FR 2024-31652

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has released a notice containing several filings related to natural gas pipeline operations. These filings include procedural documents like petitions and rate adjustments from organizations like Buckeye Pipe Line Company and other major pipeline operators. The notice outlines the schedule for commenting on these submissions, allowing interested parties until mid-January 2025 to provide their input.

General Summary

This document serves as a formal notification regarding the submissions received by FERC concerning various natural gas pipeline activities. It is an announcement of administrative actions taken by companies in the energy sector, specifically addressing rate changes and procedural compliance aspects of pipeline operations. Interested parties, such as other energy companies or stakeholders, have specified windows for commenting on these filings, which could influence decisions made by the Commission.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Several key concerns arise from the nature and presentation of this notice. Firstly, the document lacks clarity for a lay audience. Its oblique language and technical jargon could be a hurdle for individuals not intimately familiar with legal or regulatory proceedings involving energy sectors. This complexity can overshadow the document’s purpose — to ensure public engagement in energy regulation.

Another issue is the absence of financial details regarding the impact these rate changes and filings may have. Such information would be valuable not only for experts conducting financial audits but also for public stakeholders trying to understand potential economic implications.

Public Impact

For the general public, the document may seem abstruse, given its technical depth and the nature of regulatory language used. Engagement from the public might be limited due to a lack of understanding of how these filings could affect energy prices or supply. As energy rates and pipeline operations have direct consequences on domestic utility bills, it is crucial for consumers to grasp these changes easily.

Impact on Stakeholders

Specific stakeholders, like environmental groups, landowners, and community organizations, might find the document significant. It represents an opportunity to intervene in or comment on proceedings that may impact environmental practices or land use. However, the complexity of the text might deter meaningful participation, unless stakeholders have access to legal expertise or resources to demystify the content.

On a positive note, entities directly involved in these filings, such as pipeline companies, can anticipate procedural clarity and opportunities for their operational enhancements. The structured nature of these filings allows stakeholders with regulatory expertise to engage deeply, though it might marginalize those without similar resources.

In conclusion, while this notice is a vital component of regulatory transparency, its accessibility and engagement potential are constrained by its complexity and technical language. Simplification and clarification of such documents could better serve the public interest, allowing more meaningful participation and understanding of regulatory actions in the energy sector.