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FERC proposes ending air-dispersion modeling requests in gas-project NEPA reviews
The October 15 draft would change how FERC assesses operational air-quality effects. Comments are due November 16; this is a proposal, not a final policy.
By Greener Numbers Editorial Team · Published October 15, 2026 · Updated 10/15/2026
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission proposed changing how it reviews air-quality effects for natural gas projects under the National Environmental Policy Act on October 15. The draft policy statement is identified as Item C-2 in Docket PL26-3-000.
FERC proposes no longer requesting air-dispersion modeling from applicants for Natural Gas Act projects or relying on that modeling to assess operational air-quality effects under NEPA. The release describes a proposed review method, not the approval of a particular pipeline or export terminal.
The commission says it would instead use other information submitted by applicants and identified by its staff. It says its NEPA documents would continue to disclose adverse environmental effects, including air-quality effects.
FERC grounds the proposal in the separate Clean Air Act responsibilities of the Environmental Protection Agency and state air agencies. The commission argues that its change would reduce overlapping analysis; that is the agency's stated rationale, not evidence of measured time or cost savings.
Interested parties can submit comments on implementation through November 16, 2026. The announcement opens a consultation on a draft policy statement. It does not establish that the proposed change is already final or that separate air-permitting obligations have disappeared.
What to watch: the comments and any subsequent final policy will determine how the proposed approach develops. Project-specific decisions and environmental findings remain separate questions. The release does not quantify a permitting-speed improvement or show a resulting change in emissions.
Official source: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ↗