People affected by Florida Gas Transmission's proposed Phase IX expansion have until 5 p.m. Eastern on November 23, 2026, to submit environmental comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. FERC's October 27 notice opens scoping, the process for identifying issues its environmental review should examine.
What is proposed
The expansion would add about 508 million cubic feet per day of firm natural-gas transportation capacity across Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. The notice lists nine pipeline loops totaling 94.6 miles, modifications at 13 existing compressor stations and two new compressor stations in Lake and De Soto counties, Florida. A loop is a parallel pipe segment that increases capacity.
Construction would disturb about 2,245 acres, with about 727 acres maintained for permanent operations afterward, according to the notice. These are proposed project figures, not a record of completed construction.
What landowners should know
The notice says landowners do not have to sign a negotiated easement agreement. It also explains that, if FERC approves the project, the Natural Gas Act gives the company eminent-domain authority. If negotiations fail, the company could seek condemnation in court. The notice says a judge would determine compensation under state law and that FERC has no jurisdiction over those proceedings.
That conditional account is not an announcement that FERC has approved the project or that a particular property will be condemned.
How to comment
Comments should address potential environmental effects, reasonable alternatives and measures to avoid or reduce impacts. FERC accepts brief text through eComment, attached files through eFiling, or paper submissions using the notice's mailing instructions. Identify Docket CP26-578-000.
Anyone who commented before that docket opened on September 9 must file those comments in this docket for consideration in this proceeding. FERC's Office of Public Participation offers filing assistance at 202-502-6595.
After scoping, staff will decide whether to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. This notice begins that review; it does not settle its conclusions.