FERC proposes to stop requesting air dispersion modeling for gas projects

WASHINGTON — The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) unveiled a draft policy statement that proposes to stop requesting air dispersion modeling from applicants for Natural Gas Act projects, as part of a proposed overhaul of its air quality reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

The commission proposed instead to use other information submitted by applicants and identified by its staff to analyze the air quality effects of proposed projects. It cited the protections and mitigation requirements in Clean Air Act regulations, which it said reflect the expertise of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state agencies. FERC said it would continue to address air quality effects in its NEPA documents, "but in a more streamlined way." It said the draft also proposes to end unnecessary overlap with the permitting duties that the Clean Air Act gives to air regulators.

"Today’s landmark draft policy statement is a defining step in our mission to cut unnecessary delays and deliver regulatory certainty," Chairman Laura V. Swett said. Interested parties may comment on the draft, in Docket No. PL26-3-000, by Nov 16, 2026.