Overview
Title
Gas Transmission Northwest, LLC; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization and Establishing Intervention and Protest Deadline
Agencies
ELI5 AI
Gas Transmission Northwest wants to build a new station in Oregon, and people have until March 22, 2021, to say if they agree or disagree. They can follow the updates online.
Summary AI
Gas Transmission Northwest, LLC (GTN) has submitted a request to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for permission to build a new compressor station in Oregon. This request is open for public involvement, where individuals can file protests, motions to intervene, or comments by March 22, 2021. Protests and interventions grant individuals certain rights in the proceedings, whereas comments allow individuals to express their views. The public can track ongoing updates about the project through FERC’s website and can choose to receive notifications through the eSubscription service.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
Overview
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has released a notice regarding Gas Transmission Northwest, LLC's (GTN) request to construct a new compressor station in Oregon. This document, filed on January 13, 2020, outlines the project's details and invites public engagement. Individuals interested in participating can file protests, motions to intervene, or submit comments by March 22, 2021.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Publication Timing Discrepancies
One issue with the document is an apparent inconsistency in dates. The publication date is noted as January 27, 2021, even though the filing was made in January 2020, and actions such as protests or interventions are to be completed by March 2021. This could lead to confusion about the timeline and whether there were delays in the publication process.
Technical Language
The document is dense with technical and regulatory jargon, referencing specific sections of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). This language might be difficult for individuals without legal expertise to fully understand. For instance, references to sections 157.205 and 157.208(b) necessitate some familiarity with detailed legal or regulatory frameworks, which the general public might not possess.
Accessibility Concerns
The document indicates that the FERC Public Reference Room is closed due to COVID-19, potentially hindering access to this information for those without reliable internet connections. While electronic filing and online tracking through FERC's website are encouraged, this could exclude individuals who rely on physical documents or those not comfortable with online systems.
Public Impact
Broad Public Impact
For the general public, this notice represents an opportunity to participate in the regulatory process concerning energy infrastructure in Oregon. The ability to file protests, motions to intervene, and comments allows citizens to voice concerns or support, potentially influencing the project's progression. However, the document's complexity may pose barriers to effective public engagement.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Stakeholders such as local residents, environmental groups, and businesses may find themselves directly affected by this proposed construction project. Residents near the proposed compressor station may have concerns about environmental or health impacts, while businesses might focus on economic implications. At the same time, organizations advocating for environmental protection may see this project as a point of contention in broader policy or ecological debates.
Conclusion
The FERC notice regarding GTN's proposal to build a new compressor station is a significant document for those interested in energy regulation and infrastructure development. While it opens avenues for public participation, challenges around understanding the legal language and accessing resources could undermine the ability of some stakeholders to engage effectively. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensure all voices are heard and considered in the decision-making process.
Issues
• The publication date in the metadata appears to be incorrect as January 27, 2021, is after the document's filing date, but this could be due to typical delays in governmental publications of notices.
• The document references a prior notice request filed by GTN on January 13, 2020, but later states deadlines are in 2021, which may cause confusion without clear indication of the timeline or delay reasons.
• The document uses technical and regulatory language (e.g., referring to specific sections of the CFR) which might be difficult for the general public to comprehend without legal expertise.
• Contact information for certain processes (such as protests) might not account for individuals who have limited access to internet services and email.
• There might be an access issue as the document states the Commission's Public Reference Room is closed due to COVID-19, potentially limiting access for individuals who rely on physical documentation.