[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 5 (Monday, January 8, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 914-915]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-00135]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. CP24-8-000]


Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America LLC; Notice of Schedule 
for the Preparation of an Environmental Assessment for the Texas-
Louisiana Expansion Project

    On October 18, 2023, Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America LLC 
(Natural) filed an application in Docket No. CP24-8-000 requesting a 
Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity pursuant to section 
7(c) of the Natural Gas Act to construct and operate certain natural 
gas pipeline facilities. The proposed project is known as the Texas-
Louisiana Expansion Project (Project) and would add an incremental 
300,000 dekatherms per day (Dth/day) of firm gas capacity in Segment 25 
of Natural's Louisiana Line 10. When combined with the unsubscribed 
capacity Natural has reserved for the Project, this would allow Natural 
to provide up to 467,000 Dth/day of firm transportation service to the 
Project shippers. Natural states the Project would not result in the 
termination or reduction in firm service to any of its existing 
customers.
    On October 31, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 
(Commission or FERC) issued its Notice of Application for the Project. 
Among other things, that notice alerted agencies issuing federal 
authorizations of the requirement to complete all necessary reviews and 
to reach a final decision on a request for a federal authorization 
within 90 days of the date of issuance of the Commission staff's 
environmental document for the Project.
    This notice identifies Commission staff's intention to prepare an 
environmental assessment (EA) for the Project and the planned schedule 
for the completion of the environmental review.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 40 CFR 1501.10 (2020).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Schedule for Environmental Review

Issuance of EA June 6, 2024
90-day Federal Authorization Decision Deadline \2\ September 4, 2024
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ The Commission's deadline applies to the decisions of other 
federal agencies, and state agencies acting under federally 
delegated authority, that are responsible for federal 
authorizations, permits, and other approvals necessary for proposed 
projects under the Natural Gas Act. Per 18 CFR 157.22(a), the 
Commission's deadline for other agency's decisions applies unless a 
schedule is otherwise established by federal law.

    If a schedule change becomes necessary, additional notice will be 
provided so that the relevant agencies are kept informed of the 
Project's progress.

Project Description

    The Project would consist of the following facilities and 
activities:

Modifications and Installations at Compressor Station 302 (CS 302) in 
Montgomery County, Texas

     Uprate the horsepower (hp) of existing compressor controls 
to increase the horsepower of existing compressor Units 7 and 8 by 
1,600 hp each, for a total of 3,200 hp;
     Re-wheel existing compressor Units 7, 8 and 9; and
     Install one new electric motor driven (EMD) compressor 
unit with a rating of 18,340 hp.

Modification at Compressor Station 343 (CS 343) in Liberty County, 
Texas

     Re-wheel existing EMD compressor Units 9 and 10.
    In addition, Natural has identified in its application certain 
appurtenant facilities that it intends to construct/install under 
section 2.55(a) of the Commission's regulations.

Background

    On November 30, 2023, the Commission issued a Notice of Scoping 
Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed 
Texas-Louisiana Expansion Project (Notice of Scoping). The Notice of 
Scoping was sent to affected landowners; federal, state, and local 
government agencies; elected officials; environmental and public 
interest groups; Native American tribes; other interested parties; and 
local libraries and newspapers. In response to the Notice of Scoping, 
the Commission received one comment from the U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency. The primary issues raised by the commenter regarded 
air quality, water quality, Natural's National Pollutant Discharge 
Elimination System, and environmental justice. All substantive comments 
will be addressed in the EA.
    No agencies requested to be cooperating agencies in the preparation 
of the EA.

Additional Information

    In order to receive notification of the issuance of the EA and to 
keep track of formal issuances and submittals in specific dockets, the 
Commission offers a free service called eSubscription. This service 
provides automatic notification of filings made to subscribed dockets, 
document summaries, and direct links to the documents. Go to https://www.ferc.gov/ferc-online/overview to register for eSubscription.
    The Commission's Office of Public Participation (OPP) supports 
meaningful public engagement and participation in Commission 
proceedings. OPP can help members of the public, including landowners, 
environmental justice communities, Tribal members and others, access 
publicly available information and navigate Commission processes. For 
public inquiries and assistance with making filings such as 
interventions, comments, or requests for rehearing, the public is 
encouraged to contact OPP at (202) 502-6595 or [email protected].
    Additional information about the Project is available from the 
Commission's Office of External Affairs at (866) 208-FERC or on the 
FERC website (www.ferc.gov). Using the ``eLibrary'' link, select 
``General Search'' from the eLibrary menu, enter the selected date 
range and ``Docket Number'' excluding the last three digits (i.e., 
CP24-8), and follow the instructions. For assistance with access to 
eLibrary, the helpline can be reached

[[Page 915]]

at (866) 208-3676, TTY (202) 502-8659, or at 
[email protected]. The eLibrary link on the FERC website also 
provides access to the texts of formal documents issued by the 
Commission, such as orders, notices, and rule makings.

    Dated: January 2, 2024.
Debbie-Anne A. Reese,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2024-00135 Filed 1-5-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P