Digging Deeper: FERC Eyes Bigger Gas Caverns in Leaf River
Published Date: 1/20/2026
Notice
Summary
Leaf River Energy Center wants to boost its natural gas storage by adding a new cavern and expanding an existing one, increasing capacity by 17.62 billion cubic feet. The government is reviewing the environmental impact and plans to finish this assessment by May 1, 2026, with final decisions due by July 30, 2026. This affects local communities, energy users, and agencies involved in approvals, with a clear timeline to keep things moving smoothly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
17.62 Bcf Storage Capacity Increase
Leaf River Energy Center proposes to increase certificated natural gas storage at the New Home Salt Dome by 17.62 billion cubic feet, add a new cavern, and expand an existing one, plus three new compressors in Smith, Jasper, and Clarke counties, Mississippi. The company says the project is intended to help satisfy market demand, provide critical natural gas grid reliability, and help reduce price volatility and supply-demand imbalances in the Gulf Coast natural gas market.
Firm EA and Decision Deadlines
FERC staff will prepare an environmental assessment (EA) for the project with issuance planned for May 1, 2026, and other federal and state agencies that issue required federal authorizations have a 90-day decision deadline of July 30, 2026. The schedule is intended to keep approvals and reviews on a clear timeline for the Project's progress.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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