FERC Opens Scoping Comments for North Padre Island Pipeline Abandonment
Published Date: 11/24/2025
Notice
Summary
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company wants to stop using some pipeline parts in four Texas counties, and the government is asking the public for ideas about how this might affect the environment. People have until December 19, 2025, to share their thoughts, which will help decide if the project moves forward. This could change local pipeline use but won’t cost the public money directly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.
Potential Eminent Domain Risk for Landowners
If the Commission approves the project, the Natural Gas Act conveys the right of eminent domain to the company, so if you and the company do not reach an easement agreement the pipeline company could initiate condemnation proceedings in court. In such cases, compensation would be determined by a judge under state law; the Commission does not grant, exercise, or oversee eminent domain actions.
Pipeline Abandonment Method and Extent
Transco proposes to abandon about 50 miles of 24-inch pipeline in Brooks, Jim Wells, Kenedy, and Kleberg counties, Texas — roughly 45 miles would be abandoned in-place and about 5 miles would be removed under landowner easement agreements or where under highways, railroads, or Texas General Land Office lands. The project also includes abandonment of a non-jurisdictional dehydration and storage facility (Station 14) in Brooks County.
Temporary Land Use: 500 Acres Needed
Transco would use its existing permanent easement plus additional temporary workspaces totaling about 500 acres of land to carry out the abandonment activities; following abandonment Transco would relinquish its permanent easement to the respective property owner(s). On state and federal lands, Transco will comply with agency requirements.
Public Scoping Comments Open
You can submit public comments on the North Padre Island Lateral Abandonment Project through FERC by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on December 19, 2025. Comments may be filed via eComment, eFiling, or by mailing a paper letter to Docket No. CP26-4-000.
Landowners May Be Asked To Grant Easements
If you own land that the pipeline crosses in the project area, Transco or a company representative may contact you about acquiring an easement to abandon pipeline facilities; the company would seek to negotiate a mutually acceptable easement agreement and you are not required to enter into an agreement. These contacts apply to landowners in Brooks, Jim Wells, Kenedy, and Kleberg counties, Texas.
NEPA Review Will Evaluate Environmental Effects
FERC staff will prepare an environmental document (either an Environmental Assessment or an Environmental Impact Statement) that evaluates effects on geology and soils, water resources and wetlands, vegetation and wildlife, threatened and endangered species, cultural resources, land use, and air quality and noise. Agency cooperation, Section 106 consultation with State Historic Preservation Offices and tribes, and additional public comment periods may occur during that NEPA process.
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Key Dates
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