FR 2021-01776

The document under discussion is a notice published by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding an application from Breitburn Operating L.P. to abandon a specific pipeline in Kentucky known as the Cardinal Line. Breitburn intends to disconnect this pipeline from Texas Gas Transmission and transfer it to Nucor Corporation, which plans to use it for natural gas supply to a future steel mill.

General Overview

This notice is an essential part of the regulatory process allowing the public and other stakeholders to provide input or follow legal procedures to become part of the decision-making process. Breitburn's application to abandon the pipeline indicates a shift in how the infrastructure will be utilized, with future operations planned by Nucor at their developing steel mill site. The public is given until February 11, 2021, to submit comments or motions to intervene if they wish to be involved in the review process.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several critical issues emerge from this document. Firstly, there is no mention of the financial or economic implications of abandoning the pipeline, which could have substantial impacts on local economies or stakeholders. This transparency issue might hinder the ability of stakeholders to understand the proposal's full consequences. Furthermore, the language surrounding the process of submitting comments is potentially confusing; it does not clearly explain that comments alone do not confer participant status in the legal proceedings.

The procedures for intervention are another area of concern, as they involve multiple complex steps and references to external documents and regulations. This complexity might deter interested parties, particularly laypersons, from engaging in the process. Additional clarity and simplification of these instructions would be beneficial.

Another significant omission is the explanation of the environmental review process. The document lacks detail on potential environmental impacts and the timeframe of the review, which are crucial for stakeholders, especially environmental advocacy groups. Lastly, references to the external regulations and rules such as 18 CFR 157.9 and 18 CFR 385.214 are not accompanied by accessible explanations, limiting the lay reader’s ability to understand their relevance.

Public Impact

For the general public, this document represents an opportunity to participate in a federal regulatory process by submitting feedback or intervening. The proposal’s success could alter the pattern of natural gas supply in the region, impacting energy prices and availability. For those living near the pipeline, environmental considerations could be of significant concern. Additionally, the procedural hurdles mentioned might discourage comprehensive public participation unless addressed.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Specific stakeholders, such as landowners, local businesses, and environmental groups, could be affected differently. Landowners near the pipeline may have concerns about property rights and environmental safety, while local businesses might focus on the economic impacts of closing the pipeline. Environmental groups might seek more information on ecological impacts and the proposed pipeline's future use by Nucor.

Positively, Nucor Corporation stands to benefit from acquiring the pipeline infrastructure for their upcoming steel mill, potentially bringing employment and economic development to the area. On the negative side, if the process is not meticulously handled, it might lead to legal disputes or delayed economic benefits due to a lack of transparency and clear procedural guidelines.

In summary, while the document serves its procedural purpose, significant improvements in clarity and detail are needed to ensure equitable public participation and informed decision-making regarding the pipeline's future.