The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) announced a new proposal on Thursday aimed at accelerating the expansion of liquified natural gas (LNG) export terminals across the United States. Under the current regulatory framework, the timeline for reviewing expansion requests can be lengthy; the new proposal seeks to streamline this by limiting the window for public notice and formal protests to between 60 and 90 days.

FERC Chair Laura Swett, a Republican, indicated that the move is intended to increase efficiency in the energy sector. By reducing the duration of the comment and protest periods, the commission aims to provide more certainty for developers looking to increase the capacity of existing infrastructure. While the proposal focuses on expansions rather than the construction of entirely new terminals, the change is expected to have a significant impact on how quickly companies can scale up their export operations.

The proposal is now entering a period where it will be subject to public scrutiny and potential revisions before a final rule is adopted. Proponents of the change argue that it is a necessary step to maintain U.S. competitiveness in the global energy market and meet international demand for natural gas. Conversely, critics often argue that shortening public comment periods limits the ability of local communities and environmental groups to voice concerns regarding the potential impacts of expanded industrial activity. As the process moves forward, the commission will have to balance the goal of regulatory efficiency with the legal requirements for public participation.