A group of nine state attorneys general, including Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark, has submitted a comment letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) expressing opposition to a proposal that would allow new and expanded liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants to be constructed without prior notice or consultation with affected state and local authorities.
The coalition argues that FERC’s consideration of a “blanket” permit for LNG facilities could bypass essential reviews required by the Natural Gas Act (NGA). The NGA mandates coordination between LNG developers and state and local emergency management agencies before construction begins on major LNG projects. This process is intended to ensure public safety systems are in place and that emergency response plans are developed with input from local leaders familiar with their communities.
“FERC’s Notice of Inquiry fails to specify which facilities might be impacted,” the attorneys general wrote in their letter. They urged FERC to clarify this threshold issue before moving forward.
The letter also raises concerns about transparency and environmental risks related to LNG plants. It notes that details regarding facility costs and safety measures are often not disclosed publicly in FERC filings, an issue that could worsen if blanket permits are implemented. The attorneys general called on FERC to provide information necessary for the public to understand the potential scope and impacts of any proposed rule before it is released.
Attorney General Clark was joined by her counterparts from Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Oregon, and Rhode Island in submitting the letter.
A copy of the letter can be found on the Vermont Attorney General’s website.
