OPP Community Connection Event - Southwest Louisiana

In March 2024, staff from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC or Commission) Office of Public Participation (OPP) visited communities in Southwest Louisiana and held a “Community Connection Event” for members of the public. This visit and event originated from community leaders and members’ requests for a greater understanding of FERC and FERC review processes, as well as OPP’s initiatives to strengthen community relationships, engage one-on-one with community leaders and concerned citizens, and educate communities on how to participate in FERC proceedings. Additionally, OPP staff sought to increase its awareness of local issues and to learn from community leaders and members.  

On March 5, FERC staff visited communities in Hackberry, Mossville, Holly Beach, Sulphur, Cameron, and Lake Charles, LA to gain a better understanding of how these communities are affected by FERC jurisdictional projects. Staff also surveyed the natural environment, commercial and recreational activities, and distances of liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities near these communities. 

On March 6, OPP hosted the Community Connection Event that included two identical programs: a morning program in Sulphur, LA, and an afternoon/evening program in Lake Charles, LA. Both communities are located in the vicinity of several FERC-regulated liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and numerous interstate natural gas transmission pipelines. In planning the event, OPP staff contacted Gulf Coast community leaders to encourage their attendance and participation and to seek their input and assistance with event planning and promotion within local communities. Specifically, OPP staff reached out to concerned citizens, environmentally focused non-governmental organizations (NGO), elected officials, news media, and other community resources. OPP purposely chose the event date, locations, and times so that staff could meet citizens in their communities and accommodate potential attendees’ personal and professional schedules. 

Both programs included staff providing attendees with information about FERC and OPP, presentations on air quality and environmental justice, education on participation in FERC infrastructure reviews, and discussions on ways to participate in FERC proceedings, such as submitting comments and filing interventions. Digital copies of the FERC presentations at the event are publicly available. Attendees also had the opportunity to engage in informal discussions and ask questions with FERC and OPP staff. 

Morning Program
March 6, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (CST) 
Calcasieu Parish Public Library, Sulphur Regional Branch 
1160 Cypress Street 
Sulphur, Louisiana 70663 

• 9:00 – 9:10: Welcome and Opening Remarks
• 9:10 – 9:30: FERC and OPP Introduction
• 9:30 – 9:50: Infrastructure Review Process
• 9:50 – 10:00: Break
• 10:00 – 10:25: FERC and Environmental Justice
• 10:25 – 11:00: FERC Air Quality Analyses
• 11:00 – 11:10: Break
• 11:10 – 11:40: Public Participation in FERC Infrastructure Proceedings
• 11:40 – 12:00: Open Engagement and Dialogue
• 12:00: Closing Remarks

Evening Program
March 6, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (CST) 
Allen P. August Multipurpose Center 
2001 Moeling Street
Lake Charles, Louisiana 70601 

• 4:00 – 4:10: Welcome and Opening Remarks
• 4:10 – 4:30: FERC and OPP Introduction
• 4:30 – 4:50: Infrastructure Review Process
• 4:50 – 5:00: Break
• 5:00 – 5:25: FERC and Environmental Justice
• 5:25 – 6:00: FERC Air Quality Analyses
• 6:00 – 6:10: Break
• 6:10 – 6:40: Public Participation in FERC Infrastructure Proceedings
• 6:40 – 7:00: Open Engagement and Dialogue
• 7:00: Closing Remarks

Each program was attended by approximately 35 people. Attendees included community leaders, environmental NGO representatives, and concerned citizens. Industry representatives, news media, and other federal employees were also in attendance.   

For those who attended or are interesting in attending in the future, OPP staff welcomes your thoughts and input. Please contact OPP at opp@ferc.gov or 202-502-6595. OPP staff is striving to increase and broaden awareness of FERC proceedings, improve the public’s understanding of FERC and FERC review process, and increase public participation in FERC proceedings.