FERC Chair Stands by Gas Project Review Process

Newly appointed Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Mark Christie stated there is no need to change the approval process for gas infrastructure projects, despite recent court rulings criticizing FERC’s environmental reviews. This decision follows a D.C. Circuit ruling that vacated approval for a major pipeline expansion. While previous FERC leadership prioritized environmental justice, Christie signaled a shift away from those policies. Tribes and Native communities impacted by pipeline projects may see fewer federal reviews of climate and environmental concerns.