Energy Law

New Documents Available in Oregon Appeal of FERC Conditional Authorization of Bradwood Landing LNG

Posted on February 26, 2009
A number of documents regarding the State of Oregon's Petition for Review of FERC's conditional authorization of the Bradwood Landing LNG terminal are now available in FERC's eLibrary under Docket No. CP06-365.

FERC Extends Deadline for USACE Decision in Sparrows Point LNG Proceeding

Posted on February 24, 2009
FERC announced yesterday that it has extended the schedule for a final decision from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) regarding the permit applications for the AES Sparrows Point LNG proceeding to April 6, 2009. FERC's letter announcing the new timeline is available in the eLibrary under Docket No...

Jordan Cove LNG Responds to FERC Environmental Data Request

Posted on February 23, 2009
Late last week, Jordan Cove LNG responded to an environmental data request filed by FERC earlier this month. The filings are available in FERC's eLibrary under Docket No. CP07-444.

FERC Releases EA for Sabine Pass LNG Re-Export Proposal

Posted on February 23, 2009
Today FERC released its Environmental Assessment (EA) for the re-export project proposed by Sabine Pass LNG. FERC staff concludes that the proposed modification to existing LNG facilities, with appropriate mitigation efforts, "would not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment...

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FERC Approves Settlement of Algonquin Gas Quality Issues

Posted on February 23, 2009
Last week FERC endorsed a proposed settlement regarding gas interchangeability issues on the Algonquin Gas Transmission system that establishes more restrictive gas composition specifications. According to FERC's order, in approving the settlement it balanced safety concerns regarding local distribution companies' (LDCs) peak-shaving facilities against the assertions of Dominion and StatoilHydro that  the proposed limits of 2...

Parties Seek Rehearing of FERC's Decision in the AES Sparrows Point LNG Proceeding

Posted on February 20, 2009
The Baltimore Sun provides coverage of the numerous parties that have sought rehearing of FERC's conditional approval of the AES Sparrows Point LNG import project. A FERC spokesperson told the Sun that "[t]he number of appeals is not at all unusual, given the interest in this issue...

ConocoPhillips, Marathon Seek Clarification of FERC's Ruling on Kenai LNG

Posted on February 18, 2009
ConocoPhillips Alaska Natural Gas Corporation (ConocoPhillips) and Marathon Oil Company (Marathon) have requested clarification, or in the alternative, rehearing of FERC's January 2009 order requiring the Kenai LNG export facility to comply with "the same reporting and inspection requirements that apply to every other operational LNG Terminal...

Maryland, Baltimore County Seek Rehearing in AES Sparrows Point LNG Proceeding

Posted on February 16, 2009
The State of Maryland and Baltimore County have filed separate requests for rehearing of FERC's decision to conditionally approve the planned AES Sparrows Point LNG import terminal. Both requests are available under Docket No. CP07-62 in the FERC eLibrary and the Baltimore Sun provides additional coverage.

Acting FERC Chairman Unsure How Much LNG Needed to Supply U.S. Market in Near Term

Posted on February 13, 2009
Citing significant domestic gas reserves, acting FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff told Platts LNG Daily that he does not know how much LNG will be needed to supply the U.S. natural gas market in the near term. He went on to say that FERC ought to conduct in-depth analyses of regional natural gas market conditions before granting permits to construct future LNG import terminals...

FERC Sets Comment Date for Revised Weaver's Cove LNG Terminal Design

Posted on February 12, 2009
FERC announced yesterday that the Commission will accept public comments on the revised design of the Weaver's Cove LNG terminal project through March 4, 2009. Read FERC's announcement in the eLibrary under Docket No. CP04-36-005.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Requests Further Information from AES Sparrows Point

Posted on February 10, 2009
Last week the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requested further information from AES Sparrows Point regarding its proposed LNG regasification terminal and associated pipeline infrastructure. The request seeks information that demonstrates compliance with a number of federal statutes, documents attempts at securing an alternative site for the project, and addresses several environmental issues...

MARAD Extends Public Comment Period for Safe Harbor LNG Deepwater Port Proceeding

Posted on February 10, 2009
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has extended its deadline for submitting public comments in the Safe Harbor LNG deepwater port proceeding by 30 days. See the announcement in today's Federal Register for further details.

Weaver's Cove LNG Files Application with FERC to Modify Project Design

Posted on February 03, 2009
Weaver's Cove LNG announced yesterday that it has filed an application with FERC to modify its previously approved design for an LNG receiving terminal in Fall River, Mass. The new design would include an offshore unloading site in Mount Hope Bay and an underground pipeline to transport LNG to the regasification and storage facility...

Former FERC Chairman Offers Response to Maryland Senator, Congressmen

Posted on February 03, 2009
Joseph T. Kelliher, the former chairman of FERC, provided responses to letters from Sen. John Sarbanes (D-Md.), Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), and Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.) regarding the proposed AES Sparrows Point LNG terminal. Kelliher's letters noted the criticism of the Commission's decision to issue conditional approval for Sparrows Point, but stated that the decision is "correct" and "rooted in a voluminous record and based on sound science...

FERC Seeking Additional Data Regarding Freeport LNG's Facility Design Changes

Posted on February 03, 2009
Yesterday FERC requested that Freeport LNG Development, L.P., provide additional data regarding proposed design changes to the facility, including the planned LNG re-export apparatus, new equipment to capture boil-off gas, and the facilities to accept truck deliveries of LNG...

FERC Announces Technical Conference in Oregon LNG Proceeding

Posted on January 28, 2009
FERC announced in today's Federal Register that the agency will hold a technical conference to address engineering design and cryogenic issues for the proposed Oregon LNG project. The conference is scheduled for February 4, 2009.

Commissioner Wellinghoff Named Acting FERC Chairman

Posted on January 26, 2009
FERC announced late Friday afternoon that President Obama (D) has named FERC Commissioner Jon Wellinghoff as Acting Chairman of the Commission.

AES Ocean Express Receives Extension of Time from FERC

Posted on January 26, 2009
FERC has granted an extension of time to construct and place in service the AES Ocean Express natural gas pipeline that will transport gas from a receipt point on the maritime boundary between the United States and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to onshore delivery points in Broward County, Florida...

Jordan Cove LNG Responds to FERC Request for Additional Environmental Data

Posted on January 26, 2009
Last week Jordan Cove Energy Project, L.P., filed a response to FERC's January 2, 2009, Environmental Data Request. The filing, available in the FERC eLibrary under Docket No. CP07-444, contains both public and privileged, non-public, information.

FERC Commissioner Dissents in AES Sparrows Point LNG Project Authorization

Posted on January 21, 2009
FERC Commissioner Jon Wellinghoff issued a dissent to FERC's conditional approval of the AES Sparrows Point LNG project that concludes that the project "is not, on balance, in the public interest." Commissioner Wellinghoff argues that the terminal is not necessary to meet the energy needs of the surrounding regions, and that environmental and community concerns "have not been fully and fairly evaluated...

FERC: Kenai LNG Export Facility Subject to Same Reporting Requirements as Other U.S. LNG Facilities

Posted on January 21, 2009
On January 15 FERC issued an order clarifying that the Kenai LNG liquefaction facility must comply with the same reporting and inspection requirements under Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act that apply  to other U.S. LNG terminals. FERC's determination is available in its eLibrary under Docket No...

FERC Announces Intent to Prepare an Environmental Assessment for Freeport LNG Projects

Posted on January 21, 2009
FERC announced in today's Federal Register that it will prepare an environmental assessment analyzing the LNG re-export, boil-off gas liquefaction, and LNG truck delivery projects proposed by Freeport LNG.

MARAD Announces New Location for Safe Harbor LNG Open House

Posted on January 16, 2009
MARAD announced in today's Federal Register that it has changed the location for an open house and public meeting scheduled for January 29, 2009, regarding the Safe Harbor LNG deepwater port proposal.

Environmental Groups Request FERC Revoke Order Authorizing Bradwood Landing

Posted on January 15, 2009
Several environmental groups, including Columbia Riverkeeper and the Sierra Club, filed a letter with FERC requesting that the Commission revoke its order authorizing the Bradwood Landing LNG regasification terminal. The groups object to FERC's granting of an extension to the project's developers to submit certain environmental information, claiming that it lacks a firm deadline...

FERC Approves AES Sparrows Point LNG Project and Associated Pipeline

Posted on January 15, 2009
Today FERC issued a conditional approval to the AES Sparrows Point LNG terminal and associated Mid-Atlantic Express natural gas pipeline. In a press release, Commission Chairman Joseph T. Kelliher said that FERC's "primary concern is assuring public safety," and noted further that 169 conditions attached to the authorization will "protect public safety and mitigate any adverse environmental impact...

FERC Upholds Decisions in Cove Point Expansion, Bradwood Landing LNG Proceedings

Posted on January 15, 2009
Today FERC upheld its previous decision to reauthorize construction and operation of the Cove Point LNG Expansion project and reaffirmed its determination that the Commission has adequately addressed gas quality issues associated with delivering regasified LNG into Washington Gas Light's existing distribution system...

FERC to Vote This Week on AES Sparrows Point LNG Proposal

Posted on January 13, 2009
A FERC spokesperson told the Baltimore Sun that the Commission still plans to vote on whether to approve the AES Sparrows Point LNG terminal proposal at its meeting this Thursday, despite a number of requests to delay a decision based on concerns that a proposed pipeline route would threaten endangered species.

Three LNG Proceedings on Agenda for FERC's January Meeting

Posted on January 09, 2009
FERC has placed on the agenda for its January 15, 2009 meeting three LNG proceedings: AES Sparrows Point LNG; Bradwood Landing LNG; and Dominion Cove Point LNG. Of particular note, the Commission will consider whether to approve or deny the AES Sparrows Point LNG project...

FERC Requests Supplementary Data for Jordan Cove LNG Project

Posted on January 05, 2009
Last week FERC issued a request for supplemental environmental data for the proposed Jordan Cove LNG project including, among other things, information regarding ship size and type as well as data regarding the Sandia Zones of Concern for the site of the project...

FERC Denies Rehearing Request for New York State Agencies in Broadwater Energy Proceeding

Posted on December 30, 2008
Yesterday FERC denied rehearing of the New York State Departments of State and of Environmental Conservation's request  for late intervention in the Broadwater Energy proceeding. FERC's order is available in its eLibrary under Docket No. CP06-54.

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