Regulatory Processing


The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is the regulatory agency that oversees the U.S. interstate natural gas pipeline industry. The FERC regulates both the construction of natural gas pipeline systems, including compressor stations, and the transportation of natural gas in interstate commerce.

Pipeline Companies such as Great Basin Gas Transmission Company (Great Basin) wanting to build and operate interstate natural gas pipelines and/or compressor stations must first file an application with the FERC for approval. This is done to assure that pipeline facilities benefit consumers, are compatible with the environment, and minimize interference with the public and landowners along the pipeline rights-of-way.

To obtain information about the FERC's role as a regulator of interstate transmission of natural gas, about getting involved in the regulatory process and to access information that summarize your rights and the process when dealing with FERC-regulated energy project licensing, visit the FERC's Website at www.ferc.gov .

Before a pipeline company, like Great Basin, obtains authorization to construct an interstate transmission pipeline, it must first file a detailed project plan with the FERC. This plan is formally called an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity (Certificate Application). The Certificate Application is a comprehensive document that describes the proposed project, its need, and potential environmental impacts.

Certificate Application

Great Basin plans to file its Certificate Application for this project at FERC early in the first quarter 2022. Once filed, FERC will assign the filing a docket number. Among other things, the Certificate Application contains a description of the new facilities, the need for the project, detailed maps, schedules and various environmental reports. The information contained in the application and related environmental reports will detail the various studies and analyses that Great Basin has conducted to determine what effect construction and operation could potentially have on the environment and community.

The environmental reports will include an analysis of alternatives, as well as an analysis of potential impacts to water resources, vegetation and wildlife, cultural resources, socioeconomics, soils, geology and land use.

When the Certificate Application is filed and a certificate proceeding (CP) docket number assigned, a copy of the public version of the application will be made available:

Environmental Evaluation

The FERC will prepare an environmental evaluation using information included in the certificate application, supplemental information that may be provided by Great Basin upon request, information assembled by FERC staff, as well as information provided by state and federal agencies and the public. The evaluation will describe the proposed project and alternatives, as well as identify existing environmental conditions and potential impacts from the project.  The evaluation also will indicate what mitigation measures, construction procedures, and route modifications could be included to eliminate or reduce impacts.

FERC’s environmental document will be made available to federal, state, and local government agencies; elected officials; environmental and public interest groups; Native American tribes; affected landowners; other interested parties and newspapers.  The FERC will establish a public comment period with ample time for review and evaluation of the document. Once the comment period ends, the FERC may address comments received in the final order.

If the FERC determines that the project is environmentally acceptable – and is satisfied the project is in the public interest – it will issue an order granting a certificate of public convenience and necessity. The FERC issues this document to signify that approval has been granted to build and operate the pipeline. The certificate will detail the conditions of the approval, including the final route the FERC has authorized, and construction and mitigation measures that must be followed.

Comments to the FERC

When providing comments to the FERC, you should reference the FERC docket number. Comments may be filed via the Internet on the FERC’s website using the eComment link.

You may also send written comments to the FERC at:

Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First St., N.E., Room 1A
Washington, DC 20426

Other State & Federal Authorizations

Great Basin is working closely with other state and federal agencies to obtain the necessary permits and authorizations to construct the pipeline project.

Additional Resources

Additional information is available on this website and on the FERC website. Two of the guides that are available on the FERC website are hyperlinked below:

An Interstate Natural Gas Facility on My Land” and  

Your Guide to Electronic Information at FERC

 

 

 

Regulatory