Revisions to the Blanket Certificate Regulations and Clarification Regarding Rates

On June 22, 2007, the Commission issued an Order on Rehearing and Clarification in response to motions seeking rehearing and clarification of an October 19, 2006 Final Rule. The Final Rule expanded the scope and scale of activities that may be undertaken pursuant to blanket certificate authority and clarified Commission rate policy. The revised regulations allow interstate natural gas pipelines to employ the streamlined blanket certificate procedures for larger projects and for a wider variety of projects, thereby increasing efficiencies, and decreasing the time and cost associated with the construction and maintenance of the nation's natural gas infrastructure. This order grants a request for rehearing of the June 22, 2007 Order.