FERC Shares Best Practices for Stakeholder Outreach in Gas Project Permitting -

The dramatic increase in domestic energy production over the past several years has resulted in the involvement of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in a wide range of interactions with the public and other stakeholders interested in FERC's permitting process. To improve consistency and effectiveness of public involvement, FERC recently issued guidance on how to conduct effective stakeholder outreach during FERC's pre-filing process for applications to site, construct, and operate interstate natural gas pipelines and LNG terminal facilities. According to FERC staff, experience gained through multiple projects has shown that a strong stakeholder outreach program "greatly increases the chances that a project will proceed in a timely, efficient, and credible manner."

FERC clearly regards stakeholder outreach as not simply a regulatory box to check, but rather, as an integral part of the project approval process. Following the best practices identified by FERC staff can help project developers minimize delays; avoid costly, late-stage changes to a project, such as re-engineering and additional surveys; and expedite FERC's consideration of public input during its environmental review of the project.