Delegation Visits FERC to Speak Out Against LNG Export Facilities
In September 2024, a multi-generational, national delegation traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and welcome newly appointed Commissioners, Judy Chang, David Rosner, and Lindsey See. These residents, affected by current and planned LNG export facilities, came from Louisiana, Puerto Rico, Texas, and Virginia.
The group attended FERC’s monthly open meeting, which was interrupted several times by protesters urging the commission to stop approving new oil and gas export facilities. Protesters demanded that FERC consider their decisions’ environmental and public health impacts.
After the meeting, the delegation joined a workshop hosted by COGO, the Vessel Project of Louisiana, and FERC’s Office of Public Participation. The workshop explained how FERC operates, environmental justice issues, how to submit public comments, the intervenor process, and job opportunities at FERC.
Participants also met with FERC Commissioners Mark C. Christie and Judy Chang and discussed two LNG projects currently under review: the Dela Express Pipeline that would extend through Texas and Louisiana and Gulfstream LNG proposed for Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana.
Commissioner Chang, who started her role in July, was particularly interested in hearing about FERC’s past efforts to involve communities during the permitting process. Chang hosted a hybrid meeting that gathered together voices who were not able to travel to Washington, DC, and long-time advocates like Melanie Oldham, Director of Better Brazoria based in Freeport, Texas. Both commissioners promised to keep engaging with affected community members.
This visit highlights the ongoing efforts of communities to ensure their concerns are considered in decisions about LNG export facilities. Learn more about the community engagement process at FERC by visiting the FERC Office of Public Participation Website