Opinion ID: 202990
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: FERC's Denial of Appellant's Motion to Reopen the Record

Text: When FERC denies a petition to reopen a case record, we review its decision for abuse of discretion. E. Carolinas Broad. Co. v. FCC, 762 F.2d 95, 103 (D.C.Cir.1985) ([We] normally reverse an agency's decision not to reopen the record only for abuse of discretion.). We generally uphold a federal agency's decision not to reopen a record or hearing based on changed circumstances or newly available information unless it clearly appear[s] that the new evidence would compel or persuade . . . a contrary result. Id. (quoting Friends of the River v. FERC, 720 F.2d 93, 98 n. 6 (D.C.Cir.1983)). We find that FERC did not abuse its discretion in denying to reopen the record due to the changes in the applicable dredging regulations and the status of the old Brightman Street Bridge. While the changes in dredging regulations are likely to delay project completion, FERC has denied that the anticipated project completion date of 2010 was a controlling factor in its conditional project approval. Thus, it is not clear that the change in the dredging regulations would compel FERC to adopt a contrary result. Id. Likewise, we cannot conclude that the change in the status of the old Brightman Street Bridge would necessarily compel FERC to revoke the conditional project approval. Congress's prohibition of the demolition of the bridge will surely impact WCE's transit plan, but until the USCG determines the acceptable contours of that plan, FERC is not in a position to make an informed evaluation.