WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal regulators concluded Thursday that Dominion Energy’s proposal to export liquefied natural gas from its Cove Point terminal on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland would pose “no significant impact” on the environment — a positive step for the company.

The environmental assessment by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission staff is a recommendation to the commission, which will decide whether the $3.8 billion project can go forward. Other permits are also required.