# FERC Proposes LNG Blanket Authorization Program

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has proposed its first tiered blanket authorization program for specified modifications and expansions at liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities regulated under Sections 3 and 7 of the Natural Gas Act. If finalized, eligible projects could proceed without seeking a separate case-specific authorization order, subject to proposed category-specific filing and notice procedures, environmental and engineering conditions, safety requirements, and interagency coordination. The proposal is not final; the materials state that comments are due 60 days after the notice of proposed rulemaking is published in the Federal Register but do not provide a publication date or calendar deadline.

- LNG developers and operators should assess whether planned Section 3 terminal work or Section 7 plant projects, including peak-shaving facilities, fit a proposed authorization tier and account for its associated review and coordination steps.
- Engineering, environmental, and permitting teams may need to align project plans and supporting submissions with the proposed conditions; the framework could reduce case-specific authorization steps for eligible activities if adopted.
- The proposal remains subject to comment and is not an effective authorization pathway yet. Interested stakeholders can submit comments within the 60-day period after Federal Register publication; no specific deadline can be calculated from the supplied information.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** October 16, 2026

### Government Entities
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
- U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (DOT PHMSA)
- U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
- State designated agencies

### Key Quotes
> 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.
> — Laura V. Swett, FERC Chairman

### Sources
- [FERC Takes Historic Action Launching First LNG Authorization Program | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission](https://www.ferc.gov/news-events/news/ferc-takes-historic-action-launching-first-lng-authorization-program) - FERC
- [Presentation | Authorizations for Certain Activities at Liquefied Natural Gas Plants | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission](https://www.ferc.gov/news-events/news/presentation-authorizations-certain-activities-liquefied-natural-gas-plants) - FERC