FR 2025-03109

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has recently issued a notice concerning filings related to natural gas pipeline rates and refund reports. A significant filing from Plains Pipeline L.P. includes proposed journal entries due to its acquisition of a membership interest in Midway Pipeline LLC, completed in December 2024. Stakeholders have until March 12, 2025, to submit their interventions or protests regarding these proceedings.

General Summary

This document from FERC outlines a specific filing regarding Plains Pipeline L.P.'s business transactions involving Midway Pipeline LLC. It provides procedural details for public involvement, including how to file interventions and protests. It highlights the support available from FERC's Office of Public Participation, emphasizing the importance of public engagement in such regulatory matters.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One notable issue with this document is the absence of an abstract in the metadata. An abstract could offer a quick overview, helping readers to grasp the context swiftly. Additionally, the document does not detail the financial implications or potential impacts of Plains Pipeline L.P.'s journal entries, leaving questions about how these changes may affect stakeholders.

The document also references technical procedures and legal rules without providing a layperson's explanation. Terms like "Rules 211, 214, or 206 of the Commission's Regulations" could be confusing for those unfamiliar with FERC's regulatory framework. This complexity might deter public engagement, particularly from non-professional stakeholders who may not fully understand the legal intricacies.

Broader Public Impact

The document emphasizes how structured public involvement is crucial in regulatory matters affecting natural gas pipelines, an essential component of the national energy infrastructure. Public participation can influence decisions impacting energy rates and service reliability, ultimately affecting costs for consumers. However, the complexity of the document might hinder effective public engagement unless further simplified or clarified.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Specific stakeholders, including landowners, community organizations, and tribal members, might be directly impacted by the outcomes of these filings. For these groups, changes in pipeline rates or operations can have substantial local and economic effects. For instance, increased rates could result in higher costs for energy consumers, affecting household and community budgets.

Companies involved, like Plains Pipeline L.P., might experience direct financial implications depending on the proceedings' outcomes. Regulatory changes could alter their operational efficiency, profitability, and strategic planning, impacting their role within the energy sector.

In conclusion, this FERC notice and the opportunity for public engagement underscore the need for clarity and accessibility in regulatory communications. By ensuring procedural transparency and simplifying legal jargon, FERC can enhance effective public participation, thereby enabling a broader range of stakeholders to contribute to decision-making processes that influence critical infrastructure and consumer costs.