FR 2025-03551

The document in question is a notice published in the Federal Register by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), pertaining to a petition by Seaspan Energy Ltd. The company is seeking a declaratory order regarding the regulatory authority over specific liquefied natural gas (LNG) transactions. Seaspan wants FERC to confirm that selling and loading LNG, intended as marine vessel fuel from a bunkering facility to a barge, should not fall under the Commission’s jurisdiction, as per the Natural Gas Act.

Overview and Summary

On February 7, 2025, Seaspan Energy Ltd. filed a petition with FERC, asking the Commission to clarify its jurisdictional reach regarding the transfer of LNG in a marine context. The document sets a deadline for public comments, interventions, or protests until March 31, 2025. The FERC notice encourages the use of electronic filing for submissions and provides contact details for support and further assistance.

Issues and Concerns

The notice is filled with legal and technical jargon that might be challenging for the general public to grasp. Terms such as "petition for a declaratory order" and references to specific sections of the Natural Gas Act can be opaque to those without legal training. Additionally, the document does not clearly spell out what the decision could mean for those involved, leaving potential implications unexplored.

Another concern is the accessibility of the process for submitting interventions or protests. While electronic and mail submissions are possible, these procedures might appear daunting to those unfamiliar with legal document preparation. The role of the Commission's Office of Public Participation (OPP) is mentioned, but not in detail, possibly leaving affected parties without adequate support.

Public Impacts

For the general public, this document represents the regulatory intricacies surrounding energy distribution and usage, specifically in the context of maritime fuel. While the technical nature may interest some, others could find it daunting, thus potentially limiting public engagement.

Specific Stakeholders Impacts

The ruling on this petition could substantially impact multiple stakeholders.

• Seaspan Energy Ltd. would directly benefit if FERC declares this type of LNG transfer outside its jurisdiction, offering them operational freedom and possibly reducing regulatory burdens.

• Marine and shipping industries could also experience positive impacts if the decision leads to streamlined LNG bunkering operations, promoting the adoption of cleaner fuels.

On the other hand, environmental groups or entities concerned about potential regulatory gaps might view the absence of FERC oversight negatively, fearing inadequate attention to environmental and safety standards.

Overall, this document exemplifies the complexity of regulatory oversight in the energy sector and highlights the crucial balance between regulatory control and operational flexibility across industries.