Alaska LNG Project LLC; Application for Long-Term Authorization To Export Liquefied Natural Gas Produced From Domestic Natural Gas Resources to Non-Free Trade Agreement Countries for a 30-Year Period, 55764-55768 [2014-22226]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 180 (Wednesday, September 17, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55764-55768]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-22226]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

[FE Docket No. 14-96-LNG]


Alaska LNG Project LLC; Application for Long-Term Authorization 
To Export Liquefied Natural Gas Produced From Domestic Natural Gas 
Resources to Non-Free Trade Agreement Countries for a 30-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 18, 2014, by Alaska LNG Project LLC (Alaska LNG), requesting long-
term multi-contract authorization to export 20 million metric tons per 
annum (mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) produced from Alaskan 
sources in a volume equivalent to approximately 929 billion cubic feet 
per year (Bcf/yr) of natural gas, or approximately 2.55 Bcf per day 
(Bcf/d).\1\ Alaska LNG seeks authorization to export the LNG by vessel 
from a proposed Liquefaction Facility to be constructed in the Nikiski 
area of the Kenai Peninsula in south central Alaska (Project), to any 
country with which the United States does not have a free trade 
agreement (FTA) requiring national treatment for trade in natural gas 
and with which trade is not prohibited by U.S. law or policy (non-FTA 
countries).\2\ Alaska LNG requests this authorization for a 30-year 
term to commence on the earlier of the date of first export or 12 years 
from the date the requested authorization is granted. Alaska LNG seeks 
to export the LNG on its own behalf and as agent for other parties who 
hold title to the LNG at the time of export. The Application was filed 
under section 3 of the Natural Gas Act (NGA).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Alaska LNG states that the conversion factor of 46.467 Bcf 
per million metric ton is appropriate due to the relatively high 
heating content (Btu/cubic foot gas) and associated physical 
characteristics of LNG produced from Alaska sources. According to 
Alaska LNG, the conversion factors used in applications to export 
LNG from the lower 48 states of the United States are not applicable 
in this proceeding.
    \2\ In the Application, Alaska LNG also requests authorization 
to export LNG to any nation that currently has, or in the future may 
enter into, a FTA requiring national treatment for trade in natural 
gas (FTA countries). DOE/FE will review Alaska LNG's request for a 
FTA export authorization separately pursuant to NGA Sec.  3(c), 15 
U.S.C. 717b(c). Alaska LNG notes that the total volume requested in 
the Application (20 mtpa) represents LNG in an aggregate amount for 
export to both non-FTA and FTA countries.

DATES: Protests, motions to intervene or notices of intervention, as 
applicable, requests for additional procedures, and

[[Page 55765]]

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 17, 2014.

ADDRESSES: Electronic Filing by email: fergas@hq.doe.gov.
    Regular Mail: U.S. Department of Energy (FE-34), Office of Oil and 
Gas Global Security and Supply, 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 Oil and Gas Global 
Security and Supply, Office of Fossil Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 
3E-042, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Larine Moore or Lisa Tracy, U.S. 
Department of Energy (FE-34), Office of Oil and Gas Global Security and 
Supply, Office of Fossil Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 3E-042, 1000 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586-9478; (202) 
586-4523.
    Edward Myers, Cassandra Bernstein, U.S. Department of Energy, 
Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Electricity and Fossil 
Energy, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, 
DC 20585, (202) 586-3397, (202) 586-9793.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Applicant. Alaska LNG is a Delaware Limited Liability Company with 
its principal place of business in Anchorage, Alaska. Alaska LNG states 
that its current members are ExxonMobil Alaska LNG LLC, ConocoPhillips 
Alaska LNG Company, and BP Alaska LNG LLC (collectively, the Members). 
According to Alaska LNG, affiliates of the Members currently hold oil 
and gas leasehold interests in Alaska, including in the Prudhoe Bay and 
Point Thomson Units.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Alaska LNG notes that, on May 8, 2014, Alaska Governor Sean 
Parnell signed Senate Bill 138 into law, enabling the State of 
Alaska to participate in the Alaska LNG Project. Alaska LNG notes 
that it may seek to amend the Application to add a State of Alaska 
designee. See Alaska LNG App. at 3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Liquefaction Project. Alaska LNG plans to construct one integrated, 
interdependent Project. According to Alaska LNG, the Project facilities 
will include four main components: (i) A Liquefaction Facility 
consisting of three LNG trains with a total maximum capacity of 20 
mtpa, with storage and LNG delivery facilities for the marine loading 
of LNG; \4\ (ii) an approximately 800-mile long, large-diameter gas 
pipeline from the liquefaction facility to the gas treatment plant, 
which will have multiple compressor stations and at least five off-take 
points for delivery of gas to Alaska; (iii) a gas treatment plant on 
the North Slope of Alaska consisting of three or more amine processing/
treating train modules with compression, dehydration, and chilling, to 
be built in a modular fashion and sealifted to its location; and (iv) 
transmission lines between the gas treatment plant and producing fields 
on the North Slope. Alaska LNG states it will be required to build each 
component of this greenfield Project.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ Alaska LNG states that, to date, it has secured more than 
200 acres of land for the Project, nearly half of the total acreage 
of the proposed Liquefaction Facility site. A map of the Project and 
an affidavit concerning the land acquired for the Project is 
attached to the Application as Appendices C and D, respectively.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Alaska LNG states that the Project is unique due to its significant 
size, scope, costs, required upstream development, and project 
development timeline. Alaska LNG asserts that these factors distinguish 
the Project from any LNG export project in the lower 48 states. 
According to Alaska LNG, the Project would be the largest integrated 
gas and LNG project of its kind ever designed and constructed.

Current Application

    Alaska LNG seeks long-term multi-contract authorization to export 
LNG produced from Alaska in a volume equivalent to 929 Bcf/yr (2.55 
Bcf/d) of natural gas. Alaska LNG states that it plans to export the 
LNG from the Project to any non-FTA country with which trade is not 
prohibited by U.S. law or policy. Alaska LNG requests this 
authorization for a 30-year term commencing on the earlier of the date 
of first export or 12 years from the date the requested authorization 
is granted.
    Business Model. Alaska LNG seeks to export the requested LNG on its 
own behalf and as agent for any or all of the following: (i) Each of 
its Members; (ii) the respective affiliates of its Members; (iii) the 
State of Alaska or its nominee; and (iv) other third parties, under 
contracts to be executed in the future, as applicable. Alaska LNG 
maintains that the requested agency rights ``would encompass any 
exports of any State of Alaska (or its nominee) share of LNG from the 
Project facilities.'' \5\ Alaska LNG contemplates that the title holder 
at the point of export likely may be another party, such as the 
respective affiliates of its Members or other third parties, pursuant 
to a LNG sales and purchase contract.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ Alaska LNG App. at 10.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Alaska LNG further states that it will comply with all DOE/FE 
requirements for exporters and agents as set forth in recent DOE/FE 
orders, including registering each LNG title holder for whom Alaska LNG 
seeks to export as agent. Alaska LNG states that this registration will 
include a written statement by the title holder acknowledging and 
agreeing to comply with all applicable requirements included by DOE/FE 
in Alaska LNG's export authorization. Alaska LNG further states that it 
will include those requirements in a subsequent purchase or sale 
agreement entered into by that title holder. In addition, Alaska LNG 
states that it will file under seal with DOE/FE any relevant long-term 
commercial agreements between Alaska LNG and the LNG title holder, once 
those agreements have been executed.
    Export Term and Commencement of Export Operations. Alaska LNG 
maintains that the requested 30-year export term and 12-year 
commencement term are required to support the size of this Project, as 
well as the continued development of natural gas resources on the North 
Slope. Alaska LNG emphasizes the massive size, scope, and cost of this 
``integrated mega-project.'' \6\ Alaska LNG estimates that the Project 
will cost between $45 billion and $65 billion to construct, which it 
states is an unprecedented investment warranting a 30-year export term, 
as opposed to the 20-year term that DOE/FE typically authorizes for 
non-FTA LNG export projects in the lower 48 states.\7\ Specifically, 
Alaska LNG notes that DOE/FE's reasoning for authorizing a 20-year 
export term for those projects does not apply to this unique Alaska 
Project.\8\ Alaska LNG further asserts that a 30-year export term is 
supported by its natural gas reserves and resources estimates, is 
consistent with typical industry design standards for the Liquefaction 
Facility life, and will provide long-term access to market outlets 
needed to allow reasonable ability to recover investments.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ Id. at 5, 40-41.
    \7\ See id. at 37-38 (citing DOE/FE final and conditional orders 
granted to LNG export projects in the lower 48 states); see also id. 
at 10.
    \8\ See id. at 38-39 (asserting that this Project is not subject 
to the same authorization constraints based on the 2012 LNG Export 
Study commissioned by DOE/FE, which focused on non-FTA export 
projects in the lower 48 states).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    With respect to the requested 12-year period for the commencement 
of export operations, Alaska LNG notes that DOE/FE typically requires 
export operations in the lower 48 states to commence no

[[Page 55766]]

later than seven years from the date the authorization is issued. It 
stresses, however, that construction of the Project will take place in 
unique Arctic construction conditions. In particular, Alaska LNG points 
to the challenges of moving equipment and a workforce over long 
distances in the extreme Arctic conditions, as well as the limitations 
in the construction timeline caused by the unpredictable Artic weather 
conditions. Alaska LNG maintains that, due to its complexity, the 
Project will require a Pre-Front End Engineering Design (FEED) phase of 
between one to three years, in addition to the typical FEED phase. 
Alaska LNG also highlights the expansive scope of the Project, which it 
anticipates, will lengthen the environmental review and permitting 
timelines under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 
4321 et seq. In sum, Alaska LNG states that these Artic construction 
conditions, coupled with inherently longer upstream resource 
development periods and other factors, necessitate both a longer export 
term and start-up period.
    Application Processing and Request for Conditional Authorization. 
Alaska LNG contends that, due to the unique nature of the proposed 
Project and the geographically separate supply base in Alaska, the 
Application should be processed differently than applications for LNG 
export projects proposed in the lower 48 states. Alaska LNG maintains 
that DOE/FE has consistently treated applications to export LNG from 
Alaska differently from lower 48 applications.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ Alaska LNG App. at 7 n.17 (citing DOE/FE orders, including 
ConocoPhillips Alaska Natural Gas Corp., DOE/FE Order No. 3418, 
Order Granting Blanket Authorization to Export Liquefied Natural Gas 
by Vessel from the Kenai LNG Facility Near Kenai, Alaska to Non-Free 
Trade Agreement Nations, at 5 (Apr. 14, 2014)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Alaska LNG contends that the many unique features of the Project 
warrant exercise of DOE/FE's discretion to issue a conditional decision 
on the Application. Therefore, Alaska LNG requests that the Application 
not be subject to any procedures recently proposed or adopted by DOE/FE 
regarding its processing of non-FTA LNG export applications.\10\ In 
this regard, we note that DOE/FE's revised procedures for acting on 
non-FTA LNG export applications are now in effect, but they ``apply 
only to exports from the lower-48 states.'' \11\ In the notice 
finalizing the revised procedures, DOE/FE made clear that it ``will 
consider whether to issue a conditional decision on [the Alaska LNG] 
application, or any future application to export from Alaska, in the 
context of those proceedings.'' \12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ See id. at 5 (discussing DOE/FE's proposed notice to revise 
the Order of Precedence for Processing Non-FTA Export Applications, 
79 FR 32,261 (June 4, 2014)).
    \11\ Dep't of Energy, Procedures for Liquefied Natural Gas 
Export Decisions, 79 FR 48,132, 48,135 n.6 (Aug. 15, 2014) (stating 
that, for applications to export LNG from the lower 48 states to 
non-FTA countries, DOE/FE is suspending its practice of issuing 
conditional decisions prior to final authorization decisions).
    \12\ Id. at 48,135 n.6.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In asserting that the Project is unlike any export project in the 
lower 48 states and should be processed differently, Alaska LNG 
highlights the estimated cost and scope of the Project. It emphasizes 
that all components of the Project must be built, meaning that the 
Project cannot leverage an extensive existing gas grid. Lastly, Alaska 
LNG maintains that because Alaska and its supply of natural gas are 
geographically isolated from the lower 48 states, the Application 
stands on its own merits without regard to the cumulative impacts of 
LNG exports from the lower 48 states and should be processed as such.
    Export Sources. Alaska LNG seeks authorization to export natural 
gas from Alaska, in particular from the North Slope Point Thomson Unit 
and Prudhoe Bay Unit production fields. According to Alaska LNG, 
affiliates of Members of Alaska LNG are leaseholders of natural gas 
resources in Alaska, thus providing the Project with access to natural 
gas. Alaska LNG expects that the natural gas developed and produced by 
the respective affiliates of its Members will be delivered to the 
Liquefaction Facility where LNG will be produced and made available for 
export.

Public Interest Considerations

    Alaska LNG contends that the Application fully addresses each of 
the public interest criteria considered by DOE/FE in the context of an 
Alaska-based project, and that the proposed export is not inconsistent 
with the public interest. In support of the Application, Alaska LNG 
addresses the following six criteria:
    Domestic Need for the Natural Gas Proposed to be Exported--
Regional. According to Alaska LNG, DOE/FE has recognized that Alaska is 
geographically isolated from the lower 48 states and, therefore, its 
natural gas reserves and resources should be analyzed separately. 
Alaska LNG asserts that the estimated recoverable natural gas reserves 
and resources in Alaska are abundant and more than sufficient to meet 
demand for both Alaska in-state consumption and Alaska LNG's proposed 
export over the 30-year export term. Based on the studies and analyses 
provided in the Application,\13\ Alaska LNG contends that the proposed 
export authorization will not have a detrimental impact on the regional 
domestic supply of natural gas. Alaska LNG further asserts that the 
proposed exports will have positive market and macroeconomic impacts on 
Alaska and the United States as a whole.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ See, e.g., DeGolyer and MacNaughton, ``Report on a Study of 
Alaska Gas Reserves and Resources for Certain Gas Supply Scenarios 
as of Dec. 31, 2012'' (Apr. 2014) (Supply Report), attached to the 
Application as Appendix E; NERA Economic Consulting, ``Socio-
Economic Impact Analysis of Alaska LNG Project'' (June 19, 2014) 
(Socio-Economic Report), attached to the Application as Appendix F.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Impact of the Proposed Exports on Natural Gas Market Prices. Citing 
the Socio-Economic Report prepared by NERA Economic Consulting in 
support of the Application, Alaska LNG states that the Project would 
lead to lower natural gas prices in Alaska. Alaska LNG points to NERA's 
determination that, by model year 2048, the Alaska market price of 
natural gas is $5.02/MMBtu lower in the Expected Demand scenario with 
LNG exports than in the Baseline with no LNG exports, a 39 percent 
price difference.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ NERA Economic Consulting, ``Socio-Economic Impact Analysis 
of Alaska LNG Project'' (Socio-Economic Report), June 19, 2014.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Presidential Finding Concerning Alaska Natural Gas. Alaska LNG 
addresses Section 12 of the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Act 
(ANGTA), which states that ``before any Alaska natural gas in excess of 
1,000 Mcf [thousand cubic feet] per day may be exported to any nation 
other that Canada or Mexico, the President must make and publish an 
express finding that such exports will not diminish the total quantity 
or quality nor increase the total price of energy available to the 
United States.'' \15\ Alaska LNG states that President Ronald Reagan 
issued such a finding in 1988, concluding `` `that exports of Alaska 
natural gas in quantities in excess of 1,000 Mcf per day will not 
diminish the total quantity or quality nor increase the total price of 
energy available to the United States.' '' \16\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ 15 U.S.C. 719j.
    \16\ Alaska LNG App. at 27 (quoting Presidential Finding 
Concerning Alaska Natural Gas, 53 FR 999 (Jan. 15, 1988)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Alaska LNG contends that this 1988 Presidential Finding is not 
limited in scope to a particular project or time period. Rather, the 
Finding expressly `` `remove[d] the [ANGTA] Section 12 regulatory 
impediment to Alaskan natural gas exports in a manner that allows any 
private party to develop this

[[Page 55767]]

resource and sets up competition for this purpose.' '' \17\ According 
to the Presidential Finding, ``removal of this impediment . . . will 
benefit our entire Nation.'' \18\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ Id. at 27-28 (quoting Presidential Finding, 53 Fed. Reg. 
999).
    \18\ Presidential Finding, 53 FR 999.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Alaska LNG notes that, although the Presidential Finding was issued 
in the context of earlier efforts to develop the vast natural gas 
resources on the North Slope (specifically, the Yukon Pacific 
project),\19\ its broad language applies equally to Alaska LNG's 
Application to develop these same resources. According to Alaska LNG, 
the Yukon Pacific project bears remarkable similarities to its proposed 
Project. Further, in the Yukon Pacific proceeding, DOE/FE concluded 
that the Presidential Finding `` `removed the section 12 impediment to 
exports of North Slope natural gas,' '' and is a `` `generic finding' 
'' that DOE/FE could apply to the facts of the case.\20\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ See id. at 28 (citing Yukon Pacific Corp., ERA Docket No. 
87-68-LNG, Order No. 350 (Nov. 16, 1989)).
    \20\ Alaska LNG App. at 29-30 (quoting Yukon Pacific Corp., 
Order No. 350, at 7, 27).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Alaska LNG maintains that the facts of today's natural gas 
landscape support the continued validity of the Presidential Finding. 
Therefore, Alaska LNG asserts that the Presidential Finding is valid 
and applicable to this Project, and that the requirement of ANGTA 
Section 12 has been satisfied.
    Economic Benefits. Alaska LNG maintains that the requested 
authorization will benefit local, regional, and national economies and 
is not inconsistent with the public interest. According to Alaska LNG, 
the proposed export would make natural gas, otherwise stranded on the 
North Slope, available to both the global LNG market and Alaska in-
state markets. Alaska LNG also asserts that the Project will create new 
jobs and opportunities for American workers, is consistent with 
President Obama's National Export Initiative,\21\ and will improve the 
U.S. balance of trade.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ Exec. Order 13534, 75 FR 12,433 (Mar. 11, 2010).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Benefits to National Energy Security. Alaska LNG maintains that the 
LNG exports associated with the requested authorization will support 
U.S. energy security. Alaska LNG points to DOE/FE's findings on 
national energy security in recent non-FTA LNG export proceedings and 
to the Socio-Economic Report, which analyzes the impact of natural gas 
exports on enhancing energy security using the metrics of supply 
assurance, price stability, and foreign policy.
    Environmental Benefits. Alaska LNG maintains that LNG exports 
significantly benefit the environment because natural gas is cleaner 
burning than other fossil fuels. According to Alaska LNG, an increased 
supply of natural gas made possible through LNG exports can help 
countries reduce their reliance on less environmentally friendly fuels. 
To the extent its proposed exports are used by foreign countries as a 
substitute for coal and fuel oil, Alaska LNG maintains that its exports 
would reduce emissions significantly over the 30-year export term.
    Based on these factors, Alaska LNG maintains that the proposed 
exports are not inconsistent with the public interest. Additional 
details can be found in Alaska LNG's Application, which is posted on 
the DOE/FE Web site at: https://energy.gov/fe/downloads/alaska-lng-project-llc-14-96-lng.

Environmental Impact

    Alaska LNG requests that DOE/FE grant its request to export LNG to 
non-FTA countries conditioned on FERC's completion of the NEPA review 
and approval of Project construction. Alaska LNG notes that it has been 
standard practice for DOE/FE to complete its NEPA review as a 
cooperating agency in FERC's review of proposed export facilities. 
Alaska LNG further states that it will seek any necessary permits from 
other federal, state, and local agencies, as well as conduct any 
necessary consultations. Alaska LNG notes that it expects to commence 
FERC's pre-filing process in 2014.

DOE/FE Evaluation

    The Application will be reviewed pursuant to section 3(a) of the 
NGA, 15 U.S.C. 717b(a). In reviewing this LNG export Application, DOE 
will consider issues required by law or policy. To the extent 
determined to be relevant or appropriate, DOE/FE's review will include 
the impact of LNG exports associated with this Application on Alaskan 
regional domestic need for the natural gas proposed for export, 
adequacy of domestic natural gas supply in Alaska, and other issues, 
including 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 the Application should address these issues in their comments 
and/or protests, as well as other issues deemed relevant to the 
Application.
    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. 14-96-LNG 
in the title line; (2) mailing an original and three paper copies of 
the filing to the Office of Oil and Gas Global Security and Supply at 
the address listed in ADDRESSES; or (3) hand delivering an original and 
three paper copies of the filing to the Office of Oil and Gas Global 
Security and Supply at the address listed in ADDRESSES before 4:30 p.m. 
EST. All filings must include a reference to FE Docket No. 14-96-LNG. 
Please Note: If submitting a filing via email, please include all 
related documents and attachments (e.g., exhibits) in the original 
email correspondence. Please do not include any active hyperlinks or 
password protection in any of the documents or attachments related to 
the filing. All electronic filings submitted to DOE must follow these 
guidelines to ensure that all documents are filed in a timely manner. 
Any hardcopy filing submitted greater in length than 50 pages must also 
include, at the time of the filing, a digital copy on disk of the 
entire submission.
    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

[[Page 55768]]

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 is available for inspection and copying in the 
Division 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 8:00 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 September 11, 2014.
Lisa C. Tracy,
Acting Director, Division of Natural Gas Regulatory Activities, Office 
of Oil and Gas Global Security and Supply, Office of Oil and Natural 
Gas.
[FR Doc. 2014-22226 Filed 9-16-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P