Last week, APGA staff presented to the Process Gas Consumers Group (PGCG). The conversation started with details on the trade association’s advocacy priorities for 2023. Then, there was specific discussion on the goal to reform Section 5 of the Natural Gas Act, an issue where the PGCG can be an ally. Parity between the Federal Power Act and the Natural Gas Act, through Section 5 reform, will benefit APGA and PGCG members, as it will give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) similar ability to hear complaints and issue refunds for “unjust and unreasonable” natural gas transmission rates.
As well, APGA staff had a discussion on the need to protect gas consumers, both the communities public gas utilities serve and industries that are represented by PGCG members, through construction of more infrastructure. There is much discussion on Capitol Hill around permitting reform. Also, several agencies within President Biden’s Administration, specifically the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), are working on rulemakings that could make it harder to build pipelines.
PGCG members represent a broad cross-section of U.S. industry, particularly in terms of goods produced, including metals, cars, textiles, chemicals, glass, fertilizer, and other manufactured products. It is critical that natural gas continues to be part of PGCG member operations to ensure that they can reliably provide the products Americans need. Plus, these companies provide millions of jobs and benefit the economy here in the U.S. APGA looks forward to collaborating with the PGCG on advocacy efforts to reform Section 5 and through engaging administration officials on practical permitting policies.
For questions on this article, please contact Stuart Saulters of APGA staff by phone at 202-544-1334 or by email at ssaulters@apga.org.