Comité Diálogo Ambiental has challenged FERC’s orders approving the construction and operation of the Aguirre Offshore GasPort, a floating LNG regasification terminal proposed off the southern coast of Puerto Rico.
In its filing with the Court of Appeals, the petitioner claims that although the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, acknowledges the adverse impacts the LNG project could have on the protected species it has granted its approval.
The commission further noted that a formal section 7 consultation should be held.
However, Comité Diálogo Ambiental stresses that under the section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, regulators are required to consult with wildlife agencies “before authorizing any action that may affect protected species.”
Petitioners added that in order to avoid “irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources that might foreclose reasonable and prudent alternatives” being made by FERC or Excelerate Energy and Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), consultation must take place before authorizing any further action.
FERC took the position that under the section 3 of the Natural Gas Act, it is allowed to postpone consultation until after it has approved construction and operation of the facility.
The project will provide fuel to PREPA’s Central Aguirre power plant as the island turns away from using oil for power generation.
The facility will consist of a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) with a baseload capacity of 500 mmscf/d, minimal infrastructure to moor the vessel, and a subsea pipeline to deliver the gas onshore.
LNG World News Staff