New Rules for Gas Projects: Prioritizing Climate and Local Community Health.
This law mandates the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to thoroughly assess the impact of new natural gas projects on climate change and the health of nearby vulnerable populations, known as environmental justice communities. Companies seeking approval must now quantify greenhouse gas emissions and demonstrate that the project's benefits outweigh its environmental and social costs, including detailed mitigation plans. This provides citizens, especially those in affected areas, with stronger protection against pollution and adverse health effects from energy infrastructure development.
Key points
Federal regulators must now explicitly evaluate how new gas infrastructure affects climate change and the health of environmental justice communities.
Projects emitting over 100,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent annually are presumed to have a significant climate impact.
Energy companies must submit detailed plans to reduce negative environmental effects, ensuring local communities are not disproportionately burdened by pollution.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_6378
Sponsor: Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6]