Virginia Gas Storage Plan: Weigh In on Eco Impacts
Published Date: 1/16/2026
Notice
Summary
Columbia Gas wants to build a new energy storage project in Sussex County, Virginia, and the government is asking the public to share their thoughts on how it might affect the environment. People have until February 12, 2026, to send in comments, which will help decide if the project moves forward. This is a chance for locals and anyone interested to speak up before any big money or construction starts.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Landowners face eminent domain risk
If you own land in the project area, Columbia may contact you to negotiate an easement to construct and operate the facilities; you are not required to agree. If the Commission approves the project, the Natural Gas Act conveys eminent domain authority to the company, and if no agreement is reached the company could initiate condemnation proceedings with compensation determined by a judge under state law.
Project aims to boost energy reliability
You live in Virginia: Columbia Gas proposes a Southeast Virginia Energy Storage Project in Sussex County that would provide up to 1,100,000 dekatherms per day to help meet winter peak-day loads, mitigate pricing volatility during high-demand periods, and enhance regional energy reliability.
Construction will disturb 91.0 acres
Construction of the proposed facilities would disturb about 91.0 acres of land, and Columbia would maintain about 33.0 acres for permanent operation; the remaining acreage would be restored and revert to former uses.
Construction may affect roads, traffic, safety
Commission staff identified roadway improvements necessary to access construction work areas, traffic effects, and public safety as specific issues to evaluate; construction and access could require roadwork and affect local travel and safety during the project.
Opportunity to comment by Feb 12, 2026
You can submit written or oral comments on environmental issues so the Commission receives them by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 12, 2026. A public scoping session will be held on February 3, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Jessica Ann Moore Foundation Community Center, 408 School St., Waverly, VA.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13772 — Freeport LNG Development, L.P.; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Regasification Terminal Disconnect Project
Freeport LNG wants to remove some facilities on Quintana Island, Texas, and the government is asking the public to share their thoughts on how this might affect the environment. If you live nearby or care about nature, now’s your chance to speak up before August 3, 2026. This feedback will help decide if the project moves forward and how it might impact the community and environment.
2026-13776 — Increasing Market and Planning Efficiency Through Improved Software; Second Supplemental Notice of Technical Conference on Increasing Market and Planning Efficiency Through Improved Software
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is hosting a technical conference on July 7-8, 2026, to explore how better software can make energy markets and planning smarter and more efficient. This affects energy grid operators and market participants who rely on improved tech to forecast and manage power better. While no specific cases will be decided, the talks could influence future rules and investments in energy software.
2026-13770 — Grid Growth Ohio, LLC, Grid Growth Ohio EHV, LLC; Notice of Institution of Section 206 Proceeding and Refund Effective Date
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is checking if Grid Growth Ohio’s new pricing plan is fair or not. This affects customers and companies using their electricity rates, with possible money refunds starting July 8, 2026. If you want to speak up, you’ve got 21 days to join the conversation and make your voice heard!
2026-13694 — Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC-561); Comment Request; Extension
FERC is asking for public feedback to keep collecting info on utility company leaders who also work with big banks, insurers, and major electricity buyers. This annual report helps keep things transparent and fair in the energy world. Comments are due by September 8, 2026, and there’s no new cost or big changes—just an extension of the current process.
2026-13680 — Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several new filings from natural gas companies about pipeline rates and refunds. These filings could change how much some companies charge or refund customers, with some changes starting as soon as July 1, 2026. If you’re involved with these pipelines or rates, keep an eye on comment deadlines in mid to late July to have your say!
2026-13692 — Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC-556); Comment Request; Extension
FERC is extending the paperwork rules for small power producers and cogenerators for another three years—no changes, just a smooth continuation. If you run or work with these facilities, you can keep submitting the same info as before. Got thoughts? You’ve got until September 8, 2026, to share them!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00824 — Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got new filings about natural gas pipeline rates from three companies, with changes starting as soon as December 31, 2025, and January 2026. If you’re affected or want to speak up, you have until January 26, 2026, to comment or get involved. These updates could impact pipeline costs and how much customers pay, so keep an eye on the deadlines!
Next: 2026-00826 — Records Governing Off-the-Record Communications; Public Notice
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is sharing updates about off-the-record communications in ongoing cases. If someone sends a secret message that’s not allowed, it gets logged but usually won’t affect decisions unless fairness calls for it. This keeps the process fair and transparent, with no new costs or deadlines for the public right now.