LNG Development Company, LLC; Application for Long-Term Authorization To Export Liquefied Natural Gas Produced From Canadian and Domestic Natural Gas Resources to Non-Free Trade Agreement Countries for a 25-Year Period, 55197-55199 [2012-22088]
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srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
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[FR Doc. 2012–22083 Filed 9–6–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
[FE Docket No. 12–77–LNG]
LNG Development Company, LLC;
Application for Long-Term
Authorization To Export Liquefied
Natural Gas Produced From Canadian
and Domestic Natural Gas Resources
to Non-Free Trade Agreement
Countries for a 25-Year Period
Office of Fossil Energy, DOE.
Notice of application.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Office of Fossil Energy
(FE) of the Department of Energy (DOE)
gives notice of receipt of an application
(Application) filed on July 16, 2012, by
LNG Development Company, LLC (d/b/
a Oregon LNG), requesting long-term,
multi-contract authorization to export
up to 9.6 million tons per annum (mtpa)
SUMMARY:
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55197
of liquefied natural gas (LNG), the
equivalent of 456.25 billion cubic feet
(Bcf) of natural gas per year or 1.3 Bcf
per day (Bcf/d), over a 25-year period,
commencing on the earlier of the date
of first export or eight years from the
date the requested authorization is
granted. The LNG would be exported
from the proposed LNG terminal to be
located in Warrenton, Oregon, in
Clatsop county, to any country (1) With
which the United States does not have
a free trade agreement (FTA) requiring
national treatment for trade in natural
gas, (2) which has developed or in the
future develops the capacity to import
LNG via ocean-going carrier, and (3)
with which trade is not prohibited by
U.S. law or policy. The LNG will be
produced from natural gas imported
from Canada into the United States, and
to a lesser extent, domestically
produced natural gas. Oregon LNG is
requesting this authorization to export
LNG both on its own behalf and as agent
for other parties who hold title to the
LNG at the point of export. The
Application was filed under section 3 of
the Natural Gas Act (NGA). Protests,
motions to intervene, notices of
intervention, and written comments are
invited.
DATES: Protests, motions to intervene or
notices of intervention, as applicable,
requests for additional procedures, and
written comments are to be filed using
procedures detailed in the Public
Comment Procedures section no later
than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, November
6, 2012.
ADDRESSES:
Electronic Filing by email
fergas@hq.doe.gov.
Regular Mail
U.S. Department of Energy (FE–34),
Office of Natural Gas Regulatory
Activities, Office of Fossil Energy, P.O.
Box 44375, Washington, DC 20026–
4375.
Hand Delivery or Private Delivery
Services (e.g., FedEx, UPS, etc.)
U.S. Department of Energy (FE–34),
Office of Natural Gas Regulatory
Activities, Office of Fossil Energy,
Forrestal Building, Room 3E–042, 1000
Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20585.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Larine Moore or Marc Talbert, U.S.
Department of Energy (FE–34), Office
of Natural Gas Regulatory Activities,
Office of Fossil Energy, Forrestal
Building, Room 3E–042, 1000
Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586–
9478; (202) 586–7991.
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55198
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 174 / Friday, September 7, 2012 / Notices
Edward Myers, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of the Assistant
General Counsel for Electricity and
Fossil Energy, Forrestal Building,
Room 6B–256, 1000 Independence
Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20585,
(202) 586–3397.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Background
Oregon LNG is a Delaware limited
liability company with its principal
place of business in Warrenton, Oregon,
and headquarters in Vancouver,
Washington.
Oregon LNG states that the Oregon
LNG Export Project (Project) is proposed
to export primarily Canadian-sourced
natural gas imported into the United
States and to a lesser extent supplies of
natural gas that may be domestically
produced. Oregon LNG states the Project
will convert Oregon LNG’s pending
import receiving terminal and pipeline
(Oregon Pipeline) into a bidirectional
LNG terminal and pipeline. The Oregon
Pipeline is being developed by Oregon
LNG’s affiliate, Oregon Pipeline
Company, LLC. Oregon LNG states that
the Project will interconnect with the
multi-legged system of Williams
Northwest Pipeline Company,
connecting Pacific Northwest demand
centers with British Columbian and
Rockies supplies. However, Oregon LNG
asserts it does not expect that the gas
feedstock for the Project will be derived
to any significant degree from Rockies
supply given that the market modeling
commissioned by Oregon LNG
demonstrates that Canadian supply is
the economically preferred resource for
the Project.
Oregon LNG states that unlike the
multiple pending applications to export
domestically produced LNG to non-FTA
countries, this Application involves a
request for authorization to export LNG
produced primarily from Canadian
natural gas resources. Oregon LNG
further states that in this regard, this
Application is akin to applications for
authorization to export previously
imported LNG, which DOE/FE has
expeditiously granted.1 Oregon LNG
states that the same rationale applies
here.
Current Application
In the instant application, Oregon
LNG seeks long-term, multi-contract
authorization to export up to 9.6 mtpa
of natural gas produced in Canada, and
to a lesser extent, domestically
1 Citing, ConocoPhillips Company, Order
Granting Blanket Authorization to Export
Previously Imported Liquefied Natural Gas by
Vessel, FE Docket No. 11–109–LNG, DOE/FE Order
No. 3038 (November 22, 2011).
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produced natural gas, as LNG (the
equivalent of 456.25 Bcf per year, or 1.3
Bcf/d of natural gas), for a period of 25
years beginning on the earlier of the
date of first export or eight years from
the date the authorization is granted by
DOE/FE. Oregon LNG requests that such
long-term authorization provide for
export from its LNG terminal to be
located in Warrenton, Oregon, in
Clatsop County, to any country with
which the United States does not have
an FTA requiring national treatment for
trade in natural gas, which has
developed or in the future develops the
capacity to import LNG via ocean-going
carrier, and with which trade is not
prohibited by U.S. law or policy.
Oregon LNG requests authorization to
export LNG acting on its own behalf or
as agent for others. At present, Oregon
LNG does not contemplate entering into
any long-term gas supply or long-term
export contracts in conjunction with the
LNG export authorization requested
herein. Rather, Oregon LNG will enter
into capacity use arrangements with
potential Project participants or thirdparty customers. Accordingly, Oregon
LNG is not submitting transactionspecific information such as long-term
supply agreements and long-term export
agreements, as required by Section
590.202(b) of the DOE regulations, at
this time. Instead, Oregon LNG requests
that DOE/FE adhere to the precedent set
forth in Sabine Pass Liquefaction, LLC,
DOE/FE Order No. 2961, at 41, where
DOE/FE found that given the state of
development for the proposed export
project, Sabine Pass would be permitted
to submit transaction-specific
information when the contracts
reflecting such information were
executed.
Public Interest Considerations
Oregon LNG states that the Project has
been proposed due to the improved
outlook for North American natural gas
production, owing to drilling
productivity gains that enabled rapid
growth in supplies from
unconventional, and particularly shale,
gas-bearing formations in the United
States and Canada. Oregon LNG states
that improvements in drilling and
extraction technologies have coincided
with rapid diffusion in the natural gas
industry’s understanding of the
unconventional resource base and best
practices in drilling and resource
development. Oregon LNG states that
these changes have rendered obsolete
once prominent fears of declining future
domestic natural gas production.
According to Oregon LNG, the Project
offers various benefits to the public,
including the much needed expansion
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of market scope and access for North
American natural gas producers at times
when neither U.S. nor Canadian gas
prices support continued production.
Oregon LNG states that the North
American supply glut has depressed
domestic natural gas prices to historic
lows (below $2.00 per MMbtu) not
experienced since 1999.2 Oregon LNG
further states that analysts have
expressed concern that the Canadian gas
storage levels may reach capacity in
June 2012, potentially affecting U.S.
natural gas prices as Canadian
producers attempt to move surplus gas
across the border to the U.S.
Oregon LNG states that the influx of
labor needed to complete the Project
will have a major positive impact on the
region’s economy. In its letter of
support, the United Brotherhood of
Carpenters and Joiners of America
points out that regional unemployment
in the construction sector has hovered
around 17 percent, which is twice the
rate of general unemployment. Oregon
LNG states that from 2014 unitl the
anticipated completion date in 2018, the
construction phase will create an
average of 3,054 direct-employment,
new construction jobs for the Project.
Oregon LNG states that the economic
impact of a construction project goes
well beyond the direct costs of
construction. If the Project requires
sheet metal from a local producer, for
example, an indirect impact will be felt
by the hiring of new workers at the
manufacturer. The regional indirect
impact of the construction phase of the
Project is estimated at $2.79 billion and
the average, indirect employment
impact spread over the anticipated 5year period involving construction
efforts is estimated at 2,579 jobs.
Oregon LNG states that its exports
will result in a net improvement in the
balance of trade for the U.S. even after
deducting gas imports from Canada. If
approved, the export authorization is
projected to reduce the U.S. trade deficit
by $4.5 billion per year over a 25-year
period for an estimated total of $112.5
billion of net deficit reduction over the
life of the Project.
Further details can be found in the
Application, which has been posted at
https://www.fe.doe.gov/programs/
gasregulation/.
Environmental Impact
Oregon LNG states that the potential
environment impacts of the Project will
be reviewed by the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC) under
2 Citing, U.S. Energy Information Administration
(EIA), U.S. Natural Gas Wellhead Price, https://
www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/his/n9190us3m.htm.
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 174 / Friday, September 7, 2012 / Notices
the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA). Oregon LNG and Oregon
Pipeline Company requested
authorization to commence FERC’s
mandatory NEPA pre-filing process for
the Project on July 3, 2012, in FERC
Docket No. PF12–18–000. Oregon LNG
and Oregon Pipeline Company
anticipate filing a formal application
with FERC pursuant to Section 3 of the
Natural Gas Act (NGA) no later than the
First Quarter of 2013. Accordingly,
Oregon LNG requests that, pursuant to
Section 590.402 of the DOE Regulations,
DOE/FE issue a conditional order
authorizing the export of LNG as
requested in the Application,
conditioned on completion of the
environmental review of the Export
Project by FERC.
srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
DOE/FE Evaluation
The Application will be reviewed
pursuant to section 3 of the NGA, as
amended, and the authority contained
in DOE Delegation Order No. 00–
002.00L (April 29, 2011) and DOE
Redelegation Order No. 00–002.04E
(April 29, 2011). In reviewing this LNG
export Application, DOE will consider
any issues required by law or policy. To
the extent determined to be relevant or
appropriate, these issues will include
the impact of LNG exports associated
with this Application, and the
cumulative impact of any other
application(s) previously approved, on
domestic need for the gas proposed for
export, adequacy of domestic natural
gas supply, U.S. energy security, and
any other issues, including the impact
on the U.S. economy (GDP), consumers,
and industry, job creation, U.S. balance
of trade, international considerations,
and whether the arrangement is
consistent with DOE’s policy of
promoting competition in the
marketplace by allowing commercial
parties to freely negotiate their own
trade arrangements. Parties that may
oppose this Application should
comment in their responses on these
issues, as well as any other issues
deemed relevant to the Application.
NEPA requires DOE to give
appropriate consideration to the
environmental effects of its proposed
decisions. No final decision will be
issued in this proceeding until DOE has
met its environmental responsibilities.
Due to the complexity of the issues
raised by the Applicants, interested
persons will be provided 60 days from
the date of publication of this Notice in
which to submit comments, protests,
motions to intervene, notices of
intervention, or motions for additional
procedures.
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Public Comment Procedures
In response to this notice, any person
may file a protest, comments, or a
motion to intervene or notice of
intervention, as applicable. Any person
wishing to become a party to the
proceeding must file a motion to
intervene or notice of intervention, as
applicable. The filing of comments or a
protest with respect to the Application
will not serve to make the commenter or
protestant a party to the proceeding,
although protests and comments
received from persons who are not
parties will be considered in
determining the appropriate action to be
taken on the Application. All protests,
comments, motions to intervene or
notices of intervention must meet the
requirements specified by the
regulations in 10 CFR part 590.
Filings may be submitted using one of
the following methods: (1) emailing the
filing to fergas@hq.doe.gov with FE
Docket No. 12–77–LNG in the title line;
(2) mailing an original and three paper
copies of the filing to the Office of
Natural Gas Regulatory Activities at the
address listed in ADDRESSES. The filing
must include a reference to FE Docket
No. 12–77–LNG; or (3) hand delivering
an original and three paper copies of the
filing to the Office of Natural Gas
Regulatory Activities at the address
listed in ADDRESSES. The filing must
include a reference to FE Docket No.
12–77–LNG.
A decisional record on the
Application will be developed through
responses to this notice by parties,
including the parties’ written comments
and replies thereto. Additional
procedures will be used as necessary to
achieve a complete understanding of the
facts and issues. A party seeking
intervention may request that additional
procedures be provided, such as
additional written comments, an oral
presentation, a conference, or trial-type
hearing. Any request to file additional
written comments should explain why
they are necessary. Any request for an
oral presentation should identify the
substantial question of fact, law, or
policy at issue, show that it is material
and relevant to a decision in the
proceeding, and demonstrate why an
oral presentation is needed. Any request
for a conference should demonstrate
why the conference would materially
advance the proceeding. Any request for
a trial-type hearing must show that there
are factual issues genuinely in dispute
that are relevant and material to a
decision and that a trial-type hearing is
necessary for a full and true disclosure
of the facts.
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55199
If an additional procedure is
scheduled, notice will be provided to all
parties. If no party requests additional
procedures, a final Opinion and Order
may be issued based on the official
record, including the Application and
responses filed by parties pursuant to
this notice, in accordance with 10 CFR
590.316.
The Application filed by Oregon LNG
is available for inspection and copying
in the Office of Natural Gas Regulatory
Activities docket room, Room 3E–042,
1000 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20585. The docket
room is open between the hours of 8
a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The
Application and any filed protests,
motions to intervene or notice of
interventions, and comments will also
be available electronically by going to
the following DOE/FE Web address:
https://www.fe.doe.gov/programs/
gasregulation/.
Issued in Washington, DC, on August 31,
2012.
John A. Anderson,
Manager, Natural Gas Regulatory Activities,
Office of Oil and Gas Global Security and
Supply, Office of Fossil Energy.
[FR Doc. 2012–22088 Filed 9–6–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Radiation Detection Technologies, Inc.
Office of the General Counsel,
Department of Energy.
ACTION: Notice of intent to grant
exclusive patent license.
AGENCY:
Notice is hereby given to an
intent to grant to Radiation Detection
Technologies, Inc., of Manhattan,
Kansas, an exclusive license to practice
the inventions described in U.S. Patent
No. 6,545,281, entitled ‘‘Pocked Surface
Neutron Detector’’. The invention is
owned by the United States of America,
as represented by the U.S. Department
of Energy (DOE).
DATES: Written comments or
nonexclusive license applications are to
be received at the address listed below
no later than October 9, 2012.
ADDRESSES: Office of the Assistant
General Counsel for Technology
Transfer and Intellectual Property, U.S.
Department of Energy, 1000
Independence Ave. SW., Washington,
DC 20585.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John
T. Lucas, Office of the Assistant General
Counsel for Technology Transfer and
Intellectual Property, U.S. Department
of Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 6F–
SUMMARY:
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 174 (Friday, September 7, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55197-55199]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-22088]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
[FE Docket No. 12-77-LNG]
LNG Development Company, LLC; Application for Long-Term
Authorization To Export Liquefied Natural Gas Produced From Canadian
and Domestic Natural Gas Resources to Non-Free Trade Agreement
Countries for a 25-Year Period
AGENCY: Office of Fossil Energy, DOE.
ACTION: Notice of application.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Office of Fossil Energy (FE) of the Department of Energy
(DOE) gives notice of receipt of an application (Application) filed on
July 16, 2012, by LNG Development Company, LLC (d/b/a Oregon LNG),
requesting long-term, multi-contract authorization to export up to 9.6
million tons per annum (mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG), the
equivalent of 456.25 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas per year
or 1.3 Bcf per day (Bcf/d), over a 25-year period, commencing on the
earlier of the date of first export or eight years from the date the
requested authorization is granted. The LNG would be exported from the
proposed LNG terminal to be located in Warrenton, Oregon, in Clatsop
county, to any country (1) With which the United States does not have a
free trade agreement (FTA) requiring national treatment for trade in
natural gas, (2) which has developed or in the future develops the
capacity to import LNG via ocean-going carrier, and (3) with which
trade is not prohibited by U.S. law or policy. The LNG will be produced
from natural gas imported from Canada into the United States, and to a
lesser extent, domestically produced natural gas. Oregon LNG is
requesting this authorization to export LNG both on its own behalf and
as agent for other parties who hold title to the LNG at the point of
export. The Application was filed under section 3 of the Natural Gas
Act (NGA). Protests, motions to intervene, notices of intervention, and
written comments are invited.
DATES: Protests, motions to intervene or notices of intervention, as
applicable, requests for additional procedures, and written comments
are to be filed using procedures detailed in the Public Comment
Procedures section no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, November 6,
2012.
ADDRESSES:
Electronic Filing by email
fergas@hq.doe.gov.
Regular Mail
U.S. Department of Energy (FE-34), Office of Natural Gas Regulatory
Activities, Office of Fossil Energy, P.O. Box 44375, Washington, DC
20026-4375.
Hand Delivery or Private Delivery Services (e.g., FedEx, UPS, etc.)
U.S. Department of Energy (FE-34), Office of Natural Gas Regulatory
Activities, Office of Fossil Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 3E-042,
1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Larine Moore or Marc Talbert, U.S. Department of Energy (FE-34), Office
of Natural Gas Regulatory Activities, Office of Fossil Energy,
Forrestal Building, Room 3E-042, 1000 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586-9478; (202) 586-7991.
[[Page 55198]]
Edward Myers, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the Assistant
General Counsel for Electricity and Fossil Energy, Forrestal Building,
Room 6B-256, 1000 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20585, (202)
586-3397.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Oregon LNG is a Delaware limited liability company with its
principal place of business in Warrenton, Oregon, and headquarters in
Vancouver, Washington.
Oregon LNG states that the Oregon LNG Export Project (Project) is
proposed to export primarily Canadian-sourced natural gas imported into
the United States and to a lesser extent supplies of natural gas that
may be domestically produced. Oregon LNG states the Project will
convert Oregon LNG's pending import receiving terminal and pipeline
(Oregon Pipeline) into a bidirectional LNG terminal and pipeline. The
Oregon Pipeline is being developed by Oregon LNG's affiliate, Oregon
Pipeline Company, LLC. Oregon LNG states that the Project will
interconnect with the multi-legged system of Williams Northwest
Pipeline Company, connecting Pacific Northwest demand centers with
British Columbian and Rockies supplies. However, Oregon LNG asserts it
does not expect that the gas feedstock for the Project will be derived
to any significant degree from Rockies supply given that the market
modeling commissioned by Oregon LNG demonstrates that Canadian supply
is the economically preferred resource for the Project.
Oregon LNG states that unlike the multiple pending applications to
export domestically produced LNG to non-FTA countries, this Application
involves a request for authorization to export LNG produced primarily
from Canadian natural gas resources. Oregon LNG further states that in
this regard, this Application is akin to applications for authorization
to export previously imported LNG, which DOE/FE has expeditiously
granted.\1\ Oregon LNG states that the same rationale applies here.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Citing, ConocoPhillips Company, Order Granting Blanket
Authorization to Export Previously Imported Liquefied Natural Gas by
Vessel, FE Docket No. 11-109-LNG, DOE/FE Order No. 3038 (November
22, 2011).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current Application
In the instant application, Oregon LNG seeks long-term, multi-
contract authorization to export up to 9.6 mtpa of natural gas produced
in Canada, and to a lesser extent, domestically produced natural gas,
as LNG (the equivalent of 456.25 Bcf per year, or 1.3 Bcf/d of natural
gas), for a period of 25 years beginning on the earlier of the date of
first export or eight years from the date the authorization is granted
by DOE/FE. Oregon LNG requests that such long-term authorization
provide for export from its LNG terminal to be located in Warrenton,
Oregon, in Clatsop County, to any country with which the United States
does not have an FTA requiring national treatment for trade in natural
gas, which has developed or in the future develops the capacity to
import LNG via ocean-going carrier, and with which trade is not
prohibited by U.S. law or policy.
Oregon LNG requests authorization to export LNG acting on its own
behalf or as agent for others. At present, Oregon LNG does not
contemplate entering into any long-term gas supply or long-term export
contracts in conjunction with the LNG export authorization requested
herein. Rather, Oregon LNG will enter into capacity use arrangements
with potential Project participants or third-party customers.
Accordingly, Oregon LNG is not submitting transaction-specific
information such as long-term supply agreements and long-term export
agreements, as required by Section 590.202(b) of the DOE regulations,
at this time. Instead, Oregon LNG requests that DOE/FE adhere to the
precedent set forth in Sabine Pass Liquefaction, LLC, DOE/FE Order No.
2961, at 41, where DOE/FE found that given the state of development for
the proposed export project, Sabine Pass would be permitted to submit
transaction-specific information when the contracts reflecting such
information were executed.
Public Interest Considerations
Oregon LNG states that the Project has been proposed due to the
improved outlook for North American natural gas production, owing to
drilling productivity gains that enabled rapid growth in supplies from
unconventional, and particularly shale, gas-bearing formations in the
United States and Canada. Oregon LNG states that improvements in
drilling and extraction technologies have coincided with rapid
diffusion in the natural gas industry's understanding of the
unconventional resource base and best practices in drilling and
resource development. Oregon LNG states that these changes have
rendered obsolete once prominent fears of declining future domestic
natural gas production.
According to Oregon LNG, the Project offers various benefits to the
public, including the much needed expansion of market scope and access
for North American natural gas producers at times when neither U.S. nor
Canadian gas prices support continued production. Oregon LNG states
that the North American supply glut has depressed domestic natural gas
prices to historic lows (below $2.00 per MMbtu) not experienced since
1999.\2\ Oregon LNG further states that analysts have expressed concern
that the Canadian gas storage levels may reach capacity in June 2012,
potentially affecting U.S. natural gas prices as Canadian producers
attempt to move surplus gas across the border to the U.S.
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\2\ Citing, U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), U.S.
Natural Gas Wellhead Price, https://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/his/n9190us3m.htm.
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Oregon LNG states that the influx of labor needed to complete the
Project will have a major positive impact on the region's economy. In
its letter of support, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners
of America points out that regional unemployment in the construction
sector has hovered around 17 percent, which is twice the rate of
general unemployment. Oregon LNG states that from 2014 unitl the
anticipated completion date in 2018, the construction phase will create
an average of 3,054 direct-employment, new construction jobs for the
Project.
Oregon LNG states that the economic impact of a construction
project goes well beyond the direct costs of construction. If the
Project requires sheet metal from a local producer, for example, an
indirect impact will be felt by the hiring of new workers at the
manufacturer. The regional indirect impact of the construction phase of
the Project is estimated at $2.79 billion and the average, indirect
employment impact spread over the anticipated 5-year period involving
construction efforts is estimated at 2,579 jobs.
Oregon LNG states that its exports will result in a net improvement
in the balance of trade for the U.S. even after deducting gas imports
from Canada. If approved, the export authorization is projected to
reduce the U.S. trade deficit by $4.5 billion per year over a 25-year
period for an estimated total of $112.5 billion of net deficit
reduction over the life of the Project.
Further details can be found in the Application, which has been
posted at https://www.fe.doe.gov/programs/gasregulation/.
Environmental Impact
Oregon LNG states that the potential environment impacts of the
Project will be reviewed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) under
[[Page 55199]]
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Oregon LNG and Oregon
Pipeline Company requested authorization to commence FERC's mandatory
NEPA pre-filing process for the Project on July 3, 2012, in FERC Docket
No. PF12-18-000. Oregon LNG and Oregon Pipeline Company anticipate
filing a formal application with FERC pursuant to Section 3 of the
Natural Gas Act (NGA) no later than the First Quarter of 2013.
Accordingly, Oregon LNG requests that, pursuant to Section 590.402 of
the DOE Regulations, DOE/FE issue a conditional order authorizing the
export of LNG as requested in the Application, conditioned on
completion of the environmental review of the Export Project by FERC.
DOE/FE Evaluation
The Application will be reviewed pursuant to section 3 of the NGA,
as amended, and the authority contained in DOE Delegation Order No. 00-
002.00L (April 29, 2011) and DOE Redelegation Order No. 00-002.04E
(April 29, 2011). In reviewing this LNG export Application, DOE will
consider any issues required by law or policy. To the extent determined
to be relevant or appropriate, these issues will include the impact of
LNG exports associated with this Application, and the cumulative impact
of any other application(s) previously approved, on domestic need for
the gas proposed for export, adequacy of domestic natural gas supply,
U.S. energy security, and any other issues, including the impact on the
U.S. economy (GDP), consumers, and industry, job creation, U.S. balance
of trade, international considerations, and whether the arrangement is
consistent with DOE's policy of promoting competition in the
marketplace by allowing commercial parties to freely negotiate their
own trade arrangements. Parties that may oppose this Application should
comment in their responses on these issues, as well as any other issues
deemed relevant to the Application.
NEPA requires DOE to give appropriate consideration to the
environmental effects of its proposed decisions. No final decision will
be issued in this proceeding until DOE has met its environmental
responsibilities.
Due to the complexity of the issues raised by the Applicants,
interested persons will be provided 60 days from the date of
publication of this Notice in which to submit comments, protests,
motions to intervene, notices of intervention, or motions for
additional procedures.
Public Comment Procedures
In response to this notice, any person may file a protest,
comments, or a motion to intervene or notice of intervention, as
applicable. Any person wishing to become a party to the proceeding must
file a motion to intervene or notice of intervention, as applicable.
The filing of comments or a protest with respect to the Application
will not serve to make the commenter or protestant a party to the
proceeding, although protests and comments received from persons who
are not parties will be considered in determining the appropriate
action to be taken on the Application. All protests, comments, motions
to intervene or notices of intervention must meet the requirements
specified by the regulations in 10 CFR part 590.
Filings may be submitted using one of the following methods: (1)
emailing the filing to fergas@hq.doe.gov with FE Docket No. 12-77-LNG
in the title line; (2) mailing an original and three paper copies of
the filing to the Office of Natural Gas Regulatory Activities at the
address listed in ADDRESSES. The filing must include a reference to FE
Docket No. 12-77-LNG; or (3) hand delivering an original and three
paper copies of the filing to the Office of Natural Gas Regulatory
Activities at the address listed in ADDRESSES. The filing must include
a reference to FE Docket No. 12-77-LNG.
A decisional record on the Application will be developed through
responses to this notice by parties, including the parties' written
comments and replies thereto. Additional procedures will be used as
necessary to achieve a complete understanding of the facts and issues.
A party seeking intervention may request that additional procedures be
provided, such as additional written comments, an oral presentation, a
conference, or trial-type hearing. Any request to file additional
written comments should explain why they are necessary. Any request for
an oral presentation should identify the substantial question of fact,
law, or policy at issue, show that it is material and relevant to a
decision in the proceeding, and demonstrate why an oral presentation is
needed. Any request for a conference should demonstrate why the
conference would materially advance the proceeding. Any request for a
trial-type hearing must show that there are factual issues genuinely in
dispute that are relevant and material to a decision and that a trial-
type hearing is necessary for a full and true disclosure of the facts.
If an additional procedure is scheduled, notice will be provided to
all parties. If no party requests additional procedures, a final
Opinion and Order may be issued based on the official record, including
the Application and responses filed by parties pursuant to this notice,
in accordance with 10 CFR 590.316.
The Application filed by Oregon LNG is available for inspection and
copying in the Office of Natural Gas Regulatory Activities docket room,
Room 3E-042, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585. The
docket room is open between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Application and any filed
protests, motions to intervene or notice of interventions, and comments
will also be available electronically by going to the following DOE/FE
Web address: https://www.fe.doe.gov/programs/gasregulation/.
Issued in Washington, DC, on August 31, 2012.
John A. Anderson,
Manager, Natural Gas Regulatory Activities, Office of Oil and Gas
Global Security and Supply, Office of Fossil Energy.
[FR Doc. 2012-22088 Filed 9-6-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P