The INGAA Foundation has reported that the time required to obtain some federal permits for natural gas pipeline projects has increased, despite a 2005 law which had the intent of expediting authorizations.

The foundation, an offshoot of the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, examined the effect of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 on permitting by agencies other than the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

The study said the percentage of federal authorizations issued more than 90 days after FERC gave a project environmental clearance rose from 7.69% prior to implementation of the 2005 law to 28.05% afterwards. Authorizations delayed 180 days or longer rose from 3.42% prior to the act to 19.51% afterwards.

The report urged Congress to give FERC legal authority to enforce deadlines at other agencies regarding gas pipeline permits.

“There are many undesirable consequences of permitting delays, ranging from increased project costs to missed in-service dates, along with a variety of associated adverse business, environmental and other implications,” said INGAA Foundation President and CEO Don Santa.