Divisive Gas Reviews Pose Early Test for New FERC Commissioners

The three new members of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission could shift how the panel reviews natural gas pipelines and liquefied natural gas terminals amid a struggle between industry and environmental groups over the benefits and costs.

Industry says the projects are more needed now than ever to meet the growing electricity demand. But environmental groups have pressed FERC to reject new natural gas infrastructure because of the climate change impacts of locking in fossil fuels for decades to come.

The new commissioners—Democrats David Rosner and Judy Chang and Republican Lindsay See—will wade into the divisive issue following their smooth ...