Florida Gas Pipeline Siting Act Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions for Developers and Consultants

Florida Gas Pipeline Siting Act Key Terms & Definitions

Affected County: Any county crossed by a natural gas transmission pipeline that is subject to the Florida Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Siting Act. (Fla. Stat. § 403.9403(1))

Agency Report: A report prepared by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) that includes the agency's recommendations on whether to approve or deny a pipeline certification application, along with any recommended conditions of certification. (Fla. Stat. § 403.9411(1))

Certification: The final approval issued by the Governor and Cabinet, acting as the Siting Board, authorizing the construction and operation of a natural gas transmission pipeline in accordance with the conditions set forth in the certification order. (Fla. Stat. § 403.9403(4))

Certification Application: The application submitted by a natural gas transmission pipeline company to the FDEP, seeking approval to construct and operate a pipeline in Florida. (Fla. Stat. § 403.9404)

Completeness Determination: The FDEP's determination that a certification application contains all the required information and is ready for further processing. (Fla. Stat. § 403.9404(3))

Conditions of Certification: The requirements and stipulations included in the final certification order that a pipeline company must comply with during the construction, operation, and maintenance of a natural gas transmission pipeline. (Fla. Stat. § 403.9414)

Corridor: The proposed area within which a natural gas transmission pipeline right-of-way is to be located. (Fla. Stat. § 403.9403(6))

FDEP: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the lead agency responsible for processing natural gas transmission pipeline certification applications under the Florida Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Siting Act.

Final Hearing: The hearing conducted by an administrative law judge to consider a natural gas transmission pipeline certification application, agency reports, and public testimony. (Fla. Stat. § 403.9412)

Land Use Determination: A determination made by the affected local governments regarding the consistency of a proposed natural gas transmission pipeline with existing land use plans and zoning ordinances. (Fla. Stat. § 403.941)

Licensee: An applicant that has been granted a certification to construct and operate a natural gas transmission pipeline under the Florida Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Siting Act. (Fla. Stat. § 403.9403(13))

Local Government: Any county or municipality within whose jurisdiction a natural gas transmission pipeline is proposed to be located. (Fla. Stat. § 403.9403(14))

Modification: Any change to the certification order for a natural gas transmission pipeline, including changes to the conditions of certification. (Fla. Stat. § 403.9416)

Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline: Any pipeline that transports natural gas and is subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under the Natural Gas Act, with the exception of pipelines used for the local distribution of natural gas. (Fla. Stat. § 403.9403(16))

Notice of Intent: A notice filed by a natural gas transmission pipeline company with the FDEP, indicating its intent to file a certification application under the Florida Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Siting Act. (Fla. Stat. § 403.9405)

Proprietary Business Information: Trade secrets and other confidential business information that is exempt from public disclosure under Florida's public records law. (Fla. Stat. § 403.9421)

Recommended Order: The order issued by an administrative law judge after the final hearing, which includes findings of fact, conclusions of law, and a recommendation on whether the certification should be granted, denied, or modified. (Fla. Stat. § 403.9412(2)(a))

Right-of-Way: The strip of land over which a natural gas transmission pipeline is constructed and operated. (Fla. Stat. § 403.9403(22))

Siting Board: The Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida, which has the authority to issue final certification orders for natural gas transmission pipelines under the Florida Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Siting Act. (Fla. Stat. § 403.9403(24))

Substantial Compliance: The standard used to determine whether a licensee has complied with the conditions of certification and other requirements of the Florida Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Siting Act. (Fla. Stat. § 403.9416(2))

Variance: A modification to a specific requirement or condition of certification that is granted by the Siting Board upon a showing of good cause by the licensee. (Fla. Stat. § 403.9416(3))

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A Note to Our Readers: We hope this guide is a valuable resource in helping you better understand the . However, it's not a substitute for professional advice and doesn't cover every scenario. Always consult with regulatory bodies and professionals for the most current advice and project-specific guidance.