OPP will be updating this page to inform the public on significant projects that may be of interest. If you have any questions please contact OPP and staff will be happy to assist you.
Project Information
Introduction
On April 15, 2024, FERC staff approved DeLa Express, LLC’s request to enter into the FERC’s Pre-filing Environmental Review Process (Pre-filing Process) for the planned DeLa Express Project (Project). More information may be found in FERC Docket No. PF24-4-000 in FERC's eLibrary.
DeLa Express Project Pipeline Route and Facilities
The Project is designed to transport natural gas from the Permian Basin in West Texas to markets in and around Lake Charles, Louisiana. DeLa Express plans to construct over 750 miles of natural gas pipeline and associated facilities including 6 new compressor stations across 27 Texas counties and 1 Louisiana parish.
On August 9, 2024, DeLa Express submitted several more maps on the Project to the docket. To view and download these maps, please visit FERC's eLibrary and search Docket No. PF24-4-000.
Pre-filing Environmental Review Process
Pre-filing is a “pre-application” phase in the overall environmental review process for interstate natural gas or liquefied natural gas projects under FERC’s jurisdiction. The Pre-filing Process is designed to identify and address environmental aspects of the project before an official application is filed. The Pre-filing Process was established to encourage early involvement by stakeholders during the design and/or routing of an interstate natural gas project.
During the Pre-filing Process, members of the public will have multiple opportunities to get involved and express their views, concerns, and issues. Those opportunities include public comment periods, applicant-sponsored open houses, and scoping sessions hosted by FERC. These opportunities will be posted in FERC’s eLibrary in Docket No. PF24-4-000.
Public Participation Opportunities
On August 22, 2024, FERC issued a Notice of Scoping for the Project. In this notice, FERC staff opened a 30-day public comment period, requested comments on environmental issues, and identified the dates, times, and locations of in-person scoping sessions to be held across Texas and Louisiana. As a reminder, “scoping” is the process used by FERC to gather input from the public about a project. Federal law requires FERC to seek out public comments and consider them during its review of a project. Public comments inform FERC’s reviews and serve to educate decision-makers about local concerns.
Written comments were due by 5:00 p.m. EDT on September 23, 2024. The comments are part of FERC’s official administrative record and available to download in FERC Docket No. PF24-4-000 in FERC's eLibrary.
Scoping Sessions
In September 2024, FERC held nine scoping sessions to collect oral public comments about the Project. The oral comments were taken on a one-on-one basis with a court reporter, who transcribed the comments. After they are transcribed, they will be part of FERC’s official administrative record and available to download in FERC Docket No. PF24-4-000 in FERC's eLibrary.
Due to Hurricane Francine, FERC staff canceled the two scoping sessions planned for Tuesday, September 10, 2024: session at Ward 7 Recreation Center in Vinton, LA; and session at Ballinger Community Center in Ballinger, TX. If new sessions are established and scheduled, FERC will issue another notice advising the date and time. Concerned citizens of these areas should monitor this webpage for new scoping information or follow OPP’s social media channels for announcements: X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
More Information and Staying Updated
You may learn more about the Project through FERC’s eLibrary. When searching for the Project, please enter Docket No. PF24-4-000 in the “Enter Docket Number” text box. FERC’s Office of Public Participation provides an educational video and demonstration on using eLibrary: WorkshOPP and Demonstration: FERC’s eLibrary.
You are also encouraged to contact OPP staff to learn more about the Project and participation at FERC by email at OPP@ferc.gov or phone at 202-502-6595. If you would like to speak with someone in the region, please contact Ms. Pamela Young, OPP Outreach Specialist, at pamela.young@ferc.gov or by phone at 601-715-9009; or Mr. Vincente Carreon, OPP Outreach Specialist, at vincente.carreon@ferc.gov or by phone at 361-484-8323. All media inquiries should be directed to MediaDL@ferc.gov.
OPP will send announcements about upcoming participation opportunities, meet with interested stakeholders and organizations, and attend public meetings. To stay updated, follow OPP on its social media channels: X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Resources
Guides on Public Participation
Educational Videos
Tips on Public Participation
Informational Handouts
- Natural Gas Pre-filing Open Houses: Public Participation and What to Expect
- Natural Gas Scoping Sessions: Public Participation and What to Expect
Background
- April 2, 2024: DeLa Express LLC files a request to initiate the Pre-filing Process with FERC
- April 15, 2024: FERC approves DeLa Express LLC to begin the Pre-filing Review
- May 15, 2024: DeLa Express LLC submits Draft Resource Report 1 and Summary of Alternatives
- May 28, 2024: DeLa Express LLC submits map of community open house locations
- June 2024: DeLa Express Project community open house events
- August 22, 2024: FERC issues a Notice of Scoping
- September 9-19: FERC hosts scoping sessions
Introduction
On April 17, 2024, FERC staff approved Gulfstream LNG Development, LLC’s (Gulfstream LNG) request to enter into the FERC’s Pre-filing Environmental Review Process (Pre-filing Process) for the planned Gulfstream LNG Terminal Project (Project). More information may be found in FERC Docket No. PF24-5-000 in FERC's eLibrary.
Gulfstream LNG Terminal Project
Gulfstream LNG plans to construct a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility with gas processing facilities, 3 LNG trains, 1 LNG storage tank, 2 marine loading births, and 1 on-site power generation plant. These facilities would all be located in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. The Project could export up to 4 million tonnes per year of LNG.
The Project would be constructed and located on an approximately 418-acre parcel of land adjacent to the Mississippi River.
Figure 1. Gulfstream LNG Terminal Project Site.
Figure 2. Ariel view of planned Gulfstream LNG Terminal Project site.
According to Gulfstream LNG, the Project would process treated pipeline gas sourced from the U.S. natural gas pipeline network into LNG for export. Gulfstream LNG also intends to sell LNG and associated extracted natural gas liquids to domestic customers at the facility and marine port.
Pre-filing Environmental Review Process
Pre-filing is a “pre-application” phase in the overall environmental review process for interstate natural gas or liquefied natural gas projects under FERC’s jurisdiction. The Pre-filing Process is designed to identify and address environmental aspects of the project before an official application is filed. The Pre-filing Process was established to encourage early involvement by stakeholders during the design and/or routing of an interstate natural gas project.
During the Pre-filing Process, members of the public will have multiple opportunities to get involved and express their views, concerns, and issues. Those opportunities include public comment periods, applicant-sponsored open houses, and scoping sessions hosted by FERC. These opportunities will be posted in FERC’s eLibrary in Docket No. PF24-5-000.
Public Participation Opportunities
On August 22, 2024, FERC issued a Notice of Scoping for the Project. In this notice, FERC staff opened a 30-day public comment period, requested comments on environmental issues, and identified the dates, times, and locations of in-person scoping sessions. “Scoping” is the process used by FERC to gather input from the public about a project. Federal law requires FERC to seek out public comments and consider them during its review of a project. Public comments inform FERC’s reviews and serve to educate decision-makers about local concerns.
Due to Hurricane Francine in September, FERC staff canceled the two scoping sessions planned for Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at Port Sulphur Branch Library in Port Sulphur, LA and Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at Percy Griffin Community Center in Braithwaite, LA. FERC rescheduled the sessions as virtual scoping sessions for October 16 and 17. At those scoping sessions, FERC collected oral public comments about the Project. The oral comments were taken on a one-on-one basis on a recorded line and then transcribed. After transcribed, they became part of FERC’s official administrative record and available to download in FERC Docket No. PF24-5-000 in FERC's eLibrary.
More Information and Staying Updated
You may learn more about the Project through FERC’s eLibrary. When searching for the Project, please enter Docket No. PF24-5-000 in the “Enter Docket Number” text box. FERC’s Office of Public Participation provides an educational video and demonstration on using eLibrary: WorkshOPP and Demonstration: FERC’s eLibrary.
You are also encouraged to contact OPP staff to learn more about the Project and participation at FERC by email at OPP@ferc.gov or phone at 202-502-6595. If you would like to speak with someone in the region, please contact Ms. Pamela Young, OPP Outreach Specialist, at pamela.young@ferc.gov or by phone at 601-715-9009. All media inquiries should be directed to MediaDL@ferc.gov.
OPP will send announcements about upcoming participation opportunities, meet with interested stakeholders and organizations, and attend public meetings. To stay updated, follow OPP on its social media channels: X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Resources
Guides on Public Participation
Educational Videos
Tips on Public Participation
Informational Handouts
- Natural Gas Pre-filing Open Houses: Public Participation and What to Expect
- Natural Gas Scoping Sessions: Public Participation and What to Expect
Background
- April 17, 2024: Gulfstream LNG Development, LLC files a request to initiate the Pre-filing Process with FERC
- May 16, 2024: FERC approves Gulfstream LNG Development, LLC to begin the Pre-filing Review
- May 21, 2024: Gulfstream LNG Development, LLC submits Draft Resource Report 1 and Summary of Alternatives
- July 22 and 23, 2024: Gulfstream LNG Terminal Project community open house events
- August 22, 2024: FERC issues Notice of Scoping
- September 26, 2024: FERC issues Notice of Virtual Scoping Sessions and Extension of Scoping Period
- October 16 and 17, 2024: FERC holds virtual scoping sessions
Introduction
On May 5, 2024, FERC accepted the Southeast Oklahoma Power Corporation’s (SEOPC) filing of a Pre-Application Document (PAD) for the proposed Pushmataha County Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project (Project). The PAD and other documents related to the Project can be found in FERC’s eLibrary by searching Docket No. P-14890.
Pushmataha County Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project
The proposed Project would be located along the Kiamichi River in Pushmataha County, Oklahoma. As currently proposed, the Project would involve the construction of a new pumped storage hydroelectric facility with an upper and lower reservoir, a re-regulating reservoir, a pump station/powerhouse, and a transmission line extending approximately 100 miles through Pushmataha and McCurtain counties in Oklahoma and Red River and Lamar counties in Texas.
Open Comment Period and Public Participation Opportunities
On July 8, 2024, FERC issued a Notice of Intent to File an Application (NOI), which started FERC’s Pre-filing Process, and a Scoping Document (SD1), which identified FERC staff’s initial scope of environmental review for the project.
Subsequently, FERC staff held five public comment meetings to receive input on SD1. Meetings were held in-person in Paris, TX and Talihina, OK and virtually in August 2024. Transcripts of these meetings are available in FERC's eLibrary and linked below.
- Transcripts from August 7-9, 2024: In-person scoping meetings (Paris, TX and Talihina, OK)
- Transcript from August 15, 2024: Virtual scoping meeting
Written comments on the PAD and SD1 were accepted by 5:00 p.m. EST on November 5, 2024.
There were three methods you could 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 No. P-14890 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
More Information and Staying Updated
OPP will send announcements about upcoming participation opportunities, meet with interested stakeholders and organizations, and attend public meetings. To stay updated, follow OPP on its social media channels: X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
You are also encouraged to contact OPP staff to learn more about the Project and participation at FERC by email at OPP@ferc.gov or phone at 202-502-6595. If you would like to speak with someone in the region, please contact Ms. Lauren Young, OPP Outreach Specialist, at lauren.young@ferc.gov or by phone at 405-435-6401.
Resources
Guides on Public Participation
- Hydropower Licensing Guide for the Public
- Step-by-step guide on how to file a comment
- Step-by-step guide on how to intervene
Educational Videos
- Learn to eFile, eComment, and eSubscribe
- How to File an Intervention Using FERC’s Online System
- Filing Comments Workshop and Demonstration
- Submitting Powerful Comments Workshop
Tips on Public Participation
Informational Handouts
Background
- August 27, 2018: SEOPC files an application for a preliminary permit, pursuant to section 4(f) of the Federal Power Act (FPA), to study the feasibility of the proposed Project
- November 11, 2018: FERC accepts the application for a preliminary permit, and issues a public notice requesting comments, motions to intervene, competing applications
- February 10, 2023: Southeast Oklahoma Power Corporation (SEOPC) files an application with FERC on requesting a 4-year extension of their existing preliminary permit
- April 7, 2023: FERC grants SEOPC’s extension of the preliminary permit with a new expiration date of April 1, 2027
- May 5, 2024: SEOPC files their Pre-Application Document (PAD)
- July 8, 2024: FERC issues the Notice of Intent (NOI) to File License Application for an Original License and Commencing Pre-filing Process
- July 8, 2024: FERC issues the Scoping Document 1 (SD1) for the Pushmataha County Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project
- September 4, 2024: FERC issues a Notice Granting Extension of Time for filing comments on the PAD and SD1
Introduction
In FERC Docket No. CP23-516-000, East Tennessee Natural Gas, LLC (East Tennessee) proposes to construct, modify, install, own, and operate natural gas transmission facilities in Trousdale, Smith, Jackson, Putnam, Overton, Fentress, Morgan, and Roane counties, Tennessee. Collectively, these facilities are referred to as the Ridgeline Expansion Project and are designed to provide natural gas service to the Tennessee Valley Authority.
On May 24, 2024, FERC issued a Notice of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Ridgeline Enhancement Project. FERC is seeking public comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
Public Participation: Draft Environmental Impact Statement Comment Sessions
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, FERC staff has issued a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed Ridgeline Expansion Project. This document describes the impacts on the environment resulting from construction and operation of the proposed Ridgeline Expansion Project. The DEIS is not a decision document. The purpose of the DEIS is to disclose to the public and decision makers the impacts to the environmental resulting from the Ridgeline Expansion Project. In addition to describing the impacts on the natural and human environment, the DEIS includes discussion of measures to avoid or lessen environmental impacts, and alternatives considered.
The public is encouraged to provide comments on the environmental analysis contained in the DEIS. Comments on the DEIS are due by July 15, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
The public is encouraged to review the following sections in the DEIS.
| Section | Page Numbers or Section Number |
| Table of Contents | i |
| Executive Summary | ES-1 |
| Purpose and Need | 1-2 |
|
Project Description
|
Section 2 2-9 2-20 |
| Alternatives (renewable energy and routes) | Section 3 |
|
Environmental Analyses
|
Section 4 4-66 4-83 4-102 4-128 |
| Conclusions and Recommendations | Section 5 |
| Comments Received During the Scoping Process for The Project | Appendix B |
History of This Project
There are two dockets associated with Ridgeline Expansion Project:
-
The Pre-Filing Docket: PF 22-7-000
-
The Application: CP23-516-000
These dockets can be found in FERC’s eLibrary site. For a “Quick User Guide” and additional resources on using the eLibrary site, please visit FERCeLibrary Quick User Guide. eLibrary support can be reached by phone at 866-208-3676 or by email at ferconlinesupport@ferc.gov .
In May 2022, East Tennessee initiated a “Pre-Filing” docket. From that time until July 2023, East Tennessee contacted landowners, regulators, and affected parties to discuss potential concerns.
On July 18, 2023, East Tennessee then filed an application under Sections 7(c), of the Natural Gas Act (NGA), and Part 157 of the Commission’s regulations requesting authorization to provide 300,000 dekatherms per day of new firm natural gas transportation capacity and up to 95,000 dekatherms of Customized Delivery Service to the (TVA) Tennessee Valley Authority by construct, modify, install, own, and operate the following facilities of the Project.
On July 28, 2023, FERC issued a “Notice of Application” which established an intervention deadline of August 18, 2023. The July 28 Notice inadvertently omitted posting to Docket No. PF 22-7-000. On August 8, 2023 FERC issued an “Errata Notice” to correct the docket numbers.
Public Participation
There are three ways to become involved in FERC’s review of this project:
-
You can file comments on the project,
-
You can protest the filing, and
-
You can file a motion to intervene in the proceeding.
For public inquiries and assistance with making filings such as interventions, comments, or requests for rehearing, contact the Office of Public Participation (OPP) at 202-502-6595 or OPP@ferc.gov. All media inquiries should be directed to MediaDL@ferc.gov.
Project Milestones and Key Documents
Resources
Guides on Public Participation
Educational Videos
Tips on Public Participation
Informational Handouts
- Natural Gas Pre-filing Open Houses: Public Participation and What to Expect
- Natural Gas Scoping Sessions: Public Participation and What to Expect
About Spire STL Pipeline Project in Docket No. CP17-40
Spire STL Pipeline LLC sought a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity under Section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act (NGA) to construct and operate about 59.2 miles of 24-inch-diameter pipeline (the Mainline) in Scott, Greene, and Jersey Counties, Illinois and St. Charles and St. Louis Counties, Missouri; and about 6.0 miles of 24-inch diameter pipeline (the North County Extension) in St. Louis County, Missouri, and three new meter stations: one in Scott County, Illinois and two in St. Louis County, Missouri. The Commission granted the requested certificate on August 3, 2018. The Commission granted rehearing for further consideration on October 1, 2018, and subsequently denied rehearing requests on November 21, 2019.
In Env’tl Def. Fund v. FERC, 2 F.4th 953 (D.C. Cir 2021), the D.C. Circuit vacated and remanded to the Commission Spire’s authorizations under the NGA. On August 6, 2021, Spire STL Pipeline filed an application requesting that the Commission issue a temporary certificate of public convenience and necessity for the Spire STL Pipeline Project to assure maintenance of service to Spire’s customers while the Commission addresses the issues on remand from the U.S. Court of Appeals.
On September 14, 2021, the Commission issued an order that would provide Spire with a temporary certificate of public convenience and necessity, pursuant to section (c)(1)(B) of the NGA. It allows Spire STL Pipeline authorization to continue operations in the St. Louis region for 90-days while the Commission evaluates Spire’s July 26 temporary certificate application and the responsive filings.
During this time, Spire must continue all restoration activities along the project right-of-way. Restoration compliance allegations should be referred to Commission staff, and comments may be filed on the record. For assistance commenting, please refer to the Step-by-Step Guide in How to file a Comment or contact OPP at 202-502-6595 or opp@ferc.gov. Stakeholders who are seeking to use Alternative Dispute Resolution to informally resolve their concerns, please contact the Landowner Helpline at 1-877-337-2237 and LandownerHelp@ferc.gov. All media inquiries should be directed to MediaDL@ferc.gov.
Project Documents – Docket No. CP17-40
Project Milestones
- Notice of Application February 6, 2017
- Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Assessment and Request for Comments on Environmental Issues was issued on March 3, 2017
- Notice of Schedule – August 3, 2017
- Notice of Availability of the Environmental Assessment-September 29, 2017
- Environmental Assessment for the Spire STL Pipeline Project – September 29, 2017
- Supplemental Notice of Availability of the Environmental Assessment and Reopening of Comment Period for the Proposed Spire STL Pipeline Project – November 22, 2017
- Order Issuing Certificate re Spire STL Pipeline, LLC – August 3, 2018
- Order Granting Rehearings for Further Consideration re Spire STL Pipeline LLC October 1, 2018
- Order Amending Certificate re Spire STL Pipeline LLC – October 28, 2019
- Order on Rehearing re Spire STL Pipeline LLC – November 21, 2019
- Order on Environmental Compliance – March 18, 2021
- Environmental Defense Fund v. FERC, 2 F.4th 953 (D.C. Cir. 2021) – June 22, 2021
- Notice of Application and Establishing Intervention Deadline re Spire STL Pipeline LLC – August 6, 2021
- Order Issuing Temporary Certificate – September 14, 2021
- Order on Rehearing re Spire STL Pipeline LLC Temporary Certificate – November 18, 2021
- Order Issuing Temporary Certificate – December 3, 2021
- Notice of Intent To Prepare A Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for The Spire STL Pipeline Project – December 15, 2021
- Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Spire STL Pipeline Project (CP17-40-006) – June 16, 2022
- The Draft EIS comment period closes on August 8, 2022
How To Seek Rehearing on a Commission Order
Participants seeking rehearing must have intervenor status in the proceeding by having already filed an intervention as set forth in section 385.214 (Rule 214) of the Commission’s regulations.
Parties must file rehearing requests 30 days from the date of a final Commission order.
Requirements to request rehearing can be found in section 385.713 (Rule 713) of the Commission’s regulations. To file for a Rehearing Request, you must know the Docket number of the filing. In this case for Spire STL Pipeline it is Docket No. CP17-40.
Any request for rehearing must:
- State concisely the alleged error in the final decision or final order;
- Conform to the pleading requirements in Rule 203(a), and include a separate section entitled, “Statement of Issues,” listing each issue in a separately enumerated paragraph that includes representative Commission and court precedent on which the party is relying; any issue not so listed will be deemed waived; and
- Set forth the matters relied upon by the party requesting rehearing, if rehearing is sought based on matters not available for consideration by the Commission at the time of the final decision or final order.
For Step-by-Step instructions in how to file a rehearing request, click here.
Contact Information
Contact the Office of Public Participation with any questions or concerns regarding this project at 202-502-6595 or by email at OPP@ferc.gov.
Quick Links
Contact Information
-
FERC Online SupportEmail: FERCOnlneSupport@ferc.gov
-
Landowner HelplineToll-free Telephone: 1-877-337-2237Fax: 202-219-2730Email: landownerHelp@ferc.gov