The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has scheduled multiple hearings on a liquified natural gas (LNG) import facility in San Juan, Puerto Rico, that is under fire from community, religious, and environmental groups.

In 2018, following widespread devastation from Hurricane Maria that knocked out the island’s power grid and killed at least 3,000, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority put out a bid to retrofit two units at San Juan’s power plant to run on natural gas instead of diesel fuel or heavy fuel oil. NFEnergia, a New Fortress Energy subsidiary, won the bid, retrofitted the power plant, and built an LNG import terminal on about six acres next to the plant.

However, the facility opened without receiving required FERC approval. FERC has allowed it to continue operating while New Fortress Energy seeks the required authorization. Community groups sent FERC a letter in November 2023 requesting a community meeting.

“We have the incredible situation in Puerto Rico with this terminal, which is operating without a full environmental and safety evaluation from FERC,” Pedro Saadé Lloréns, an adjunct professor at the Environmental Law Clinic of the University of Puerto Rico Law School, told Oil & Gas Watch News. He cited safety concerns about an explosion that could harm residents living in Barrio Sabana, less than a quarter mile northwest of the site.  

FERC announced this month that it will hold two meetings on Nov. 18 on the scope of environmental issues associated with the LNG plant – the first from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern and the second from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern. Both will be at Hyatt Place San Juan, 580 Fernandez Juncos Avenue, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00907.

FERC is also accepting comments on the scope of environmental issues to address until 5 p.m. Eastern on Nov. 25, 2024. For more information, please see FERC’s public notice, which is also available in Spanish.