two massive liquefied natural gas export projects in South Texas, citing significant environmental assessment flaws.
Dylan Baddour reports for Inside Climate News and Berenice Garcia reports for The Texas Tribune.
In short:
- The court ruled that FERC failed to properly evaluate the environmental justice, climate and air pollution impacts of the Rio Grande LNG and Texas LNG projects.
- FERC's inadequate review included an insufficient environmental justice analysis and incorrect air pollution data, leading to procedural violations.
- The projects, worth billions, face opposition from local communities and environmental groups but have support from local political leaders.
Key quote:
"We do not see how the Commission could justify its decision to skip those fundamental procedural steps."
— U.S. Court of Appeals for the Washington, D.C. Circuit
Why this matters:
The ruling underscores the importance of thorough environmental impact assessments for large-scale energy projects, emphasizing legal and community concerns. These projects could significantly impact local ecosystems, prompting a broader debate on balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.
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Gas pipeline project faces setback after court ruling
A federal appeals court vacated the approvals for a New Jersey gas pipeline project, forcing a reassessment of its necessity and environmental impact.
In short:
- The U.S. Court of Appeals ordered the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to reconsider the Regional Energy Access Expansion project.
- Environmentalists and state officials argued the project is unnecessary and harmful, citing an independent study showing sufficient gas capacity in New Jersey until beyond 2030.
- The court found the commission failed to consider the project's environmental impact, including significant greenhouse gas emissions.
Key quote:
“The record estimates enormous GHG emissions from the project for the next half century.”
— Judge J. Michelle Childs, U.S. Court of Appeals
Why this matters:
The ruling emphasizes the need for careful evaluation of energy projects to align with state policies on reducing greenhouse gases and ensuring consumer protection from unnecessary infrastructure costs.
Related EHN coverage:
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FERC authorizes Mountain Valley Pipeline operations
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved Equitrans Midstream Corp. to commence operations on the Mountain Valley Pipeline, concluding years of regulatory and legal challenges.
In short:
- FERC’s approval confirms the pipeline’s compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
- The pipeline, transporting natural gas from West Virginia to Virginia, has faced significant opposition from environmental groups.
- Legal and regulatory hurdles included a 2023 safety warning and a 2022 debt ceiling deal that facilitated the project’s continuation.
Key quote:
“Mountain Valley has adequately stabilized the areas disturbed by construction and that restoration and stabilization of the construction work area is proceeding satisfactorily.’”
— Terry Turpin, director of the Office of Energy Projects at FERC
Why this matters:
The pipeline is expected to transport up to 2 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, addressing growing demands in the southeastern United States. However, environmentalists have raised concerns about the potential impacts on ecosystems, water quality, and public health. The pipeline’s route traverses the Appalachian Mountains, a region known for its biodiversity and delicate ecosystems. Critics argue that construction and operation could lead to habitat destruction, soil erosion, and water contamination, particularly affecting rural and indigenous communities.
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Credit: Lukas Bato/Unsplash
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's new grid rule deepens partisan divisions
A recent FERC initiative aimed at modernizing the U.S. power grid has intensified partisan disagreements, threatening bipartisan efforts for a comprehensive permitting overhaul.
In short:
- Democrats praise the rule for promoting renewable energy expansion, while Republicans criticize it for potential hikes in energy costs.
- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer suggests legislative efforts on transmission are unlikely to proceed due to the political landscape.
- Despite these tensions, some Democrats continue to advocate for further legislative actions to address climate goals.
Key quote:
"North Dakotans are used to being the backbone of an affordable and reliable grid, but this rulemaking will force my constituents into the unaffordable and unreliable grid Democrats dream about."
— Senator Kevin Cramer, ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Why this matters:
This rule sits at the heart of a conversation about how America balances immediate economic challenges with long-term environmental and health goals. The partisan debate affects policy and economic landscapes and carries significant implications for public health. Transitioning to renewable energy has the potential to reduce air pollution, a major health hazard linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and represents a pivotal shift in how environmental health is approached in the United States.
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US electricity grid set for major overhaul to meet increasing demands
Federal regulators have approved vital changes to enhance the U.S. power grid, aiming to counteract the current infrastructural inadequacies and frequent power shortages.
In short:
- New federal regulations aim to expedite the construction of high-voltage transmission lines to address critical energy shortages and support clean energy growth.
- The rules mandate state and utility cooperation on 20-year infrastructure plans, emphasizing equitable cost distribution.
- The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) now has limited authority to approve stalled projects, highlighting ongoing interstate regulatory challenges.
Key quote:
"Our grid is at a make-or-break moment. It is being tested in ways we have never seen before."
— Willie Phillips, chair of FERC
Why this matters:
As America grapples with a surge in power use, the ripple effects could touch everyone— from increased energy bills to challenges in meeting climate commitments.
In addition to infrastructure investments, clean energy capacity growth can help the planet avoid billions of tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
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Credit: Sasun Bughdaryan/Unsplash
Biden-appointed judges question FERC's LNG project approvals
In a recent court hearing, judges scrutinized the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's evaluation of climate and air quality impacts of liquefied natural gas export terminals.
In short:
- Judges from the U.S. Court of Appeals expressed concern about FERC's assessment of greenhouse gas emissions and air quality impacts from LNG projects.
- The discussion focused on the environmental challenges against FERC's approval of the Commonwealth LNG project in Louisiana.
- The court previously urged FERC to enhance its analysis of greenhouse gas emissions, questioning the agency's methodology and decision-making process.
Key quote:
“I think the bottom line is there is no line that you would think greenhouse gas emissions are significant.”
— Judge Florence Pan
Why this matters:
This case underscores the growing judicial scrutiny over energy projects' environmental impacts, particularly in the context of national efforts to address climate change. It highlights the importance of rigorous environmental assessments in major federal actions, emphasizing the balance between energy development and environmental stewardship.
LNG production comes with a price, Gulf Coast communities warn.
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