FERC Process

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is the regulatory agency that oversees the U.S. interstate natural gas pipeline industry. The commission regulates both the construction of natural gas pipelines and transportation of natural gas in interstate commerce.

Companies such as Gulf Crossing wishing to build interstate natural gas pipeline facilities or operate pipelines must first obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the FERC. This is done to assure that pipeline facilities benefit consumers, are compatible with the environment and minimize interference with public and landowners along pipeline rights-of-way.

To initiate this process, Gulf Crossing  used the FERC's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Pre-Filing process. On November 30, 2006, the Commission staff granted a request from Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP to utilize the Commission’s Pre-Filing Process for the project and assigned a pre-filing Docket No. PF07-1-000 to staff activities. 

The NEPA pre-filing review process provided interested stakeholders the opportunity to discuss and address routing and environmental issues with FERC staff prior to the filing of a  formal application to the FERC. The involvement of all stakeholders (including federal, state and local agencies; municipalities; landowners; and local citizens) early in the process results in a more effective and efficient certificate application. 

On June 19, 2007, Gulf Crossing filed a formal application for a Certificate and the FERC subsequently issued a new docket number for the project -- CP07-398-000. On April 30, 2008, the FERC issued the Certificate.

All public documents related to the Gulf Crossing Project are made available by the FERC through its "eLibrary" Web site. These documents include all public correspondence from Gulf Crossing, the FERC, landowners and stakeholders. Documents are posted soon after being received at the FERC. First time users to the FERC eLibrary system must first register with the FERC online by going to ferc.gov/docs-filing/ferconline.asp and following the instructions under eRegistration.

Once registered, one may access eLibrary and then select "General Search" and enter the docket number assigned to the project -- CP07-398-000 -- and follow the instructions. Searches may also be done by entering the phrase "Gulf Crossing Project" in the "Text Search" field. If you need assistance in accessing to eLibrary, call the FERC's helpline at 1-866-208-3676, TTY 202-502-8659 or click on FERConlineSupport@ferc.gov. 

To obtain information about the FERC’s role as a regulator of interstate transmission of natural gas, oil and electricity, about getting involved in the regulatory process and to access Citizen’s Guides that summarize your rights and the process when dealing with FERC-regulated energy project licensing, visit the FERC’s Web site at ferc.gov and click on the “For Citizens” tab. To proceed directly to download FERC’s guide “An Interstate Natural Gas Facility on My Land? – What Do I Need to Know,” click on ferc.gov/for-citizens/citizen-guides.asp.