releases: https://olson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/olson-applauds-passage-of-his-bill-to-address-ferc-backlog-to-improve
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://olson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/olson-applauds-passage-of-his-bill-to-address-ferc-backlog-to-improve | Olson Applauds Passage of His Bill to Address FERC Backlog to Improve Federal Review of LNG Export Terminals | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Pete Olson | O000168 | olson.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) today announced that the House passed his bill H.R. 1426, the Timely Review of Infrastructure Act. This bill allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to address a shortage of regulators to review pending energy infrastructure projects like the LNG export terminals in Texas and Louisiana. Salary is a critical component in deciding where to work and the private sector can pay significantly higher salaries, leaving a shortage of regulators to review the viability of projects creating a backlog. This bill allows FERC to pay competitive salaries to ensure the oversight and review process can continue in a timely manner. America's dominance as an energy supplier continues to thrive, reducing allies reliance on hostile regimes around the world, Olson said. However, we struggle to meet the growing international demand for American energy due to barriers in the approval process by the federal government. FERC faces a serious backlog of projects awaiting approval, grinding the process almost to a halt. Our bill will allow FERC to remain competitive and attract high quality talent for specialized energy jobs to address this backlog and get energy to those who need it. Our Texas and American-made energy should be processed and shipped to markets that demand it. I thank my House colleagues for passing this bill and hope the Senate acts in a swift manner to pass this critical legislation. If the United States wants to continue to be a leader in energy production, it must ensure that new domestic projects are quickly approved with strong safety and environmental protections, Rep. Mike Doyle said. Unfortunately, the engineers that FERC needs to review the applications for new energy projects are in such great demand that normal federal government pay scales can't compete with the salaries offered in the private sector. If we want FERC to ensure that these facilities and projects include the necessary safeguards to protect nearby communities and the environment, then we have to make the pay for the engineers who review the applications more competitive. That's why I worked with Pete Olson to draft this legislation, and why I'm very pleased that the House passed it today. Our thriving American energy economy requires natural gs infrastructure, and that's why I've long supported this critical legislation, which will help FERC recruit and retain the skilled staff we need to process applications for key projects like liquefied natural gas export terminals, FERC Commissioner Neil Chatterjee said. Representatives Pete Olson and Mike Doyle and Senator Cassidy have shown tremendous leadership on this issue, and I laud their bipartisan efforts to support FERC and its mission. U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Cory Gardner (R-CO) have introduced similar legislation in the Senate. FERC's backlog of applications for these infrastructure projects is standing in the way of good-paying jobs for Louisiana families, Sen. Bill Cassidy said. FERC needs the expertise and manpower to speed up the review process and end long wait times for new natural gas terminals that benefit Louisiana workers and their families. Background: Under H.R. 1426, the Commission would have to consult with OPM to determine appropriate salaries. They would only be able to offer higher salaries for positions/roles where they can confirm a critical need, and would have to review that decision every five years. Under this bill, FERC is also required to submit a report to Congress with related job vacancies and compensation. Further, this bill is technology neutral and will help FERC adapt to changing needs in the future. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |