WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, welcomed today’s announcement by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to hold a meeting on May 29-30 at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. to discuss ArcLight’s proposal to abandon the Midla Pipeline and cut off affordable natural gas supplies to thousands of customers in nine Louisiana parishes. The meeting will identify and clarify a number of issues in dispute and explore whether FERC should conduct a special process to help parties reach a settlement. 

“Next week’s meeting is a welcome step toward resolving the ongoing dispute about the Midla Pipeline. It is encouraging that ArcLight has agreed to participate in this process, but it will only work if they take responsibility and offer constructive solutions to guarantee the safety of the pipeline and preserve affordable access to natural gas for Louisiana customers,” Sen. Landrieu said.  “As Chair of the Senate Energy Committee, I will continue to pressure ArcLight to fulfill its responsibilities and ensure that Louisianians continue to have access to affordable natural gas, and that it is delivered through a safely functioning pipeline.”

On Tuesday, Sen. Landrieu pressed two FERC commissioner nominees about ArcLight’s plans to abandon the Midla Pipeline.

Last month, FERC announced that it would not grant a shortened, 10-day review timeline requested by the hedge fund ArchLight in its efforts to abandon the Midla pipeline. FERC more than doubled the original request by ArcLight, from 10 days to 22 days, after Sen. Landrieu wrote to FERC objecting to the shorten timeline request.

On Feb. 25, 2014, Sen. Landrieu met with Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle, State Senator Robert Adley and Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland to hear their concerns about ArcLight’s plans to abandon the pipeline. Sen. Landrieu sent an initial letter to FERC raising concerns about the proposal that affects customers in Franklin, Catahoula, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Concordia, West Feliciana, East Feliciana and East Baton Rogue parishes. Read the letter here.