Authorizations for Certain Activities at Liquefied Natural Gas Plants
Published Date: 11/25/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission wants to make it easier and faster for liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants to get approval for certain activities by possibly changing the rules. This could mean fewer paperwork hurdles and quicker green lights for LNG companies, saving time and money. If you’re involved with LNG plants, you have until January 26, 2026, to share your thoughts on these potential changes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Possible Blanket Authorizations for LNG
If you operate an LNG plant, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is asking whether it should revise Parts 153, 157, and 380 to allow certain construction, expansion, operation, or modification activities at LNG plants to be authorized without case-specific orders under sections 3 or 7 of the Natural Gas Act. The Commission says such a change could provide regulatory certainty and significantly streamline LNG permitting; stakeholders may comment by January 26, 2026.
Considering Tiered Automatic vs Prior Notice System
The Commission is asking whether to adopt a two-tiered approach like its pipeline blanket program where some LNG activities would be automatically authorized and others would require prior notice; it asks whether to use the same procedures, including issuance of a notice within 10 days of filing and a 60-day protest period. If adopted, this would change which LNG projects can proceed without case-specific orders and affect who can protest or seek fuller review.
Current Case-by-Case Process Slows Projects
The Commission states that the existing case-by-case review for replacements, modifications, and expansions at operating LNG terminals can be administratively inefficient, may slow needed projects, and create regulatory uncertainty—especially as more LNG facilities operate and some have been in service for about 50 years.
Safety, Coordination, and Preconstruction Conditions
The Commission asks how applicants would show they consulted other federal permitting agencies and met safety and security requirements (for example, PHMSA siting rules, a USCG Waterways Safety Assessment and Letter of Recommendation, Department of War concurrence, state and local safety considerations, and an emergency response plan with a cost-sharing plan) before construction. These requirements could be included as conditions for any blanket or prior-notice authorization.
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