Rio Grande LNG, LLC; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Carbon Capture and Sequestration System Amendment, and Notice of Public Scoping Sessions, 55415-55418 [2022-19474]

Download as PDF jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 174 / Friday, September 9, 2022 / Notices areas, which has led to unintentional public intrusions onto YPG. The requested withdrawal area extends to SR 95. This would establish the highway as a distinct physical landmark for the YPG boundary, thereby improving public safety. In addition to the proposed action, the LEIS will analyze a range of alternatives, including a no-action alternative under which there would be no additional land withdrawal and YPG would not expand its capability. While the proposed action entails a withdrawal of land for an indefinite period, action alternatives could include the withdrawal and reservation of land for a shorter duration (e.g., 25 years). The Army will analyze potential environmental impacts resulting from the withdrawal of land from BLM oversight and from expanding military capability within the withdrawn area. The Army will cover possible impacts to biological and cultural resources in a separate NEPA analysis before training and testing begin. The withdrawal could impact recreational activities that occasionally take place on the BLM-managed land proposed for withdrawal. Recreational use of the area is currently allowed, but if Congress withdraws and reserves this land for YPG, public use would be subject to the terms of the relevant legislation and applicable Army regulations, procedures, and management plans. Thus, public use would likely be restricted in some manner. The LEIS will also identify mitigation measures that would reduce or eliminate any adverse impacts resulting from the transfer of this land to the Army’s administrative control. The environmental analysis will include coordination with area Native American Tribes, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other federal, state, and local agencies. The Army is not aware of any federal or state permits or other approvals that would be required in conjunction with a legislative withdrawal or reservation. The Army is requesting the withdrawal of approximately 22,000 acres from all types of appropriation (such as mining claims) under federal public land laws. This administrative activity does not have the potential to cause effects to historic properties within the meaning of 36 CFR part 800.3(a)(1), and is not subject to further review under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The Army is the lead agency for the LEIS and BLM is a cooperating agency. As a cooperating agency, BLM will join the Army in the public comment VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:57 Sep 08, 2022 Jkt 256001 process. Both agencies will thereby fulfill their requirements to inform the public about the proposed action. Federal, state, and local agencies, Native American Tribes, private organizations, and the public are invited to participate in the public comment process for the LEIS by participating in a public scoping meeting(s) and/or by submitting written comments. The Army invites potential alternatives, information, and analyses relevant to the proposed action. To be considered, written comments must be sent no later than December 8, 2022. Comments may be mailed to Mr. Daniel Steward, Environmental Sciences Division, U.S. Army Garrison—Yuma Proving Ground, 301 C St., Bldg. 307, Yuma, AZ 85365, or emailed to usarmy.ypg.imcom.mbx.nepa@ army.mil. In response to the COVID–19 pandemic and to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for social distancing and avoiding large public gatherings, the Army will not hold in-person public scoping meetings. YPG will instead host two online/telephonic public scoping meetings 30 days after publication of this notice. Specific details regarding the public scoping meetings will be announced through local media and on the YPG LEIS website: https://ypgenvironmental.com/highway-95-landwithdrawal-leis/. Public scoping materials will also be posted to the YPG LEIS website. For those who do not have ready access to a computer or to the internet, hard copies of public scoping materials are available upon request. Any mailed requests for public scoping materials must be postmarked no later than September 29, 2022. The public will also be invited to review and comment on the Draft LEIS when it is released. Public comments will be considered before proposed legislation is presented to Congress and before any decision is made to implement the proposed action. Actual and estimated milestone dates are as follows: BLM published a Notice of Application for Withdrawal in the Federal Register on April 4, 2022; public meetings were held on June 7 and 8, 2022; BLM filed a Notice of Proposed Withdrawal in the Federal Register on June 30, 2022. LEIS public scoping meetings are to be held 30 days after publication of this Notice of Intent in the Federal Register; a 90-day public comment period regarding the Draft LEIS is expected to start in July 2023; PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 55415 and the Final LEIS is expected to be available in February 2024. James W. Satterwhite Jr., Army Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. 2022–19461 Filed 9–8–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3711–02–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP22–17–000] Rio Grande LNG, LLC; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Carbon Capture and Sequestration System Amendment, and Notice of Public Scoping Sessions The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) will prepare an environmental document that will discuss the environmental impacts of the Carbon Capture and Sequestration System Amendment (CCS System Amendment) involving construction and operation of facilities by Rio Grande LNG, LLC (Rio Grande) in Cameron County, Texas. Rio Grande’s CCS System Amendment was filed under section 3 of the Natural Gas Act as an amendment to its November 22, 2019 Authorization order for the Rio Grande LNG Terminal.1 The Commission will use this environmental document in its decision-making process to determine whether the CCS System Amendment is consistent with the public interest. This notice announces the opening of the scoping process the Commission will use to gather input from the public and interested agencies regarding the project amendment. As part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process, the Commission takes into account concerns the public may have about proposals and the environmental impacts that could result from its action whenever it considers the issuance of an authorization under Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act. This gathering of public input is referred to as ‘‘scoping.’’ The main goal of the scoping process is to focus the analysis in the environmental document on the important environmental issues. Additional information about the Commission’s NEPA process is described below in the NEPA Process and Environmental Document section of this notice. 1 Rio Grande LNG, LLC, 169 FERC ¶ 61,131 (2019), order on reh’g, 170 FERC ¶ 61,046 (2020). E:\FR\FM\09SEN1.SGM 09SEN1 55416 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 174 / Friday, September 9, 2022 / Notices By this notice, the Commission requests public comments on the scope of issues to address in the environmental document. To ensure that your comments are timely and properly recorded, please submit your comments so that the Commission receives them in Washington, DC on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, October 3, 2022. Comments may be submitted in written or oral form. Further details on how to submit comments are provided in the Public Participation section of this notice. Your comments should focus on the potential environmental effects, reasonable alternatives, and measures to avoid or lessen environmental impacts. Your input will help the Commission staff determine what issues they need to evaluate in the environmental document. Commission staff will consider all written or oral comments during the preparation of the environmental document. If you submitted comments on this project amendment to the Commission before the opening of this docket on November 17, 2021, you will need to file those comments in Docket No. CP22–17–000 to ensure they are considered as part of this proceeding. This notice is being sent to the Commission’s current environmental mailing list for this project amendment. State and local government representatives are encouraged to notify their constituents of this proposed project amendment and encourage them to comment on their areas of concern. Public Participation There are four methods you can use to submit your comments to the Commission. Please carefully follow these instructions so that your comments are properly recorded. The Commission encourages electronic filing of comments and has staff available to assist you at (866) 208–3676 or FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov. (1) You can file your comments electronically using the eComment feature, which is located on the Commission’s website (www.ferc.gov) under the link to FERC Online. Using eComment is an easy method for submitting brief, text-only comments on a project; (2) You can file your comments electronically by using the eFiling feature, which is located on the Commission’s website (www.ferc.gov) under the link to FERC Online. With eFiling, you can provide comments in a variety of formats by attaching them as a file with your submission. New eFiling users must first create an account by clicking on ‘‘eRegister.’’ You will be asked to select the type of filing you are making; a comment on a particular project is considered a ‘‘Comment on a Filing’’; (3) You can file a paper copy of your comments by mailing them to the Commission. Be sure to reference the project docket number (CP22–17–000) on your letter. Submissions sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be addressed to: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE, Room 1A, Washington, DC 20426. Submissions sent via any other carrier must be addressed to: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 12225 Wilkins Avenue, Rockville, MD 20852. (4) In lieu of sending written comments, the Commission invites you to attend one of the public scoping sessions its staff will conduct in the project area, scheduled as follows: Date and time Location jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES Tuesday, September 27, 2022. Session 1: 9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Session 2: 5:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m. (local time) The primary goal of these scoping sessions is to have you identify the specific environmental issues and concerns that should be considered in the environmental document. Individual oral comments will be taken on a one-on-one basis with a court reporter. This format is designed to receive the maximum amount of oral comments in a convenient way during the timeframe allotted. Spanish-English translation services will be provided. Scoping sessions are scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Central time. Entrance into the facility will begin at the start time of each meeting. There will not be a formal or opening presentation by Commission staff for either session. If you wish to speak, the Commission staff will hand out numbers in the order of your arrival. Please see appendix 1 for additional information on the session format and conduct.2 2 The appendices referenced in this notice will not appear in the Federal Register. Copies of the appendices were sent to all those receiving this notice in the mail and are available at www.ferc.gov using the link called ‘‘eLibrary.’’ For instructions on connecting to eLibrary, refer to the last page of this VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:57 Sep 08, 2022 Jkt 256001 Port Isabel Event and Cultural Center, 309 E Railroad Avenue, Port Isabel, TX 78578, 956–943–0720. Your scoping comments will be recorded by a court reporter (with FERC staff or representative present) and become part of the public record for this proceeding. Transcripts will be publicly available on FERC’s eLibrary system (see the last page of this notice for instructions on using eLibrary). If a significant number of people are interested in providing oral comments in the one-on-one settings, a time limit of 3 minutes may be implemented for each commentor. Although there will not be a formal presentation, Commission staff will be available throughout the scoping session to answer your questions about the environmental review process. It is important to note that the Commission provides equal consideration to all comments received, notice. At this time, the Commission has suspended access to the Commission’s Public Reference Room due to the proclamation declaring a National Emergency concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID–19), issued by the President on March 13, 2020. For assistance, contact FERC at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or call toll free, (886) 208–3676 or TTY (202) 502–8659. PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 whether filed in written form or provided orally at a scoping session. Additionally, the Commission offers a free service called eSubscription which makes it easy to stay informed of all issuances and submittals regarding the dockets/projects to which you subscribe. These instant email notifications are the fastest way to receive notification and provide a link to the document files which can reduce the amount of time you spend researching proceedings. Go to https:// www.ferc.gov/ferc-online/overview to register for eSubscription. Summary of the Proposed Project Amendment Rio Grande proposes to construct and operate a carbon capture and sequestration system (CCS System) for incorporation into the design of its Rio Grande LNG Terminal Project that was previously approved by the Commission in Docket No. CP16–454–000. According to Rio Grande, the proposed CCS System Amendment would enable Rio Grande to capture a minimum of 90 percent of the carbon dioxide produced at the Rio Grande LNG Terminal, which E:\FR\FM\09SEN1.SGM 09SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 174 / Friday, September 9, 2022 / Notices jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES would then be transported via a proposed pipeline (which would not be under FERC jurisdiction) to a nearby underground geologic formation for sequestration. This pipeline and sequestration of carbon dioxide in the geologic formation would require permits from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and relevant Texas agencies via EPA’s underground injection control Class VI permitting regime for geologic sequestration. The CCS System Amendment would consist of the following facility modifications, components, and equipment at the approved but as yet unbuilt Rio Grande LNG Terminal: • a post-combustion capture system for the exhaust flue gas of the Rio Grande LNG Terminal’s main refrigerant gas turbine compressors; • the re-routing of the Rio Grande LNG Terminal’s acid gas removal unit vent stream from a thermal oxidizer to a sequestration compressor; • the addition of a sequestration compressor to the combined gas streams from the post-combustion capture system and acid gas removal unit to meet an interface with a carbon dioxide sequestration pipeline; • modifications to the Rio Grande LNG Terminal utility design to accommodate CCS System equipment, such as various heat exchangers, pumps, compressors, blowers, tanks, filters, and similar equipment; and • a hot oil system, including a waste heat recovery unit and distribution components. In addition, the CCS System Amendment would consist of a carbon sequestration pipeline, which would extend from the Rio Grande LNG Terminal site to a geologic sequestration formation. The location of the Rio Grande LNG Terminal site, where the FERC-jurisdictional CCS System Amendment facilities are proposed, is shown in appendix 2. Although Rio Grande has not yet determined the location of the specific geological formation it would use, or the exact length and location of the sequestration pipeline, Rio Grande has indicated that it may co-locate the proposed CCS System pipeline along a portion of Rio Bravo Pipeline route (shown on the map in appendix 2), which was authorized in Docket No. CP16–455–000. Land Requirements for Construction Construction of the proposed CCS System Amendment facilities would disturb areas within the previously authorized Rio Grande LNG Terminal boundary, but would not result in new land requirements beyond that required for construction of the LNG Terminal VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:57 Sep 08, 2022 Jkt 256001 (Docket No. CP16–454–000). Rio Grande states that it has not finalized the planned non-jurisdictional CCS System pipeline and the associated land requirements along the planned the pipeline’s route. FERC staff’s environmental document will include the most current information about the planned non-jurisdictional pipeline based on publicly available information. Following construction, Rio Grande would not require any additional acreage for permanent operation of the FERC-jurisdictional CCS System Amendment facilities. NEPA Process and the Environmental Document Any environmental document issued by the Commission will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of the construction and operation of the proposed project amendment under the relevant general resource areas: • geology and soils; • water resources and wetlands; • vegetation and wildlife; • threatened and endangered species; • cultural resources; • land use; • socioeconomics and environmental justice; • air quality and noise; • reliability and safety; and • cumulative impacts. Commission staff will also evaluate reasonable alternatives to the proposed project amendment or portions of the project amendment and make recommendations on how to lessen or avoid impacts on the various resource areas. Your comments will help Commission staff identify and focus on the issues that might have an effect on the human environment and potentially eliminate others from further study and discussion in the environmental document. Following this scoping period, Commission staff will determine whether to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) or an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EA or the EIS will present Commission staff’s independent analysis of the issues. If Commission staff prepares an EA, a Notice of Schedule for the Preparation of an Environmental Assessment will be issued. The EA may be issued for an allotted public comment period. The Commission would consider timely comments on the EA before making its decision regarding the proposed project amendment. If Commission staff prepares an EIS, a Notice of Intent to Prepare an EIS/Notice of Schedule will be issued. Staff will then prepare a draft EIS which will be issued for public comment. Commission staff will PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 55417 consider all timely comments received during the comment period on the draft EIS and revise the document, as necessary, before issuing a final EIS. Any EA or draft and final EIS will be available in electronic format in the public record through eLibrary 3 and the Commission’s natural gas environmental documents web page (https://www.ferc.gov/industries-data/ natural-gas/environment/ environmental-documents). If eSubscribed, you will receive instant email notification when the environmental document is issued. With this notice, the Commission is asking agencies with jurisdiction by law and/or special expertise with respect to the environmental issues of this project amendment to formally cooperate in the preparation of the environmental document.4 Agencies that would like to request cooperating agency status should follow the instructions for filing comments provided under the Public Participation section of this notice. Consultation Under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act In accordance with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s implementing regulations for section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the Commission is using this notice to initiate consultation with the applicable State Historic Preservation Office(s), and to solicit their views and those of other government agencies, interested Indian tribes, and the public on the project amendment’s potential effects on historic properties.5 The environmental document for this project amendment will document findings on the impacts on historic properties and summarize the status of consultations under section 106. Environmental Mailing List The environmental mailing list includes federal, state, and local government representatives and agencies; elected officials; environmental and public interest groups; Native American Tribes; other interested parties; and local libraries and newspapers. This list also includes 3 For instructions on connecting to eLibrary, refer to the last page of this notice. 4 The Council on Environmental Quality regulations addressing cooperating agency responsibilities are at Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 1501.8. 5 The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s regulations are at Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 800. Those regulations define historic properties as any prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure, or object included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. E:\FR\FM\09SEN1.SGM 09SEN1 55418 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 174 / Friday, September 9, 2022 / Notices jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES all affected landowners (as defined in the Commission’s regulations) who are potential right-of-way grantors, whose property may be used temporarily for project purposes, or who own homes within certain distances of aboveground facilities, and anyone who submits comments on the project amendment and includes a mailing address with their comments. Commission staff will update the environmental mailing list as the analysis proceeds to ensure that Commission notices related to this environmental review are sent to all individuals, organizations, and government entities interested in and/or potentially affected by the proposed project amendment. If you need to make changes to your name/address, or if you would like to remove your name from the mailing list, please complete one of the following steps: (1) Send an email to GasProjectAddressChange@ferc.gov stating your request. You must include the docket number CP22–17–000 in your request. If you are requesting a change to your address, please be sure to include your name and the correct address. If you are requesting to delete your address from the mailing list, please include your name and address as it appeared on this notice. This email address is unable to accept comments. OR (2) Return the attached ‘‘Mailing List Update Form’’ (appendix 3). Additional Information Additional information about the project amendment is available from the Commission’s Office of External Affairs, at (866) 208–FERC, or on the FERC website at www.ferc.gov using the eLibrary link. Click on the eLibrary link, click on ‘‘General Search’’ and enter the docket number in the ‘‘Docket Number’’ field. Be sure you have selected an appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or (866) 208–3676, or for TTY, contact (202) 502–8659. The eLibrary link also provides access to the texts of all formal documents issued by the Commission, such as orders, notices, and rulemakings. Public sessions or site visits will be posted on the Commission’s calendar located at https://www.ferc.gov/newsevents/events along with other related information. Dated: September 2, 2022. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2022–19474 Filed 9–8–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:57 Sep 08, 2022 Jkt 256001 DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Combined Notice of Filings #1 Take notice that the Commission received the following electric rate filings: Docket Numbers: ER10–2374–015; ER17–2059–009; EL22–57–000. Applicants: Puget Sound Energy, Inc., Puget Sound Energy, Inc., Puget Sound Energy, Inc. Description: Response to Order to Show Cause of Puget Sound Energy, Inc. Filed Date: 8/12/22. Accession Number: 20220812–5050. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 9/23/22. Docket Numbers: ER22–2314–001. Applicants: Langdon Renewables, LLC. Description: Tariff Amendment: Request to Defer Action on CFA (ER22– 2314–) to be effective 9/7/2022. Filed Date: 9/2/22. Accession Number: 20220902–5062. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 9/23/22. Docket Numbers: ER22–2536–000. Applicants: Kossuth County Wind, LLC. Description: Amendment to July 29, 2022 Kossuth County Wind, LLC Application for Market-Based Rate Authorization. Filed Date: 9/1/22. Accession Number: 20220901–5311. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 9/12/22. Docket Numbers: ER22–2781–000. Applicants: ITC Midwest LLC. Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: Filing of Sixth Amended and Restated Interconnection Agreement to be effective 11/2/2022. Filed Date: 9/2/22. Accession Number: 20220902–5037. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 9/23/22. Docket Numbers: ER22–2782–000. Applicants: EcoGrove Wind LLC. Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: EcoGrove Wind LLC, Shared Facilities Agreement with High Point Solar to be effective 12/28/2021. Filed Date: 9/2/22. Accession Number: 20220902–5039. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 9/23/22. Docket Numbers: ER22–2782–000. Applicants: EcoGrove Wind LLC. Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: EcoGrove Wind LLC, Shared Facilities Agreement with High Point Solar to be effective 12/28/2021. Filed Date: 9/2/22. Accession Number: 20220902–5040. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 9/23/22. Docket Numbers: ER22–2783–000. Applicants: Southwestern Electric Power Company. PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: SWEPCO-Bentonville POD#7 (Sub I) Delivery Point Agreement to be effective 8/18/2022. Filed Date: 9/2/22. Accession Number: 20220902–5056. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 9/23/22. Docket Numbers: ER22–2784–000. Applicants: MN8 Energy Marketing LLC. Description: Compliance filing: Notice of Succession and Revised MarketBased Rate Tariff to be effective 9/3/ 2022. Filed Date: 9/2/22. Accession Number: 20220902–5061. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 9/23/22. Docket Numbers: ER22–2785–000. Applicants: NorthWestern Corporation. Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: SA No. 921—Firm Point to Point Trans. Service with Clearwater Energy Resources to be effective 12/1/2022. Filed Date: 9/2/22. Accession Number: 20220902–5067. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 9/23/22. Docket Numbers: ER22–2786–000. Applicants: California Independent System Operator Corporation. Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: 2022–09–02 EIM Entity Agreement— Western Area Power Admin to be effective 11/2/2022. Filed Date: 9/2/22. Accession Number: 20220902–5070. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 9/23/22. The filings are accessible in the Commission’s eLibrary system (https:// elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/search/ fercgensearch.asp) by querying the docket number. Any person desiring to intervene or protest in any of the above proceedings must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission’s Regulations (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214) on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on the specified comment date. Protests may be considered, but intervention is necessary to become a party to the proceeding. eFiling is encouraged. More detailed information relating to filing requirements, interventions, protests, service, and qualifying facilities filings can be found at: https://www.ferc.gov/ docs-filing/efiling/filing-req.pdf. For other information, call (866) 208–3676 (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502–8659. Dated: September 2, 2022. Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2022–19478 Filed 9–8–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P E:\FR\FM\09SEN1.SGM 09SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 174 (Friday, September 9, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55415-55418]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19474]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. CP22-17-000]


Rio Grande LNG, LLC; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments 
on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Carbon Capture and 
Sequestration System Amendment, and Notice of Public Scoping Sessions

    The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or 
Commission) will prepare an environmental document that will discuss 
the environmental impacts of the Carbon Capture and Sequestration 
System Amendment (CCS System Amendment) involving construction and 
operation of facilities by Rio Grande LNG, LLC (Rio Grande) in Cameron 
County, Texas. Rio Grande's CCS System Amendment was filed under 
section 3 of the Natural Gas Act as an amendment to its November 22, 
2019 Authorization order for the Rio Grande LNG Terminal.\1\ The 
Commission will use this environmental document in its decision-making 
process to determine whether the CCS System Amendment is consistent 
with the public interest.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Rio Grande LNG, LLC, 169 FERC ] 61,131 (2019), order on 
reh'g, 170 FERC ] 61,046 (2020).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This notice announces the opening of the scoping process the 
Commission will use to gather input from the public and interested 
agencies regarding the project amendment. As part of the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process, the Commission takes 
into account concerns the public may have about proposals and the 
environmental impacts that could result from its action whenever it 
considers the issuance of an authorization under Section 3 of the 
Natural Gas Act. This gathering of public input is referred to as 
``scoping.'' The main goal of the scoping process is to focus the 
analysis in the environmental document on the important environmental 
issues. Additional information about the Commission's NEPA process is 
described below in the NEPA Process and Environmental Document section 
of this notice.

[[Page 55416]]

    By this notice, the Commission requests public comments on the 
scope of issues to address in the environmental document. To ensure 
that your comments are timely and properly recorded, please submit your 
comments so that the Commission receives them in Washington, DC on or 
before 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, October 3, 2022. Comments may 
be submitted in written or oral form. Further details on how to submit 
comments are provided in the Public Participation section of this 
notice.
    Your comments should focus on the potential environmental effects, 
reasonable alternatives, and measures to avoid or lessen environmental 
impacts. Your input will help the Commission staff determine what 
issues they need to evaluate in the environmental document. Commission 
staff will consider all written or oral comments during the preparation 
of the environmental document.
    If you submitted comments on this project amendment to the 
Commission before the opening of this docket on November 17, 2021, you 
will need to file those comments in Docket No. CP22-17-000 to ensure 
they are considered as part of this proceeding.
    This notice is being sent to the Commission's current environmental 
mailing list for this project amendment. State and local government 
representatives are encouraged to notify their constituents of this 
proposed project amendment and encourage them to comment on their areas 
of concern.

Public Participation

    There are four methods you can use to submit your comments to the 
Commission. Please carefully follow these instructions so that your 
comments are properly recorded. The Commission encourages electronic 
filing of comments and has staff available to assist you at (866) 208-
3676 or [email protected].
    (1) You can file your comments electronically using the eComment 
feature, which is located on the Commission's website (www.ferc.gov) 
under the link to FERC Online. Using eComment is an easy method for 
submitting brief, text-only comments on a project;
    (2) You can file your comments electronically by using the eFiling 
feature, which is located on the Commission's website (www.ferc.gov) 
under the link to FERC Online. With eFiling, you can provide comments 
in a variety of formats by attaching them as a file with your 
submission. New eFiling users must first create an account by clicking 
on ``eRegister.'' You will be asked to select the type of filing you 
are making; a comment on a particular project is considered a ``Comment 
on a Filing'';
    (3) You can file a paper copy of your comments by mailing them to 
the Commission. Be sure to reference the project docket number (CP22-
17-000) on your letter. Submissions sent via the U.S. Postal Service 
must be addressed to: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy 
Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE, Room 1A, Washington, DC 
20426. Submissions sent via any other carrier must be addressed to: 
Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 
12225 Wilkins Avenue, Rockville, MD 20852.
    (4) In lieu of sending written comments, the Commission invites you 
to attend one of the public scoping sessions its staff will conduct in 
the project area, scheduled as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Date and time                           Location
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, September 27, 2022............
    Session 1: 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.      Port Isabel Event and Cultural
    Session 2: 5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.        Center, 309 E Railroad Avenue,
     (local time).                        Port Isabel, TX 78578, 956-943-
                                          0720.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The primary goal of these scoping sessions is to have you identify 
the specific environmental issues and concerns that should be 
considered in the environmental document. Individual oral comments will 
be taken on a one-on-one basis with a court reporter. This format is 
designed to receive the maximum amount of oral comments in a convenient 
way during the timeframe allotted. Spanish-English translation services 
will be provided.
    Scoping sessions are scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 
from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Central time. Entrance into the facility 
will begin at the start time of each meeting. There will not be a 
formal or opening presentation by Commission staff for either session. 
If you wish to speak, the Commission staff will hand out numbers in the 
order of your arrival. Please see appendix 1 for additional information 
on the session format and conduct.\2\
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    \2\ The appendices referenced in this notice will not appear in 
the Federal Register. Copies of the appendices were sent to all 
those receiving this notice in the mail and are available at 
www.ferc.gov using the link called ``eLibrary.'' For instructions on 
connecting to eLibrary, refer to the last page of this notice. At 
this time, the Commission has suspended access to the Commission's 
Public Reference Room due to the proclamation declaring a National 
Emergency concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), 
issued by the President on March 13, 2020. For assistance, contact 
FERC at [email protected] or call toll free, (886) 208-3676 
or TTY (202) 502-8659.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Your scoping comments will be recorded by a court reporter (with 
FERC staff or representative present) and become part of the public 
record for this proceeding. Transcripts will be publicly available on 
FERC's eLibrary system (see the last page of this notice for 
instructions on using eLibrary). If a significant number of people are 
interested in providing oral comments in the one-on-one settings, a 
time limit of 3 minutes may be implemented for each commentor. Although 
there will not be a formal presentation, Commission staff will be 
available throughout the scoping session to answer your questions about 
the environmental review process.
    It is important to note that the Commission provides equal 
consideration to all comments received, whether filed in written form 
or provided orally at a scoping session.
    Additionally, the Commission offers a free service called 
eSubscription which makes it easy to stay informed of all issuances and 
submittals regarding the dockets/projects to which you subscribe. These 
instant email notifications are the fastest way to receive notification 
and provide a link to the document files which can reduce the amount of 
time you spend researching proceedings. Go to https://www.ferc.gov/ferc-online/overview to register for eSubscription.

Summary of the Proposed Project Amendment

    Rio Grande proposes to construct and operate a carbon capture and 
sequestration system (CCS System) for incorporation into the design of 
its Rio Grande LNG Terminal Project that was previously approved by the 
Commission in Docket No. CP16-454-000. According to Rio Grande, the 
proposed CCS System Amendment would enable Rio Grande to capture a 
minimum of 90 percent of the carbon dioxide produced at the Rio Grande 
LNG Terminal, which

[[Page 55417]]

would then be transported via a proposed pipeline (which would not be 
under FERC jurisdiction) to a nearby underground geologic formation for 
sequestration. This pipeline and sequestration of carbon dioxide in the 
geologic formation would require permits from the U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency (EPA) and relevant Texas agencies via EPA's 
underground injection control Class VI permitting regime for geologic 
sequestration.
    The CCS System Amendment would consist of the following facility 
modifications, components, and equipment at the approved but as yet 
unbuilt Rio Grande LNG Terminal:
     a post-combustion capture system for the exhaust flue gas 
of the Rio Grande LNG Terminal's main refrigerant gas turbine 
compressors;
     the re-routing of the Rio Grande LNG Terminal's acid gas 
removal unit vent stream from a thermal oxidizer to a sequestration 
compressor;
     the addition of a sequestration compressor to the combined 
gas streams from the post-combustion capture system and acid gas 
removal unit to meet an interface with a carbon dioxide sequestration 
pipeline;
     modifications to the Rio Grande LNG Terminal utility 
design to accommodate CCS System equipment, such as various heat 
exchangers, pumps, compressors, blowers, tanks, filters, and similar 
equipment; and
     a hot oil system, including a waste heat recovery unit and 
distribution components.
    In addition, the CCS System Amendment would consist of a carbon 
sequestration pipeline, which would extend from the Rio Grande LNG 
Terminal site to a geologic sequestration formation. The location of 
the Rio Grande LNG Terminal site, where the FERC-jurisdictional CCS 
System Amendment facilities are proposed, is shown in appendix 2. 
Although Rio Grande has not yet determined the location of the specific 
geological formation it would use, or the exact length and location of 
the sequestration pipeline, Rio Grande has indicated that it may co-
locate the proposed CCS System pipeline along a portion of Rio Bravo 
Pipeline route (shown on the map in appendix 2), which was authorized 
in Docket No. CP16-455-000.

Land Requirements for Construction

    Construction of the proposed CCS System Amendment facilities would 
disturb areas within the previously authorized Rio Grande LNG Terminal 
boundary, but would not result in new land requirements beyond that 
required for construction of the LNG Terminal (Docket No. CP16-454-
000). Rio Grande states that it has not finalized the planned non-
jurisdictional CCS System pipeline and the associated land requirements 
along the planned the pipeline's route. FERC staff's environmental 
document will include the most current information about the planned 
non-jurisdictional pipeline based on publicly available information. 
Following construction, Rio Grande would not require any additional 
acreage for permanent operation of the FERC-jurisdictional CCS System 
Amendment facilities.

NEPA Process and the Environmental Document

    Any environmental document issued by the Commission will discuss 
impacts that could occur as a result of the construction and operation 
of the proposed project amendment under the relevant general resource 
areas:
     geology and soils;
     water resources and wetlands;
     vegetation and wildlife;
     threatened and endangered species;
     cultural resources;
     land use;
     socioeconomics and environmental justice;
     air quality and noise;
     reliability and safety; and
     cumulative impacts.
    Commission staff will also evaluate reasonable alternatives to the 
proposed project amendment or portions of the project amendment and 
make recommendations on how to lessen or avoid impacts on the various 
resource areas. Your comments will help Commission staff identify and 
focus on the issues that might have an effect on the human environment 
and potentially eliminate others from further study and discussion in 
the environmental document.
    Following this scoping period, Commission staff will determine 
whether to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) or an Environmental 
Impact Statement (EIS). The EA or the EIS will present Commission 
staff's independent analysis of the issues. If Commission staff 
prepares an EA, a Notice of Schedule for the Preparation of an 
Environmental Assessment will be issued. The EA may be issued for an 
allotted public comment period. The Commission would consider timely 
comments on the EA before making its decision regarding the proposed 
project amendment. If Commission staff prepares an EIS, a Notice of 
Intent to Prepare an EIS/Notice of Schedule will be issued. Staff will 
then prepare a draft EIS which will be issued for public comment. 
Commission staff will consider all timely comments received during the 
comment period on the draft EIS and revise the document, as necessary, 
before issuing a final EIS. Any EA or draft and final EIS will be 
available in electronic format in the public record through eLibrary 
\3\ and the Commission's natural gas environmental documents web page 
(https://www.ferc.gov/industries-data/natural-gas/environment/environmental-documents). If eSubscribed, you will receive instant 
email notification when the environmental document is issued.
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    \3\ For instructions on connecting to eLibrary, refer to the 
last page of this notice.
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    With this notice, the Commission is asking agencies with 
jurisdiction by law and/or special expertise with respect to the 
environmental issues of this project amendment to formally cooperate in 
the preparation of the environmental document.\4\ Agencies that would 
like to request cooperating agency status should follow the 
instructions for filing comments provided under the Public 
Participation section of this notice.
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    \4\ The Council on Environmental Quality regulations addressing 
cooperating agency responsibilities are at Title 40, Code of Federal 
Regulations, Section 1501.8.
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Consultation Under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation 
Act

    In accordance with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's 
implementing regulations for section 106 of the National Historic 
Preservation Act, the Commission is using this notice to initiate 
consultation with the applicable State Historic Preservation Office(s), 
and to solicit their views and those of other government agencies, 
interested Indian tribes, and the public on the project amendment's 
potential effects on historic properties.\5\ The environmental document 
for this project amendment will document findings on the impacts on 
historic properties and summarize the status of consultations under 
section 106.
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    \5\ The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's regulations 
are at Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 800. Those 
regulations define historic properties as any prehistoric or 
historic district, site, building, structure, or object included in 
or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic 
Places.
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Environmental Mailing List

    The environmental mailing list includes federal, state, and local 
government representatives and agencies; elected officials; 
environmental and public interest groups; Native American Tribes; other 
interested parties; and local libraries and newspapers. This list also 
includes

[[Page 55418]]

all affected landowners (as defined in the Commission's regulations) 
who are potential right-of-way grantors, whose property may be used 
temporarily for project purposes, or who own homes within certain 
distances of aboveground facilities, and anyone who submits comments on 
the project amendment and includes a mailing address with their 
comments. Commission staff will update the environmental mailing list 
as the analysis proceeds to ensure that Commission notices related to 
this environmental review are sent to all individuals, organizations, 
and government entities interested in and/or potentially affected by 
the proposed project amendment.
    If you need to make changes to your name/address, or if you would 
like to remove your name from the mailing list, please complete one of 
the following steps:
    (1) Send an email to [email protected] stating your 
request. You must include the docket number CP22-17-000 in your 
request. If you are requesting a change to your address, please be sure 
to include your name and the correct address. If you are requesting to 
delete your address from the mailing list, please include your name and 
address as it appeared on this notice. This email address is unable to 
accept comments.
    OR
    (2) Return the attached ``Mailing List Update Form'' (appendix 3).

Additional Information

    Additional information about the project amendment is available 
from the Commission's Office of External Affairs, at (866) 208-FERC, or 
on the FERC website at www.ferc.gov using the eLibrary link. Click on 
the eLibrary link, click on ``General Search'' and enter the docket 
number in the ``Docket Number'' field. Be sure you have selected an 
appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online 
Support at [email protected] or (866) 208-3676, or for TTY, 
contact (202) 502-8659. The eLibrary link also provides access to the 
texts of all formal documents issued by the Commission, such as orders, 
notices, and rulemakings.
    Public sessions or site visits will be posted on the Commission's 
calendar located at https://www.ferc.gov/news-events/events along with 
other related information.

    Dated: September 2, 2022.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2022-19474 Filed 9-8-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
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