Chairman Raskin's Opening Statement [PDF]

On February 19, 2020, the Subcommittee launched an investigation into the use of eminent domain in the construction of natural gas pipelines.  On April 28, 2020, the Subcommittee released preliminary findings of the investigation revealing that the natural gas pipeline approval process used by FERC is unfair to private landowners. 

On November 20, 2020, the Subcommittee expanded its investigation by requesting information about procedures that FERC uses to resolve conflicts between landowners and energy companies.  On December 10, 2020, the Subcommittee held a hearing at which FERC admitted that it does not use existing authority to protect landowners.  

This hearing will focus on Midship/Cheniere’s actions to demonstrate how FERC routinely allows pipeline companies to put pipelines into service before the companies meet their obligations to repair damage they caused to individuals’ land.  Over the past year, Midship/Cheniere has missed several deadlines to repair private farmers’ land, threatening their livelihoods, while facing minimal consequences from federal regulators.