On October 15, 2026, FERC issued a draft policy statement proposing to no longer request air-dispersion modeling from natural gas project applicants and no longer rely on that modeling to assess operational air-quality effects under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Air-dispersion modeling estimates how pollutants disperse in the atmosphere and informs assessments of local air-quality impacts.
FERC states that its existing approach duplicates Clean Air Act permitting overseen by EPA and state agencies, and that the proposed change would accelerate reviews while allowing the Commission to fulfill its statutory obligations using other information. Commissioner Judy Chang dissented, arguing that removing the modeling would deprive FERC and the public of detailed information about potential air-quality impacts on surrounding communities and undermine the Commission’s obligations under NEPA and the Natural Gas Act.
Although the proposal does not expressly change greenhouse gas analysis, it would have the effect of accelerating approval of natural gas infrastructure, potentially facilitating development associated with additional greenhouse gas emissions.
Comments are due November 16, 2026. 91 Fed. Reg. 66328 (Oct. 20, 2026).