Role of the UTC
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission does not decide where pipelines are built. Other state or federal agencies make siting decisions based on the pipeline size and type.
The UTC's role starts after the pipeline is built. The UTC oversees safety and operations for certain pipelines as allowed by state and federal law.
Intrastate Pipeline Facilities
Intrastate pipelines are only in Washington state. Siting for these pipelines is handled by the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC). EFSEC reviews and approves intrastate pipeline projects that meet the following size limits:
- Crude or refined petroleum pipelines larger than six inches in diameter and longer than 15 miles.
- Liquid petroleum product pipelines larger than six inches in diameter and longer than 15 miles.
- Natural gas (including Renewable Natural Gas and Hydrogen), synthetic fuel gas, or liquefied petroleum gas pipelines larger than 14 inches in diameter and longer than 15 miles.
EFSEC reviews the project, evaluates environmental and community impacts, and decides whether the pipeline can be built. For more details about their process and standards, visit the EFSEC website.
Interstate Pipeline Facilities
Interstate pipelines are in Washington state and cross over into other states. Siting for interstate gas pipeline facilities is handled by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
FERC reviews and approves the placement of these interstate gas pipelines. For more details about their process, visit the FERC website.
Small Pipeline Facilities
Some smaller transmission pipelines do not fall under state or federal siting authority. This includes:
- Gas (including RNG and Hydrogen) transmission pipelines six inches or smaller in diameter and less than 15 miles long.
- Liquid pipelines that are less than 14 inches in diameter and less than 15 miles long.
For these smaller lines, siting decisions are made by the company, local governments, or landowners, depending on the project.
Help With Sitting Questions
If you have questions about which agency oversees a project, contact EFSEC for intrastate pipelines or FERC for interstate pipelines.