Dominion plan to export natural gas exports from Chesapeake Bay gets federal regulatory OK

Federal regulators have approved Dominion Energy's proposal to export liquefied natural gas from its Cove Point terminal on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.

In a decision late Monday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission concluded that the project, as approved with conditions, will minimize potential adverse impacts on landowners and the environment.

FERC has approved three other LNG export projects, but this is the first one on the East Coast. The others are in the on the Gulf Coast.

FERC's ruling adopts staff recommendations made in an environmental assessment, requiring Dominion to meet 79 conditions aimed at mitigating negative environmental impacts.

The ruling is the last major regulatory hurdle for Virginia-based Dominion's project.