U.S. energy regulators walked back a much-debated policy that would take a harder look at natural gas infrastructure projects, inviting further public comment and promising to enforce it only on projects proposed after a policy is finalized.
The backtrack comes amid opposition from the gas industry and some members of Congress as the Russian invasion of Ukraine roils energy markets. It was the subject of a blistering hearing on Capitol Hill earlier this month, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) wrote Thursday the policy would cause a “chilling effect” on the industry as energy prices surge.
“I generally have ...