Oct 21, 2019 Natural Gas Council letter Re: Updating Regulations on Water Quality Certification
“Dear Administrator Wheeler:
The Natural Gas Council submits this letter in response to the proposed rule published by the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) on August 22, 2019, that proposes to update and clarify the substantive and procedural requirements for water quality certification under
Clean Water Act (“CWA”) Section 401. As representatives of the full spectrum of the natural gas industry—producers, suppliers, pipelines and local gas utilities—the members of the Natural Gas Council support EPA’s efforts to restore a level of predictability and balance to the
permitting of natural gas infrastructure. Providing guidance and instruction on the appropriate process by which Section 401 is implemented is critical for the development of natural gas infrastructure.
The United States is the leading natural gas producer in the world. Greater use of natural gas in the United States and abroad, through liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, has yielded tremendous benefits to our economy. One of the central elements in realizing the full value of natural gas produced in the United States is the continued development of a robust natural gas infrastructure along the entire value chain so that natural gas can be delivered wherever and whenever it is needed. The need for new energy infrastructure has never been more important because its development delivers countless opportunities to communities across America. Moving all energy resources safely, affordably, efficiently, and reliably requires a modern and highly interconnected system and delays in permitting projects, such as natural gas infrastructure projects, hinders the advancement of critical infrastructure…”
