Boustany supports Louisiana pipeline bill

Congressman Charles W. Boustany said he supports the passage of H.R. 161, the Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act, introduced by Representative Mike Pompeo.

Under the jurisdiction of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is granted authority to review and approve natural gas pipeline proposals. According to a 2012 study by the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, since the implementation of EPACT the number of delays lasting more than 90 days have risen 28% and delays lasting more than 180 days have risen 20%.

The Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act would require FERC to issue an approval of a pipeline proposal no later than 12 months after receiving an application, and stipulate that if FERC fails to meet this timeline that a permit will go into effect within 90 days.

Boustany said: “South Louisiana is poised to lead the charge in the ongoing natural gas boom, but we could miss this opportunity without the proper pipeline infrastructure in place. As investments in petrochemical and LNG export projects valued over $80 billion make their way to South Louisiana, these companies need the ability to transport their product to ports and refineries.”

Boustany believes that this legislation force Washington regulators to keep up with the pace of private industry or get out of the way.

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Press Release; Image: boustany.house.gov