Offshore LNG not affected by Energy Bill

Despite cries from LNG opponents, legislation going through Congress would not grant FERC authority over off-shore siting decisions:

Congressional aides involved in drafting the House legislation and a similar bill still under consideration in the Senate say offshore facilities would not be affected by either proposal.

Offshore terminals in federal waters fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard and the federal Maritime Administration. LNG facilities built on land are under the control of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Both bills would give FERC the final say on onshore facilities but would not affect the Coast Guard's or the Maritime Administration's authority over offshore terminals, supporters say.