Illustration: Gabriella Turrisi / Axios
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum is urging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to remove two barriers to building out natural gas pipelines.
Why it matters: Letters from a Cabinet secretary backing a natural gas trade association in FERC dockets are unusual. It further demonstrates the White House's willingness to wade into independent agencies' business.
Zoom in: Burgum, citing his role as chair of the National Energy Dominance Council, wrote to FERC Chair Mark Christie that a 2021 order is "fundamentally inconsistent" with the Trump administration's priorities.
- The order prevents gas developers from starting construction on projects until requests for rehearing at the commission are settled.
- The Interstate National Gas Association of America (INGAA) filed an emergency petition at FERC in April asking for a temporary lift of that order.
- Burgum also wrote a letter requesting the commission grant another INGAA emergency request to temporarily lift cost limits required to obtain FERC blanket approvals for gas projects.
Burgum's letters are dated April 30; FERC posted them late Monday.
What he's saying: In responses to both letters, Christie assured Burgum it was a priority to remove "barriers to the construction of needed energy infrastructure, specifically natural gas infrastructure such as pipelines and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities."
Flashback: Former DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm wrote FERC in 2023 in support of the Mountain Valley Pipeline.
What's next: Christie said he couldn't announce a specific date for FERC action or prejudge an outcome.
- But he told Burgum his letter would be "given the fullest consideration" and that he would "recognize the importance of prompt action on this matter."
