Building a major interstate pipeline isn’t as simple as choosing a route and putting pipe in the ground. Projects like NESE can require reviews and approvals from multiple federal and state agencies.
For interstate natural gas pipelines, one of the biggest decisions comes from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
A pipeline company submits a proposal to FERC, which evaluates whether to issue a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. The federal review can also include an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement examining potential effects of the project. The public can participate through comments and, depending on the project, public meetings and other proceedings.
But federal approval isn’t necessarily the end of the process.
Projects that affect wetlands, waterways, coastal areas or air quality may also need approvals from state and other federal agencies. Under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, for example, states have an important role in determining whether certain federally permitted projects comply with applicable water quality requirements.
For NESE, NJDEP’s approvals have included permits addressing wetlands, flood hazards, waterfront development, water quality and air pollution.
Why does this process matter?
Because these reviews provide opportunities to examine whether a project meets legal and environmental standards — and opportunities for communities to make their voices heard.
Permitting isn’t just paperwork. It’s an important safeguard for our water, air, natural resources and communities.
