Thursday night saw a unanimous vote by the federal energy regulator to end a policy which would have evaluated the climate impact of existing natural-gas pipelines.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), at its Thursday meeting, stated that the proposal would only be considered a draft and applied to future pipeline projects.
Ive had conversations with many pipeline and oil companies over the past month. [liquefied natural gas]Companies are important to me and my colleagues, Chairman Richard Glick, who was appointed to FERC by former Donald Trump
Donald TrumpDefense and National Security Biden meets with European allies Ginni Thomas sent Mark Meadows text messages urging efforts to overturn election. Report The Defense Production Act won’t bring us supply-chain safety MOREA well-appointed chair President Biden
Joe BidenDefense & Natal Security Biden huddles in Europe with allies On The Money Unemployment claims are at their lowest point since late 1960s Energy & Environment Bideen walks tightrope regarding oil industry messaging, said at this meeting. I generally heard that the policy statements raised additional issues that could benefit from clarification.
Glick continued by stating that FERC’s approach to natural gas pipeline regulation over the past few years hasn’t been consistent with our legal responsibilities. The courts keep on telling Glick that, pointing out the D.C. Circuit Court has contradicted FERC regarding pipeline or liquefied gas (LNG), certificates.
After years of criticism by environmental groups, FERC approved the policy on February. A 2020 investigation by House Oversight and Reform Committee revealed that the agency had approved nearly 99 percent of all pipeline projects over the past 20-years.
However, Sen. Joe Manchin
Joe ManchinEnergy & Environment Biden walks tightrope on oil industry messaging Equilibrium/Sustainability Tropical forests help cool the whole planet Sunrise Movement looks to bolster progressives in Pennsylvania, North Carolina MORE(D.W.Va.), harshly criticized this policy, particularly in light of rising gas costs and volatility in energy markets after Russia’s invasion. Sen. John Barrasso
John Anthony BarrassoBarrasso asks for Biden’s support of NATO during Sunday’s Europe trip. Preview: Biden calls Putin a war crime as the conflict in Ukraine continues Energy & Environment Interior will continue oil leasing plans (R-Wyo.(R-Wyo.) Thursday’s statement by the Senate Energy Committee’s ranking member stated that the agency should go back to the drawing board and rework these harmful proposals.
Former FERC commissioner Neil Chatterjee
Neil ChatterjeeOvernight Energie & Environment Democrats details clean electricity program Biden nominates DC regulator to the federal energy commission. Former GOP energy regulator regretted partisan past MOREA Republican who was an aide for the Senate Minority leader, Mitch McConnell
Addison Mitchell McConnellMcConnell votes against Jackson’s Supreme Court nomination GOP sabotages Supreme Court boycott The Hill’s Morning Report: Tensions rise at Jackson hearing MORE(Republican from Kentucky) called the move a major win for pipeline operators. He stated in a tweet that pipeline companies who are considering filing new applications should speed up and do so before the commission issues final statements.
Kelly Sheehan (Senior Director of Energy Campaigns at Sierra Clubs) blasted this decision in a statement. She stated that the fossil fuel industry as well as the politicians they support are pitching a match because they are concerned that FERCs modestly proposed policy changes might restrict their ability to build as many polluting lines as they like without regard for the impact on communities and the climate.
Updated: 4:19 p.m.
