arrow_back Back to App

FERC Rules Change: Climate and Environmental Justice in Natural Gas Projects.

This law mandates that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) must thoroughly assess the impact of new natural gas projects on climate change and communities disproportionately affected by pollution. When approving pipelines or other infrastructure, FERC must quantify greenhouse gas emissions and ensure the project does not worsen conditions in low-income or minority areas. Companies must now submit detailed plans to mitigate negative environmental and climate consequences, aiming to better protect public health and the environment.
Key points
FERC must quantify all foreseeable greenhouse gas emissions (upstream and downstream) from new natural gas infrastructure projects.
Projects emitting over 100,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent annually are presumed to have a significant climate impact.
New rules require FERC to specifically evaluate and mitigate adverse effects on "environmental justice communities" before granting project approval.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Introduced
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_3324
Sponsor: Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]