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 Department of Energy Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP22-21-000; Docket No. CP22-22-000]
 The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) that will discuss the environmental impacts of the CP2 LNG and CP Express Project (Project) involving construction and operation of facilities by Venture Global CP2 LNG, LLC (CP2 LNG) and Venture Global CP Express, LLC (CP Express) in Jasper and Newton Counties, Texas and Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes, Louisiana. The Commission will use this EIS in its decision-making process to determine whether the Project is in the public interest. The schedule for preparation of the EIS is discussed in the 
                    *Schedule for Environmental Review*
                     section of this notice. As part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process, the Commission takes into account concerns the public may have about proposals and the environmental impacts that could result whenever it considers the issuance of an authorization. This gathering of public input is referred to as “scoping.” By notice issued on April 27, 2021 in Docket No. PF21-1-000, the Commission opened a scoping period during CP2 LNG and CP Express' planning process for the Project and prior to filing a formal application with the Commission, a process referred to as “pre-filing.” CP2 LNG and CP Express have now filed an application with the Commission, and staff intends to prepare an EIS that will address the concerns raised during the pre-filing scoping process and comments received in response to this notice. By this notice, the Commission requests public comments on the scope of issues to address in the environmental document, including comments on potential alternatives and impacts, and any relevant information, studies, or analyses of any kind concerning impacts affecting the quality of the human environment. To ensure that your comments are timely and properly recorded, please submit your comments so that the Commission receives them in Washington, DC on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 11, 2022. Further details on how to submit comments are provided in the 
                    *Public Participation*
                     section of this notice. As mentioned above, during the pre-filing process, the Commission opened a scoping period which expired on May 27, 2021; however, Commission staff continued to accept comments during the entire pre-filing process. Staff also held three virtual scoping sessions to take oral scoping comments. All substantive written and oral comments provided during pre-filing will be addressed in the EIS. Therefore, if you submitted comments on this Project to the Commission during the pre-filing process in Docket No. PF21-1-000, you do not need to file those comments again. If you are a landowner receiving this notice, a pipeline company representative may contact you about the acquisition of an easement to construct, operate, and maintain the proposed pipeline facilities. The company would seek to negotiate a mutually acceptable easement agreement. You are not required to enter into an agreement. However, if the Commission approves the Project, the Natural Gas Act conveys the right of eminent domain to the company. Therefore, if you and the company do not reach an easement agreement, the pipeline company could initiate condemnation proceedings in court. In such instances, compensation would be determined by a judge in accordance with state law. The Commission does not grant, exercise, or oversee the exercise of eminent domain authority. The courts have exclusive authority to handle eminent domain cases; the Commission has no jurisdiction over these matters. CP2 LNG and CP Express provided landowners with a fact sheet prepared by the FERC entitled “An Interstate Natural Gas Facility On My Land? What Do I Need To Know?” which addresses typically asked questions, including the use of eminent domain and how to participate in the Commission's proceedings. This fact sheet along with other landowner topics of interest are available for viewing on the FERC website (
                    *www.ferc.gov*) under the Natural Gas Questions or Landowner Topics link. Public Participation There are three methods you can use to submit your comments to the Commission. The Commission encourages electronic filing of comments and has staff available to assist you at (866) 208-3676 or 
                    *FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov.*
                     Please carefully follow these instructions so that your comments are properly recorded. (1) You can file your comments electronically using the 
                    *eComment*
                     feature, which is located on the Commission's website (
                    *www.ferc.gov*) under the link to FERC Online. Using eComment is an easy method for submitting brief, text-only comments on a project; (2) You can file your comments electronically by using the 
                    *eFiling*
                     feature, which is also located on the Commission's website (
                    *www.ferc.gov*) under the link to FERC Online. With eFiling, you can provide comments in a variety of formats by attaching them as a file with your submission. New eFiling users must first create an account by clicking on “
                    *eRegister.*
                    ” You will be asked to select the type of filing you are making; a comment on a particular project is considered a “Comment on a Filing”; or (3) You can file a paper copy of your comments by mailing them to the Commission. Be sure to reference the project docket number (CP22-21-000 and CP22-22-000) on your letter. Submissions sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be addressed to: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street 
                    ( print page 8581)
                    NE, Room 1A, Washington, DC 20426. Submissions sent via any other carrier must be addressed to: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 12225 Wilkins Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20852. Additionally, 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. Summary of the Proposed Project, the Project Purpose and Need, and Expected Impacts CP2 LNG plans to construct and operate a new 20 million tonnes per annum liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal in Cameron Parish, Louisiana. The liquefaction and storage facilities would be on the mainland, while the ship loading and associated facilities would be constructed on Monkey Island between Calcasieu Pass and the Calcasieu Ship Channel (collectively referred to as the LNG terminal). CP Express would construct and operate approximately 85 miles of new 48-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline originating in Jasper County, Texas and terminating at the proposed LNG terminal. In addition, a 6-mile-long, 24-inch-diameter lateral pipeline and 187,000-horsepower (hp) Moss Lake Compressor Station would be constructed in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. The pipeline facilities would be capable of transporting 4 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day to the LNG terminal. CP2 LNG and CP Express would construct the Project in two phases; Phase 1 would consist of construction of the pipelines, 69,600-hp compression at the Moss Lake Compressor Station, the LNG terminal marine loading berths, and about half of the LNG terminal facilities. Phase 2 would consist of the remaining 117,400-hp compression at the compressor station and the remaining LNG terminal facilities. According to CP2 LNG, its Project would transport domestically produced natural gas for liquefaction, storage, and export to overseas markets. According to CP Express, its Project would create the firm transportation capacity needed to transport the quantity of feed gas required for the proposed LNG export operations from supply points to the LNG terminal facilities. The Project would consist of the following facilities: A liquefaction plant consisting of 18 liquefaction blocks and support facilities, each with a nameplate capacity of 1.1 million tonnes per annum;
six pretreatment systems;
four 200,000 cubic meter full containment LNG storage tanks;
carbon capture and sequestration facilities;
a combined-cycle natural gas turbine power plant capable of generating 1,440 megawatts;
two LNG loading docks;
two marine berths capable of receiving ocean-going LNG carriers;
two 42-inch outside diameter cryogenic LNG transfer lines, one boil-off-gas pipeline, and one utility line connecting the marine facilities on Monkey Island to the mainland LNG terminal site;
one 85.4-mile-long, 48-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline;
one 6.0-mile-long, 24-inch-diameter natural gas lateral pipeline;
one new 187,000-hp compressor station near Moss Lake, Louisiana;
five meter stations at interconnects with existing pipelines;
a gas gate station within the LNG terminal site; and
other appurtenant facilities. The general location of the Project facilities is shown in appendix 1.[1] Based on the environmental information provided by CP2 LNG and CP Express, construction of the proposed facilities would disturb about 737.3 acres for the LNG terminal and 1,724.3 acres of land for the pipeline and associated aboveground facilities. Following construction, CP2 LNG and CP Express would maintain about 645.4 acres for operation of the LNG terminal and 606.6 acres for operation of the pipeline and associated aboveground facilities. CP2 LNG and CP Express would restore the remaining acreage to former uses. About 44 percent of the proposed pipeline route parallels existing pipeline, utility, or road rights-of-way. Based on an initial review of CP2 LNG and CP Express' proposal and public comments received during the pre-filing process, Commission staff have identified several expected impacts that deserve attention in the EIS. Construction and operation of the LNG terminal and marine facilities would result in impacts on waterbodies and wetlands due to crossings, permanent fill, and dredging, as well as impacts on visual resources, noise and air quality. The Project pipeline and associated aboveground facilities would result in impacts on waterbodies, wetlands, cropland, and forested land, as well as noise and air quality. In addition to these Project impacts, landowners along the route may also be affected by construction and operation of other proposed residential, road improvement, and utility projects. We have identified five environmental justice communities that could be affected by the Project. Individuals within these communities have been included on the Commission's environmental mailing list for the Project, as further explained in the 
                    *Environmental Mailing List*
                     section of this notice. The NEPA Process and the EIS The EIS issued by the Commission will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of the construction and operation of the proposed Project under the relevant general resource areas: Geology and soils;
water resources and wetlands;
vegetation and wildlife;
threatened and endangered species;
cultural resources;
land use;
socioeconomics and environmental justice populations;
air quality and noise; and
reliability and safety. Commission staff will also make recommendations on how to lessen or avoid impacts on the various resource areas. Your comments will help Commission staff focus its analysis on the issues that may have a significant effect on the human environment. The EIS will present Commission staff's independent analysis of the issues. The U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and National Marine Fisheries Service are cooperating agencies in the preparation of the EIS.[2]
                    
                     Staff will prepare a draft EIS which will be issued for public comment. Commission staff will consider all timely comments received during the comment period on the draft EIS and revise the document, as necessary, 
                    ( print page 8582)
                    before issuing a final EIS. Any draft and final EIS will be available in electronic format in the public record through eLibrary [3]
                    
                     and the Commission's natural gas environmental documents web page (
                    *https://www.ferc.gov/​industries-data/​natural-gas/​environment/​environmental-documents*). If eSubscribed, you will receive instant email notification when the environmental document is issued. Alternatives Under Consideration The EIS will evaluate reasonable alternatives that are technically and economically feasible and meet the purpose and need for the proposed action.[4]
                    
                     Alternatives currently under consideration include: The no-action alternative, meaning the Project is not implemented;
LNG terminal site alternatives;
pipeline system alternatives;
pipeline route alternatives; and
compressor station aboveground facility site alternatives. With this notice, the Commission requests specific comments regarding any additional potential alternatives to the proposed action or segments of the proposed action. Please focus your comments on reasonable alternatives (including alternative facility sites and pipeline routes) that meet the Project objectives, are technically and economically feasible, and avoid or lessen environmental impact. Consultation Under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act In accordance with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's implementing regulations for section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the Commission initiated section 106 consultation for the Project in the notice issued on April 27, 2021, with the applicable State Historic Preservation Office, and other government agencies, interested Indian tribes, and the public to solicit their views and concerns regarding the Project's potential effects on historic properties.[5]
                    
                     This notice is a continuation of section 106 consultation for the Project. The Project EIS will document findings on the impacts on historic properties and summarize the status of consultations under section 106. Schedule for Environmental Review On December 16, 2021, the Commission issued its Notice of Application for the Project. Among other things, that notice alerted other agencies issuing federal authorizations of the requirement to complete all necessary reviews and to reach a final decision on the request for a federal authorization within 90 days of the date of issuance of the Commission staff's final EIS for the Project. This notice identifies the Commission staff's planned schedule for completion of the final EIS for the Project, which is based on an issuance of the draft EIS in July 2022. Issuance of Notice of Availability of the final EIS—February 10, 2023 90-day Federal Authorization Decision Deadline [6]
                    —May 11, 2023 If a schedule change becomes necessary for the final EIS, an additional notice will be provided so that the relevant agencies are kept informed of the Project's progress. Permits and Authorizations The table below lists the anticipated permits and authorizations for the Project required under federal law. This list may not be all-inclusive and does not preclude any permit or authorization if it is not listed here. Agencies with jurisdiction by law and/or special expertise may formally cooperate in the preparation of the Commission's EIS and may adopt the EIS to satisfy its NEPA responsibilities related to this Project. Agencies that would like to request cooperating agency status should follow the instructions for filing comments provided under the 
                    *Public Participation*
                     section of this notice. Agency
PermitFERC
Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act.
                             Section 7 of the Natural Gas Act.U.S. Department of Energy
Authorization to export LNG by vessel to Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and non-FTA nations.U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
                             Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act.U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act Consultation.National Marine Fisheries Service
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act Consultation.
                             Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Management Act Consultation. 
                             Marine Mammal Protection Act Consultation.Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
Title V and Prevention of Significant Deterioration of the Clean Air Act.
                             Section 401 Water Quality Certification.Railroad Commission of Texas
Section 401 Water Quality Certification.Louisiana Department of Natural Resources
Coastal Use Permit.Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.Texas Historical Commission
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.Federal Aviation Administration
Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration of Navigable Airspace.
 Environmental Mailing List This notice is being sent to the Commission's current environmental mailing list for the Project which includes federal, state, and local government representatives and agencies; elected officials; environmental and public interest groups; Native American Tribes; other interested parties; and local libraries and newspapers. This list also includes all affected landowners (as defined in 
                    ( print page 8583)
                    the Commission's regulations) who are potential right-of-way grantors, whose property may be used temporarily for Project purposes, or who own homes within certain distances of aboveground facilities, and anyone who submits comments on the Project and includes a mailing address with their comments. Commission staff will update the environmental mailing list as the analysis proceeds to ensure that Commission notices related to this environmental review are sent to all individuals, organizations, and government entities interested in and/or potentially affected by the proposed Project. State and local government representatives should notify their constituents of this proposed project and encourage them to comment on their areas of concern. If you need to make changes to your name/address, or if you would like to remove your name from the mailing list, please complete one of the following steps: (1) Send an email to 
                    *GasProjectAddressChange@ferc.gov*
                     stating your request. You must include the docket number CP22-21-000 and CP22-22-000 in your request. If you are requesting a change to your address, please be sure to include your name and the correct address. If you are requesting to delete your address from the mailing list, please include your name and address as it appeared on this notice. This email address is unable to accept comments. *OR* (2) Return the attached “Mailing List Update Form” (appendix 2). Additional Information Additional information about the Project is available from the Commission's Office of External Affairs, at (866) 208-FERC, or on the FERC website at 
                    *www.ferc.gov*
                     using the eLibrary link. Click on the eLibrary link, click on “General Search” and enter the docket number in the “Docket Number” field, excluding the last three digits (
                    *i.e.,*
                     CP22-21 and CP22-22). Be sure you have selected an appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at 
                    *FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov*
                     or (866) 208-3676, or for TTY, contact (202) 502-8659. The eLibrary link also provides access to the texts of all formal documents issued by the Commission, such as orders, notices, and rulemakings. Public sessions or site visits will be posted on the Commission's calendar located at 
                    *https://www.ferc.gov/​news-events/​events*
                     along with other related information. Dated: February 9, 2022. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary.


# Footnotes

1.
    
                         The appendices referenced in this notice will not appear in the 
                        **Federal Register**
                        . Copies of the appendices were sent to all those receiving this notice in the mail and are available at 
                        *www.ferc.gov*
                         using the link called “eLibrary”. For instructions on connecting to eLibrary, refer to the last page of this notice. At this time, the Commission has suspended access to the Commission's Public Reference Room due to the proclamation declaring a National Emergency concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), issued by the President on March 13, 2020. For assistance, contact FERC at 
                        *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov*
                         or call toll free, (886) 208-3676 or TTY (202) 502-8659. Back to Citation
 2.
    
                         The Council on Environmental Quality regulations addressing cooperating agency responsibilities are at Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 1501.8. (2021). Back to Citation
 3.
    
                         For instructions on connecting to eLibrary, refer to the last page of this notice. Back to Citation
 4.
    
                         40 CFR 1508.1(z). Back to Citation
 5.
    
                         The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's regulations are at Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 800. Those regulations define historic properties as any prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure, or object included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Back to Citation
 6.
    
                         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. Back to Citation


[FR Doc. 2022-03214 Filed 2-14-22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P