Overview
- FERC opened two Notices of Inquiry—RM26-2-000 for LNG facilities and RM26-3-000 for hydropower—on potential procedures that would reduce case-by-case approvals under the Natural Gas Act and Federal Power Act.
- The LNG inquiry asks whether certain plant activities could proceed without individual orders under Sections 3 or 7 of the Natural Gas Act, drawing on lessons from pipeline blanket certificates.
- The hydropower inquiry seeks feedback on streamlining reviews for post-licensing work, including maintenance, repairs, and upgrades, and on identifying activities that may not require case-specific authorization.
- Comments on both inquiries are due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, and the notices initiate information gathering rather than immediate rule changes.
- In parallel with the inquiries, FERC issued two orders responding to INGAA petitions to remove requirements that were delaying natural gas projects, with Chair Laura Swett emphasizing reliability and efficient upkeep.