Texas Gas Boom Ahead? FERC Plans EIS for Cheniere Projects
Published Date: 5/5/2026
Notice
Summary
Cheniere and its partners want to build new gas liquefaction and pipeline projects in Texas, which could change how energy flows through San Patricio and Nueces Counties. The government is getting ready to study how these projects might affect the environment and wants your thoughts on any concerns. This review will help decide if the projects move forward, with key steps happening throughout 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Landowners May Be Asked to Grant Easements
If you own land in Texas along the proposed route, the pipeline company may contact you to negotiate an easement to construct and operate pipeline facilities. You are not required to agree, but if the Commission approves the Projects the company could initiate condemnation (eminent domain) proceedings; compensation would be determined by a judge under state law.
Large Land Disturbance for Construction
Construction would disturb up to 2,893.5 acres in total: up to 2,319.8 acres for the liquefaction project (including 554.8 acres outside the previously approved site) and about 573.7 acres for the pipeline expansion. After construction, about 2,078.1 acres would be operated as terminal, pipeline right-of-way, and aboveground facilities, and 366.9 acres would be added to the terminal footprint.
Big Increase in LNG Ship Traffic
The Corpus Christi liquefaction expansion would increase LNG vessel calls from about 480 per year to about 870 per year — an additional 390 LNG vessels annually at the terminal serving San Patricio and Nueces Counties, Texas.
Documented Local Environmental Harms
The Commission identified specific environmental effects to be studied: impacts on seven waterbodies; 1.6 acres of wetlands in Corpus Christi Bay; loss of 0.5 acre of floodplain; effects to 9.1 acres of seagrass; and about 50.9 tons per year of total hazardous air pollutant emissions from the Projects.
Public Comment and Review Schedule
The Commission requests written comments by 5:00 p.m. Eastern on May 29, 2026; the draft EIS is planned for issuance in September 2026 with a 45-day comment period; the final EIS is expected to be available March 12, 2027, and the 90-day federal authorization decision deadline is June 10, 2027.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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2026-16616, Regulatory Agenda
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2026-16525, Combined Notice of Filings
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