Groups File Petition for Review Challenging FERC’s Flawed Approval of CP2 LNG

Washington, DC - Today, Gulf Coast and environmental groups filed petitions for review challenging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s approval of Venture Global’s proposed CP2 LNG. In a 2-1 vote, FERC voted to approve the controversial liquified methane gas export project at its June meeting despite significant flaws in its analysis and information gaps in its review.

One petition was filed by Sierra Club with Healthy Gulf, Louisiana Bucket Brigade, Texas Campaign for the Environment, and Turtle Island Restoration Network. These groups contend that FERC understated and failed to properly consider the cumulative impacts of air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental justice, and the impacts on endangered species, like the Rice's whale, violating both the Natural Gas Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.

Last week, FERC allowed a 30 day deadline to respond to a request for rehearing to pass without a response, which now allows FERC's approval of CP2 LNG to be appealed. Under FERC's own regulations, Venture Global cannot start construction on the facility until FERC acts on the rehearing request, or for 90 days, whichever comes first.

In the time since FERC issued its authorization of CP2 multiple gas and LNG projects have been vacated or sent back to FERC for review after the court found that FERC must fully and adequately assess the cumulative and direct environmental and health impacts that would be caused by air pollution. 

A separate petition challenging FERC’s approval was filed by a coalition of landowners, fishers, and other environmental groups. 

In reaction, Gulf Coast and environmental groups released the following statements: 

Sierra Club Senior Attorney Nathan Matthews said: “In recent weeks, federal courts have repeatedly affirmed that methods like FERC used here are inadequate and unlawful. We think the Court will find, once again, that FERC did not do its job. If FERC had, it would have realized that Venture Global’s CP2 LNG project is contrary to the public interest and that the permit should be denied. LNG export facilities like CP2 are dangerous, super-polluters that have no place in our neighborhoods or in a livable climate future."

Louisiana Bucket Brigade Director Anne Rolfes said: “Venture Global already has one gas export facility operating on the coast of Louisiana, and it is an unmitigated disaster. The operational problems are visible to anyone who looks at the plant. For the last week the facility has been flaring and smoking. If FERC won’t reconsider granting approval for this company - one with such a terrible track record - then you have to wonder what the hell is the point of FERC. Venture Global is a nightmare for Louisiana and for the planet.”

Ocean Program Director for Turtle Island Restoration Network Joanie Steinhaus said: “For the past 20 years, FERC has approved 99.4 % of the proposed LNG facilities. They continue to ignore the cumulative impact on the fence-line communities, destruction of critical habitat and the greenhouse gas emissions accelerating climate change. We are hopeful the court will recognize the existing pollution and hazards to people and place, the flaws in approval of CP2, and stop construction of this facility.”

Executive Director of Texas Campaign for the Environment Robin Schneider said: “Louisiana and Texas are ground zero for methane gas export build-out and enough is enough. The communities where these facilities are located have experienced high levels of benzene pollution, constant flares illuminating the skies night and day - and even an explosion. These facilities completely undermine efforts to stop climate pollution. It’s past time for FERC to do its job and stop permitting these facilities - especially CP2 which would be a behemoth.”

Executive Director of Healthy Gulf Martha Collins said: Healthy Gulf is demanding FERC thoroughly evaluate the severe impacts of CP2 on local communities and the coastal environment. FERC’s decision to approve this permit is reckless and dismissive of the threats to people in vulnerable coastal areas and our vital wetlands. Alongside our partners, we’re calling for the immediate denial of this permit and for FERC to stop prioritizing methane gas exports over the health and safety of our environment and communities.” 
 

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