On July 28, 2012, FERC's Office of Energy Projects
("OEP") released a 32-page manual titled "Suggested
Best Practices for Industry Outreach Programs to Stakeholders"
("Manual"). In doing so, OEP states that the
purpose of the Manual is to identify best practices for natural gas
project developers to "effectively engage stakeholders in the
application process for siting, construction and operation of
interstate natural gas facilities and LNG terminals."
The Manual itself details several components that are typically
incorporated into a successful stakeholder outreach program,
including senior management support, internal collaboration,
engagement and education of stakeholders, training of project
staff, and utilization of technology. Moreover, OEP's
conception of stakeholders includes any entity that could be
affected by the project, rather than focusing exclusively on
affected landowners. OEP notes in the Manual that a
successful stakeholder outreach program will
