The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has put forward the first blanket authorisation programme for liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities through a unanimously backed Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR).

Under the proposed framework, qualifying activities at LNG sites could go ahead without obtaining individual approval orders from the regulator under Sections 3 and 7 of the Natural Gas Act.

FERC drew on its existing blanket certificate programme for interstate natural gas pipelines, which has operated for roughly four decades, as the template for the new initiative.

The NOPR sets out a three-tiered structure that groups activities according to the scale of their potential impact.

Some activities that would not increase a facility’s approved capacity or alter operating conditions could receive automatic approval.

Other actions, such as those that might increase plant capacity while staying within the current site boundaries, would require 60 days prior notice to the Commission.

The other category carries a 90-day advance notification requirement and encompasses the building of entirely new infrastructure including liquefaction trains, storage tanks and marine loading berths, together with associated auxiliary systems.

Projects in this tier may extend beyond a plant's current perimeter but would face restrictions relating to facility type, location and scale.

FERC chairman Laura Swett said: “American energy dominance requires us to build and maintain the energy infrastructure our country needs without unnecessary delay. I am immensely proud of FERC’s historic proposal. 

“It shows what can be possible when we combine regulatory excellence, robust safeguards and a firm commitment to the nation’s energy future. Consumers benefit when more energy infrastructure is online, dependable and affordable, and FERC is helping make that future a reality.”

The draft rule also includes standard environmental and engineering conditions, aiming to address potential impacts associated with projects carried out under the blanket authorisation.

Other requirements would be put in place to ensure compliance with existing legal obligations.

FERC approved the proposal in a unanimous vote.

Following publication of the NOPR in the Federal Register, stakeholders will be given 60 days to provide comments on the new framework before any decision is finalised.