Local News

September 27, 2007

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission today approved four new or expanded natural gas facilities, including a new liquefied natural gas terminal (LNG) that will provide more than 2 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas per day to supply rising U.S. consumer demand.
The Commission granted authorization for a new LNG terminal, pipeline and other related facilities proposed by Calhoun LNG at Port Lavaca in Calhoun County, Texas, and approved the expansion of the existing Elba Island LNG facility near Savannah, Georgia.
The Commission today also approved a new natural gas pipeline proposed by Southeast Supply Header LLC (SESH) that would provide service to customers in the southern and eastern United States.
Finally, the Commission approved a new salt dome natural gas storage facility proposed by Tres Palacios Gas Storage, LLC, and approved the project sponsors’ request to charge market-based rates.
“A robust energy infrastructure can provide reliability of supply at lower prices,” Commission Chairman Joseph T. Kelliher said. “A weak infrastructure can result in higher prices, greater price volatility, lower supply reliability, and less effective competition. Today, we take a series of actions to strengthen our natural gas infrastructure.”
The Commission adopted FERC staff recommendations to mitigate potential adverse environmental, safety and security concerns, and will impose several conditions on the approved projects.
For summaries of all the proposals, go to http://www.ferc.gov/news/news-releases/2007/2007-3/09-20-07-C-2.asp