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Last week, APGA joined a letter in support of Spire STL Pipeline's request to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for continued operation of its pipeline. The pipeline is critical energy infrastructure whose operation is needed for American homes and businesses to have continued access to affordable and reliable natural gas.

Earlier this summer, for the first time, a federal court of appeals vacated the Spire's STL Pipeline FERC certificate order, finding that the order was deficient because it, among other things, failed to adequately balance public benefits and adverse impacts. The court’s order removed the pipeline’s authority to operate, despite it being fully operational for about two years.

The case has been remanded to FERC for appropriate action, but Spire has also requested rehearing of the court’s decision. Concurrently, Spire submitted a request to FERC for a temporary certificate application. Several other trade associations including the American Gas Association, Consumer Energy Alliance, and Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO also joined in support of Spire’s request. In a filing to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Spire indicated concern that it might have to implement a curtailment plan through the winter months if the STL pipeline was not permitted to continue operations. FERC has yet to make a decision on Spire’s request.

For questions on this article, please contact Renée Lani of APGA staff by phone at 202-464-0836 or by email at rlani@apga.org.