By Andy Leahy
A new narrative is freshening for environmental reporters in mainstream and regional media: After suffering recent losses in extensively waged fights against new natural gas pipelines, notably in the blue-shifted northeastern U.S., opponents of fossil fuels are growing increasingly frustrated with the usually obscure decision-making process overseen by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC. Previously lost in the scrum: Comments by FERC Chair Cheryl LaFleur from Jan. 27, 2015–appearing before the National Press Club, no less–in which she essentially challenged activists concerned about climate change on the value of natural gas within the bigger equation. And she explained why “unprecedented” protest from activists is failing to deter FERC from approving necessary construction…
