They are vital to the U.S. economy. Generally, the regulatory process for a major project involves two steps. The FERC may issue a preliminary determination based upon its evaluation of non-environmental issues, such as rates and project need. After assessing the environmental aspects of the project, the FERC then will issue a final order approving the project and establishing appropriate environmental mitigation conditions that must be met. Once a pipeline company files for a certificate to construct a pipeline project, the FERC requires that environmental studies and public meetings be conducted.
Interested parties have an opportunity to express their views.
The FERC may then approve the pipeline, with or without modifications, or reject it. Integral to this process are the discussions that take place with landowners along the proposed route. The GSX project team will meet with each landowner along the proposed route in the U.S. to identify concerns, determine a fair market value for an easement, and identify ways to mitigate the impact to landowners' property. The FERC examines the potential environmental impact as well as the project's impact on local landowners and communities. The FERC uses an outside consultant to evaluate the environmental impact of the project and to prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment which addresses these issues.