FERC Gears Up for Sabine Pass Gas Empire Expansion Review
Published Date: 8/13/2025
Notice
Summary
Sabine Pass Liquefaction and partners want to expand their natural gas facilities and pipelines in parts of Louisiana and Texas. The government is getting ready to study how this project might affect the environment and wants your thoughts on it. This review will help decide if the expansion is a good idea and when it can move forward.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Landowners: Easements and Eminent Domain Risk
If you own land in parts of Louisiana or Texas along the proposed route, a pipeline company may contact you to negotiate an easement to build and operate the project. You do not have to agree, but if the Commission approves the Project the company could initiate condemnation (eminent domain) proceedings in court and compensation would be determined under state law.
Local Environmental Impacts: Wetlands and Air Emissions
The proposed project would disturb hundreds of acres and affect wetlands: about 263.5 new acres for the terminal expansion, 1,209.5 acres for pipeline construction, and a total of 614 acres of wetlands affected during construction with a loss of 91.9 acres of wetlands. The project would also result in about 52.3 tons of total hazardous air pollutant emissions.
Historic Properties: Section 106 Consultation Started
FERC is initiating Section 106 consultation under the National Historic Preservation Act with State Historic Preservation Offices, Indian tribes, and the public to gather views on potential effects to historic properties. The EIS will document impacts on historic properties and summarize consultation status.
Public Comment Deadlines and EIS Schedule
The Commission requests public comments by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on September 8, 2025. Staff plans to issue a draft Environmental Impact Statement in April 2026 with a 45-day comment period, a final EIS on September 25, 2026, and a 90-day federal decision deadline on December 24, 2026.
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