On March 28, 2025, FERC issued the draft SEIS for the Rio Grande LNG Terminal and Rio Bravo Pipeline (Docket Nos. CP16-454-000, CP16-455-000, and CP20-481-000) and the draft SEIS for Texas LNG (CP16-116-000). The deadline for submitting comments on each draft SEIS is 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (4:00 p.m. Central Time) on May 19, 2025.
How to Participate
The draft SEIS documents are not decision documents. They present Commission staff’s independent draft analysis of the environmental issues for the Commission to consider when addressing the merits of all issues in this proceeding.
Comments should focus on the draft supplemental EIS’s disclosure and discussion of potential environmental effects, carbon capture and sequestration alternatives, and measures to avoid or lessen environmental impacts disclosed within the draft SEIS.
There are three methods you can use to submit your comments to FERC.
1. eComment
You can file your comments electronically using the eComment feature in FERC Online. Using eComment is an easy method for submitting brief, text-only comments.
2. eFiling
You can file your comments electronically by using the eFiling feature in FERC Online. With eFiling, you can provide comments in a variety of formats by attaching them as a file with your submission. New eFiling users must first create an account by clicking on “eRegister.” You will be asked to select the type of filing you are making. A comment on a particular project is considered a “Comment on a Filing.”
3. File a paper copy
You can file a paper copy of your comments by mailing them to FERC. Be sure to reference the Project Docket Nos. (Rio Grande LNG CP16-454- 000; CP16-455-000; and/or CP20-481-000) and/or (Texas LNG CP16-116- 000) on your letter. Submissions sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be addressed to:
Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street NE, Room 1A
Washington, DC 20426
Submissions sent via any other carrier must be addressed to:
Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
12225 Wilkins Avenue
Rockville, Maryland 20852
Each draft SEIS was prepared in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the FERC regulations implementing NEPA under Title 18 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 380 (18 CFR 380). FERC is producing the SEIS documents and conducting the supplemental analyses as a result of federal court orders.
The draft SEIS documents address several key issues, including the potential impacts on communities with environmental justice concerns (CWEJC) and air quality impacts. Each draft SEIS addresses changes to:
- species with special status
- essential Fish Habitat (as defined under the Magnuson-Stevens Act)
- cumulative impacts
- reliability and safety as it pertains to emergency response plans and the nexus with communities with environmental justice concerns.
Background Information and Additional Documents
On September 13, 2024, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) issued a notice of intent for the Rio Grande LNG, Rio Bravo Pipeline and the Texas LNG projects to prepare two Supplemental Environmental Impact Statements (SEIS).
FERC sought public comment on environmental impacts, air quality, and alternatives. The deadline for submitting comments was 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (4:00 p.m. Central Time) on October 15, 2024.
Comments from the public should have focused on one or more of the following:
- environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of the Rio Grande LNG Terminal and the Rio Bravo Pipeline Project
- air quality impacts resulting from construction and operational emissions
- alternatives, including carbon capture and sequestration
The notices of intent regarding the preparation of the supplemental environmental impact statements are linked below:
- Notice of Intent to Prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Rio Grande LNG Terminal and Rio Bravo Pipeline Project
- Notice of Intent to Prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Texas LNG Project
More Information and Staying Updated
You can continue to keep track of these proceedings by eSubscribing to the following FERC dockets:
- Texas LNG Project: CP16-116-000
- Rio Grande LNG Terminal and Rio Bravo Pipeline Project: CP16-454-000, CP16-455-000, and CP20-481-000
Office of Public Participation's Outreach Corner
The Office of Public Participation (OPP) is authorized to support public participation in FERC proceedings pursuant to Section 319 of the Federal Power Act. OPP coordinates with and provides assistance to members of the public as to participation in, and understanding of, FERC proceedings. OPP provides outreach to community groups, community members, landowners and other interested parties potentially impacted by infrastructure projects.
OPP outreach conducted for the Rio Grande LNG Terminal and Rio Bravo Pipeline Project, CP16-454, CP16-455, and CP20-481; and Texas LNG Project, CP16-116 included:
- On September 23, 2024, affected landowners and concerned citizens were notified via the U.S. Postal Service that FERC is seeking public comments on issues identified by the court for further analysis. FERC educational brochures and letters in English and Spanish were mailed to inform landowners and citizens of the project comment period deadline.
- Coordinated social media campaign in Fall 2024 to notify interested constituents of the rehearing and associated deadlines on social media outlets Facebook, Instagram and X.