Environment & Safety
The Commissions Role
The Commission’s Role The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is an independent federal agency with a mission to regulate and oversee energy industries in the economic, environmental, and safety interests of the American public. With respect to Natural Gas projects, FERC safeguards the environment by:
- Disclosing, analyzing and minimizing impacts where it is feasible and reasonable to do so;
- Encourage applicants to communicate with relevant federal and state natural resources agencies, Indian tribes, and state water quality agencies, prior to submitting an application;
- Ensuring that all applicants perform the necessary studies to make an informed decision on the project;
- Issuing environmental assessments (EA) or draft and final environmental impact statement (EIS) for comment on most projects;
- Including requirements with any certificate issued to reduce environmental impacts; and
- Visiting proposed project areas to determine the range of environmental issues requiring analysis and holding scoping meetings as appropriate.
Who is responsible for safety?
While the Commission has oversight in ensuring that pipeline and aboveground facilities are safely constructed and installed, once the natural gas is flowing in the new system, the U.S. Department of Transportation‘s Pipeline andHazardous Pipeline Materials Safety Administration takes over the responsibility during the operation for the lifetime of the pipeline. The U.S. Department ofTransportation is also responsible for setting the federal safety standards for natural gas (and other) pipelines and related facilities. ThePipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration can be contacted at 202-366-4595 or at http://www.phmsa.dot.gov.
Environmental Review Process
The Commission conducts either an Environmental Impact Statement or an Environmental Assessment. These environmental studies review a project's effects on the environment and what the Commissions uses determine whether to issue a license or certification for a project.
Environmental Reports
FERC makes electronic copies of the draft and final EISs available to the public. A limited number of paper copies are also available from the Public Reference Room (call toll-free 1-866-208-3676).
Learn More →
Seminars
FERC staff will conduct training seminars entitled "Environmental Review and Compliance for Natural Gas Facilities," that will be held at various locations throughout the United States, check here for times and locations.
Learn More →
Guidelines
Various environmental guidelines and procedures prepared by FERC staff.
Learn More →
Third-Party Contractors
This program involves the use of independent contractors to assist Commission staff in its environmental review and preparation of environmental documents.
Learn More →
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The Commissions Role
The Commission’s Role The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is an independent federal agency with a mission to regulate and oversee energy industries in the economic, environmental, and safety interests of the American public. With respect to Natural Gas projects, FERC safeguards the environment by:
- Disclosing, analyzing and minimizing impacts where it is feasible and reasonable to do so;
- Encourage applicants to communicate with relevant federal and state natural resources agencies, Indian tribes, and state water quality agencies, prior to submitting an application;
- Ensuring that all applicants perform the necessary studies to make an informed decision on the project;
- Issuing environmental assessments (EA) or draft and final environmental impact statement (EIS) for comment on most projects;
- Including requirements with any certificate issued to reduce environmental impacts; and
- Visiting proposed project areas to determine the range of environmental issues requiring analysis and holding scoping meetings as appropriate.
Who is responsible for safety?
While the Commission has oversight in ensuring that pipeline and aboveground facilities are safely constructed and installed, once the natural gas is flowing in the new system, the U.S. Department of Transportation‘s Pipeline andHazardous Pipeline Materials Safety Administration takes over the responsibility during the operation for the lifetime of the pipeline. The U.S. Department ofTransportation is also responsible for setting the federal safety standards for natural gas (and other) pipelines and related facilities. ThePipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration can be contacted at 202-366-4595 or at http://www.phmsa.dot.gov.
Environmental Review Process
The Commission conducts either an Environmental Impact Statement or an Environmental Assessment. These environmental studies review a project's effects on the environment and what the Commissions uses determine whether to issue a license or certification for a project.
Environmental Reports
FERC makes electronic copies of the draft and final EISs available to the public. A limited number of paper copies are also available from the Public Reference Room (call toll-free 1-866-208-3676).
Learn More →
Seminars
FERC staff will conduct training seminars entitled "Environmental Review and Compliance for Natural Gas Facilities," that will be held at various locations throughout the United States, check here for times and locations.
Learn More →
Guidelines
Various environmental guidelines and procedures prepared by FERC staff.
Learn More →
Third-Party Contractors
This program involves the use of independent contractors to assist Commission staff in its environmental review and preparation of environmental documents.
Learn More →
