On October 14, 2014, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) announced its intent to prepare an EIS that assesses the potential environmental impacts of proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) import and export terminal facilities in Washington County, Maine. DOE, Office of Fossil Energy, has an obligation under Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act to authorize the import and export of natural gas, including LNG, unless it finds that the import or export is not consistent with the public interest. On August 17, 2016, the FERC issued an Order dismissing the dockets for the Downeast LNG Import-Export Project and terminated proceedings. On April 21, 2017, DOE Office of Fossil Energy vacated DOE/FE Order No. 3600 and withdrew pending application FE Docket No. 14-173-LNG for the Downeast LNG Import-Export Project.