FERC Is Considering A Blanket Authorization Program For LNG Facilities

On November 20, 2025, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) seeking stakeholder input on whether and how to establish streamlined, blanket authorization procedures for certain activities at LNG plants. The NOI invites comments on revising FERC's regulations to allow LNG plant operators to undertake specific construction, expansion, and operational activities without case-specific orders under sections 3 or 7 of the Natural Gas Act (NGA).

Background

FERC has maintained a blanket certificate program for interstate natural gas pipelines under NGA Section 7 since 1982. This program increases flexibility and reduces regulatory burdens for most interstate pipelines by allowing pipeline operators to perform certain routine activities without individual authorization, provided they meet regulatory requirements and cost limits. However, in the past, FERC declined to extend blanket authorization to LNG plants, citing environmental