Full Title: Regional Planning for Just and Reasonable Rates: Reforming Gas Pipeline Review
Author(s): Libby Dimenstein and Burçin Ünel
Publisher(s): Institute for Policy Integrity - New York University School of Law
Publication Date: January 19, 2024
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Description (excerpt):
Relying on economic theory, legal history, and policy analysis, this paper— published in the Columbia Journal of Environmental Law— makes the case for FERC’s adoption of regional gas transmission planning. It begins by describing the status quo and articulating why FERC’s current process is economically inefficient. In doing so, it draws parallels between gas and electricity transmission planning and describes how FERC treats the two activities inconsistently. They then explain why, under two provisions of the Natural Gas Act, FERC possesses both the legal authority and obligation to require regional planning. Finally, they envision how FERC might conduct gas transmission planning going forward, encouraging FERC to account for increasing electrification efforts and to plan for gas and electricity transmission in tandem.