On July 19, 2018, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), announced that the two agencies have agreed to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that would refine and shorten the permit application review process for proposed Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities.
“PHMSA is pleased to work with FERC to advance critical infrastructure projects that support our nation’s growing energy dominance in the safest and most efficient way possible,” said PHMSA Administrator Skip Elliott.
The MOU will clarify each agency’s respective role in the permitting process for potential LNG projects, and implement procedures into the FERC’s authorization process that will leverage PHMSA’s safety expertise to evaluate potential impact to public safety.
The forthcoming MOU was announced by FERC Chairman Kevin McIntyre during opening remarks for the July 19 Commission meeting at FERC headquarters.
The signature of the MOU will be announced at a later date.