The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Nov. 23 granted Sempra Infrastructure a 5-year extension to construct and place into service its planned 6.75 million tonne/year Cameron LNG plant in Cameron Parish, La.
FERC’s new certificate extends the plant’s start date to Mar. 16, 2033.
Sempra in October requested FERC push the deadline, noting that “project lenders require assurances that it has all necessary authorizations, including the approval of this extension of time request prior to reaching a positive financial decision” for the plant, according to FERC’s order.
FERC noted that Sempra had reported progress working with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ). Sempra described “significant engineering and commercial efforts to advance the project such as various design enhancements to increase efficiency and reliability of the project” in its filing, FERC said.
FERC notice of inquiry
Meanwhile, FERC Nov. 20 took the first steps to streamline approvals of LNG plants by requesting comments on whether the commission should establish blanket authorization for certain activities at the plants.
Law firm Van Ness Feldman, in a client alert Nov. 24, called FERC’s notice of inquiry (NOI) “significant,” especially given the rapid growth of the US LNG sector.
A blanket authorization program for LNG plants “could expedite certain modifications and expansions, reduce regulatory burdens and provide greater certainty for project developers,” the alert said.
FERC has maintained a blanket certificate program for interstate natural gas pipelines since 1982. Under the program, interstate pipeline owners can perform certain routine activities without individual authorization, provided they meet regulatory requirements and cost limits.
In the past, FERC declined to extend blanket authorization to LNG plants, citing environmental and security concerns and highlighting the non-routine nature of LNG projects at the time.
In the NOI, FERC said its “experience with LNG facilities in the United States has changed considerably since the [prior] rulemakings,” including in its evaluation process and coordinating with other agencies on issues involving LNG plants.
At the same time, the LNG industry’s engineering, environmental, safety and security expertise has advanced over the years, NOI said.
There are currently 8 LNG export terminals in operation, 8 under construction, 10 more approved but not yet built, and several pending applications, the law firm added.
Comments on the NOI are due 60 days after publication of the NOI in the Federal Register.
