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Energy & Utilities Principal Doug Canter Analyzes FERC's Proposed Pipeline Modernization Policy for EnergyCentral

In a December 23 article for EnergyCentral, Principal Douglas Canter of the Firm's Energy & Utilities Practice Group takes a detailed look at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) proposed natural gas pipeline modernization policy. 

In the article, "New modernization policy for natural gas pipelines could impact investors and consumers," Mr. Canter explains that, if it moves forward, "the policy will give interstate natural gas pipelines advance cost approval to replace and upgrade old pipeline and compressors in order to meet federal and state safety and environmental requirements." 

He goes on to say: 

"The proposed modernization policy does not limit itself to existing safety and environmental requirements. The proposed framework addresses a number of anticipated federal and state safety and environmental rules. For example, the policy proposal references anticipated PHMSA requirements pursuant to the Pipeline Safety Act. That law, in combination with PHMSA's preexisting initiatives to enhance pipeline safety, requires the Department of Transportation to take a number of regulatory actions that FERC believes will likely lead to new interstate natural gas pipeline safety requirements and capital costs associated with compliance."