Public Comments Open for North Dakota Pipeline Expansion
Published Date: 5/14/2026
Notice
Summary
WBI Energy wants to expand a gas pipeline in North Dakota, and the government is asking people to share their thoughts on how this might affect the environment. If you live nearby or care about nature, now’s the time to speak up before June 10, 2026. This project could change local land and wildlife, so your input helps decide if it moves forward safely and smartly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Eminent domain risk for landowners
If the Commission approves the project, the Natural Gas Act conveys the right of eminent domain to the pipeline company, meaning the company could initiate condemnation proceedings for needed easements; compensation would be determined by a judge under state law. Landowners are not required to sign an easement, but if no agreement is reached condemnation is possible.
Project land footprint: 408 acres construction
WBI proposes to use about 408.0 acres of land for construction (workspaces, contractor yards, access roads, etc.) and to permanently maintain about 111.0 acres to operate the 17-mile, 24-inch pipeline; about 25% of the route parallels existing utility easements. This land use could affect property and farm operations near the route.
Potential impacts to farms, prairies, and wetlands
FERC staff identified agricultural land (row cropping, pastures), prairie remnants, and wetlands and waterbodies as environmental issues that deserve attention; the NEPA review will evaluate these issues and consider reasonable alternatives and mitigation. The Commission may prepare an Environmental Assessment or an Environmental Impact Statement and will accept comment on draft documents if issued.
Public comment period closes June 10, 2026
You can submit written comments on the Line Section 32 Expansion Project and the scope of its environmental review; the Commission must receive comments by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on June 10, 2026. Comments may be filed electronically via eComment or eFiling on FERC's website, or mailed (reference Docket No. CP26-158-000).
On-site review open to public May 19, 2026
FERC staff will conduct an on-site environmental review in Williams County, North Dakota on May 19, 2026; interested parties may attend and should meet at Pinnacle Travel Plaza of Tioga (6714 ND-40, Tioga, ND 58852) at 9:00 a.m. CDT and provide their own transportation. The visit will include sites along the proposed pipeline route accessed via public points.
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
2026-09994 — Combined Notice of Filings #1
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got new filings from solar power companies claiming special status and from many energy companies updating their electric rates. This affects energy producers and customers, with chances for public comments by early June. These updates could influence how much people pay for electricity and how energy companies operate soon.
2026-09998 — Revisions to Oil Pipeline Regulations Pursuant to the Energy Policy Act of 1992; Notice of Annual Change in the Producer Price Index for Finished Goods
Starting July 1, 2026, oil pipelines will update their maximum rates using a new number based on the Producer Price Index for Finished Goods, adjusted down by 0.55%. This change means pipeline rates can go up by about 1.4% for the next year. Pipeline companies and customers should get ready for this small but important price update that keeps things fair and predictable.
2026-09894 — Combined Notice of Filings #1
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several new filings from natural gas pipeline companies about their rates and operations. These filings could affect pipeline users and customers, with some changes possibly starting as soon as June 17, 2026. If you want to speak up or get involved, you need to comment by the deadlines in May and June—some could impact costs or service.
2026-09924 — PJM Governance and Stakeholder Reforms; Notice of Commission-Led Technical Conference
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is hosting a public meeting on July 23, 2026, to talk about how PJM runs its operations and how it can improve decision-making. This affects energy companies, stakeholders, and anyone interested in how electricity is managed in the region. The goal is to find ways to make PJM faster and smarter without any fees to join or complicated sign-ups.
2026-09922 — Texas Eastern Transmission, LP; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Athens Optimization Project
Texas Eastern Transmission wants to upgrade its gas facilities in Athens County, Ohio, and the government is asking the public to share their thoughts on how this might affect the environment. People have until June 12, 2026, to send in comments that will help shape the final decision. This project could change local energy flow but also needs to protect nature and communities.
2026-09799 — Combined Notice of Filings #1
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got a bunch of filings from energy companies about changes in their status. These updates mostly affect wind, solar, hydro, and power storage projects, with some possible impacts on electric rates. If you’re involved or interested, note that comments are due by May 21, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to speak up!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09684 — Submission for OMB Review, Comment Request for Proposed Collection: Guidelines for IMLS Grants to States Five-Year Evaluation
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is asking for feedback on their plan to collect info for a big five-year checkup on state grants. This helps make sure the data they gather is useful and not too much work for folks involved. If you’re connected to these grants, now’s the time to share your thoughts before June 17, 2026!
Next: 2026-09686 — Texas Gas Transmission, LLC; Notice of Availability of the Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Carnation Project
Texas Gas Transmission wants to upgrade its natural gas facilities in Hamilton County, Ohio, by adding a powerful new compressor and some new regulators. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission checked the environmental impact and says the project won’t harm the environment much. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by June 10, 2026!