Government Oversight

Federal and state regulations mandate how natural gas transportation facilities are constructed and operated. Pipeline and measurement facilities like those planned for the High Plains Expansion Project fall within the primary oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

For facilities such as those proposed for the High Plains Expansion Project, the FERC authorizes the siting, construction, and operation of the facilities if they are determined necessary by the FERC to serve the public convenience and necessity.

Other factors and considerations will also be reviewed to ensure that the High Plains Expansion Project will be constructed and operated in accordance with applicable laws protecting environmental resources. These laws include the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and other environmental legislation. As the lead federal agency, the FERC will have the responsibility to assure compliance with these laws and the related regulations.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will work with the FERC to review the project for compliance with the Clean Water Act.

Once natural gas pipeline projects are permitted and become operational, safety is regulated, monitored, and enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation and its Office of Pipeline Safety under regulations of the 1968 Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act.