Boustany supports LNG pipeline bill

Congressman Charles Boustany has supported the passage of H.R. 161, the Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act, introduced by Representative Mike Pompeo.

FERC regulation

Under the jurisdiction of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is granted authority to review and approve natural gas pipeline proposals. According to a study carried out in 2012 by the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA), since the implementation of EPACT the number of delays lasting more than 90 days have risen 28% and delays lasting more than 180 days have risen 20%.

The Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act would require FERC to issue an approval of a pipeline proposal no later than 12 months after receiving an application, and stipulate that if FERC fails to meet this timeline that a permit will go into effect within 90 days.

‘Natural gas boom’

Commenting on his support of the legislation, Boustany said: “South Louisiana is poised to lead the charge in the ongoing natural gas boom, but we could miss this opportunity without the proper pipeline infrastructure in place.

“As investments in petrochemical and LNG export projects valued over US$80 billion make their way to South Louisiana, these companies need the ability to transport their product to ports and refineries. This common-sense legislation will light a fire under Washington regulators and force them to keep up with the pace of private industry or get out of the way.”

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/22012015/support-for-lng-pipeline-bill-95/