Energy Regulator Pushed to Weigh Equity Over Natural Gas Needs

For months, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission touted work to open up its arcane dockets to stoke more public participation into project reviews and rulemakings as a major prong in its environmental justice efforts.

But the commission’s recent decisions to authorize natural gas projects have infuriated frontline communities, sparked lawsuits, and split the commission’s two Democratic members.

As FERC Chairman Willie Phillips, a Democrat, pledges to advance environmental justice policy, advocates are highlighting a tough reality for regulators: Increased public participation does not equate with outcomes many in the public want.

“What the community is really calling for is a ...