Spire STL Pipeline LLC has been reissued a permanent certificate by FERC to operate its 65-mile long Spire STL system that carries natural gas to the St. Louis area from Illinois.
The estimated $286 million gas pipeline began operating in 2019, but soon after came under scrutiny from environmental groups and the certificate was vacated. Spire STL continued to operate under a temporary certificate issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
The latest decision marks the fourth time FERC has issued an operational certificate for the Spire STL Pipeline, in each instance determining the pipeline is necessary, according to Spire.
Spire President Scott Smith said, "There was substantial evidence in the record to confirm that the pipeline has delivered strong performance, reduced costs and improved natural gas reliability across the St. Louis region – even during severe weather challenges like Winter Storm Uri in 2021."
FERC chairman Richard Glick said the certificate indicated “there is a need for this project – now.” Nonprofit Environmental Defense Fund had previously argued that the pipeline was approved without adequate review.
The temporary certificate was issued by FERC on Dec. 3, 2021 and allowed the agency to review the project on remand as ordered by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
"Customers in the St. Louis area currently have the lowest gas costs across Missouri, with the Spire STL Pipeline playing a huge role in keeping costs more affordable," said Spire Missouri President Scott Carter. "This certificate provides long-term assurance that Missourians will continue having access to the reliable, affordable energy they need."
