Energía Costa Azul S. de R.L. de C.V; Application for Long-Term, Multi-Contract Authorization To Export Natural Gas to Mexico and To Export Liquefied Natural Gas to Non-Free Trade Agreement Nations, 54097-54099 [2018-23473]

Download as PDF khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 208 / Friday, October 26, 2018 / Notices storm surge during coastal storms. The South Padre Island CSRM feature would restore the beach and dune complex; therefore, providing reduced risk to the area while sustaining and increasing beach habitat, and helping preserve existing wetland habitat on the bayside of the measure. Ecosystem restoration measures would restore the natural features of the Texas coast that provide habitat for many Federally threatened and endangered species and State species of concern. These measures will also maintain a natural buffer for upland areas from coastal processes, relative sea level rise (RSLR), and storm surge, while stabilizing the coastline by absorbing energy from waves and vessel wakes. The DIFR–EIS presents an evaluation of the potential impacts to soils, waterbottoms, water quality, protected wildlife species, benthic organisms, essential fish habitat, coastal barrier resources, air quality, and noise. Additionally, potential impacts to floodplains, flood control, protected/ managed lands, and minority or lowincome populations have been evaluated. Steps would be taken to avoid, minimize, and mitigate any potential impacts to the best extent practicable. The USACE is proposing to execute a Programmatic Agreement among USACE, the Texas State Historic Preservation Office, and any NFS, in coordination with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and Tribal Nations, to address the identification and discovery of cultural resources that may occur during the construction and maintenance of proposed or existing facilities. Solicitation of Comments: The USACE is soliciting comments from the public, Federal, State, and local agencies, elected officials, Tribal Nations, and other interested parties in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of this proposed activity. Comments will be used in preparation of the FIFR–EIS. Any comments concerning water quality certification may be submitted to the TCEQ, 401 Coordinator, MSC–150, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711–3087. Meetings: The Galveston District will hold public meetings at 5:30 p.m. for the DIFR–EIS on the following dates and locations: November 27, 2018 at Bauer Community Center, 2300 TX–35, Port Lavaca, TX 77979; November 28, 2018 at Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78412; November 29, 2018 at Port Isabel Event & Cultural Center, 309 Railroad Ave., Port Isabel, TX 78578; December 11, 2018 at Winnie Community Building, 335 South Park VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:32 Oct 25, 2018 Jkt 247001 St., Winnie, TX 77665; December 12, 2018 at Galveston Island Convention Center, 5600 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX 77551; and December 18, 2018 at Bay Area Community Center, 5002 E NASA Parkway, Seabrook, TX 77586. Document Availability: Compact disc copies of the DIFR–EIS are available for viewing at county libraries throughout the 18 county study area. The document can also be viewed and downloaded from the Galveston District website: https://www.swg.usace.army.mil/ Business-With-Us/PlanningEnvironmental-Branch/Documents-forPublic-Review/. Lars N. Zetterstrom, Colonel, U.S. Army, Commanding. [FR Doc. 2018–23450 Filed 10–25–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3720–58–P 54097 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk, VA 23508–1278. Dated: October 23, 2018. Meredith Steingold Werner, Lieutenant Commander, Judge Advocate General’s Corps, U.S. Navy, Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. 2018–23488 Filed 10–25–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3810–FF–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY [FE Docket No. 18–144–LNG] Energı´a Costa Azul S. de R.L. de C.V; Application for Long-Term, MultiContract Authorization To Export Natural Gas to Mexico and To Export Liquefied Natural Gas to Non-Free Trade Agreement Nations Office of Fossil Energy, DOE. Notice of application. AGENCY: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ACTION: Department of the Navy SUMMARY: Notice of Availability of Record of Decision for the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing Final Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement Department of the Navy, DoD. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: The United States Department of the Navy (DoN), announces its decision to conduct training and testing in the Atlantic Fleet study area as described in Alternative 1 of the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing Final Environmental Impact Statement/ Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (AFTT FEIS/OEIS). Under Alternative 1, the DoN will be able to meet current and future DoN training and testing requirements. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Alternative 1 is the DoN’s preferred alternative, and is representative of training to account for the natural fluctuations of training cycles, deployment schedules, and use of synthetic training opportunities. Alternative 1 also includes an annual level of testing that reflects the fluctuations in DoN testing programs. The complete text of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the AFTT FEIS/OEIS is available on the project website at https://aftteis.com, along with the September 2018 AFTT FEIS/OEIS, dated September 2018 and supporting documents. Single copies of the ROD are available upon request by contacting: Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic, Attn: Code EV22 (AFTT EIS/OEIS project manager), 6506 SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 The Office of Fossil Energy (FE) of the Department of Energy (DOE) gives notice of receipt of an application (Application), filed on September 27, 2018, by Energı´a Costa Azul S. de R.L. de C.V (Energı´a Costa Azul), a subsidiary of Infrastructura Energetica Nova, S.A.B. de C.V. (IEnova) and IEnova’s subsidiaries. A majority of the ownership interests in IEnova (66.43%) is held by indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Sempra Energy, a publicly traded California corporation. The Application requests long-term, multi-contract authorization to export domestically produced natural gas to Mexico in a volume up to 182 billion cubic feet (Bcf) per year (Bcf/yr) (0.5 Bcf per day), and to re-export a portion of this natural gas as liquefied natural gas (LNG) in a volume equivalent to 161 Bcf/yr of natural gas (0.44 Bcf per day). Energı´a Costa Azul seeks to export this LNG from the proposed Energı´a Costa Azul Mid-Scale Project, which consists of certain liquefaction and export terminal facilities located on the site of Energı´a Costa Azul’s existing LNG import terminal north of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. The volumes for which Energı´a Costa Azul seeks authorization in this Application would be additive to the volumes for which Energı´a Costa Azul seeks authorization in its application in FE Docket No. 18– 145–LNG. Energı´a Costa Azul requests authorization to export this LNG to: (i) Countries with which the United States has entered into a free trade agreement (FTA) requiring national treatment for trade in natural gas (FTA countries) and (ii) any other countries with which trade is not prohibited by U.S. law or policy (non-FTA countries). Energı´a Costa Azul E:\FR\FM\26OCN1.SGM 26OCN1 khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES 54098 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 208 / Friday, October 26, 2018 / Notices seeks to export the requested volume of natural gas and the requested volume of LNG on its own behalf and as agent for other entities who hold title to the natural gas at the time of export. Energı´a Costa Azul requests the authorization for a 20-year term to commence on the earlier of the date of first export or seven years from the issuance of the requested authorizations. Energı´a Costa Azul further requests authorization to continue exporting for a total of three years following the end of the 20-year authorization term requested herein, solely to export any volumes that it is unable to export during the 20-year authorization term (Make-Up Volumes). Energı´a Costa Azul filed the Application under section 3 of the Natural Gas Act (NGA). Additional details and related procedural history can be found in Energı´a Costa Azul’s Application, posted on the DOE/FE website at: https://www.energy.gov/fe/downloads/ energ-costa-azul-s-de-rl-de-cv-dkt-no18-144-lng. 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, December 26, 2018. ADDRESSES: Electronic Filing by Email: fergas@hq.doe.gov. Regular Mail: U.S. Department of Energy (FE–34), Office of Regulation, Analysis, and Engagement, 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 Regulation, Analysis, and Engagement, Office of Fossil Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 3E–042, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Benjamin Nussdorf or Larine Moore, U.S. Department of Energy (FE–34), Office of Regulation, Analysis, and Engagement, Office of Fossil Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 3E–042, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586– 7970; (202) 586–9478. Cassandra Bernstein or Ronald (R.J.) Colwell, U.S. Department of Energy (GC–76), Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Electricity and Fossil Energy, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586– 9793; (202) 586–8499. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:32 Oct 25, 2018 Jkt 247001 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DOE/FE Evaluation In the Application, Energı´a Costa Azul requests authorization to export LNG from the proposed Energı´a Costa Azul liquefaction and export terminal facilities to both FTA countries and non-FTA countries. This Notice applies only to the portion of the Application requesting authority to export LNG to non-FTA countries pursuant to section 3(a) of the NGA, 15 U.S.C. 717b(a). DOE/FE will review Energı´a Costa Azul’s request for a FTA export authorization separately pursuant to section 3(c) of the NGA, 15 U.S.C. 717b(c). In reviewing Energı´a Costa Azul’s request for a non-FTA authorization, DOE will consider any issues required by law or policy. DOE will consider domestic need for the natural gas, as well as any other issues determined to be appropriate, 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. As part of this analysis, DOE will consider one or more of the following studies examining the cumulative impacts of exporting domestically produced LNG: • Effect of Increased Levels of Liquefied Natural Gas on U.S. Energy Markets, conducted by the U.S. Energy Information Administration upon DOE’s request (2014 EIA LNG Export Study); 1 • The Macroeconomic Impact of Increasing U.S. LNG Exports, conducted jointly by the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and Oxford Economics, on behalf of DOE (2015 LNG Export Study); 2 and • Macroeconomic Outcomes of Market Determined Levels of U.S. LNG Exports, conducted by NERA Economic Consulting on behalf of DOE (2018 LNG Export Study).3 Additionally, DOE will consider the following environmental documents: • Addendum to Environmental Review Documents Concerning Exports 1 The 2014 EIA LNG Export Study, published on Oct. 29, 2014, is available at: https://www.eia.gov/ analysis/requests/fe/. 2 The 2015 LNG Export Study, dated Oct. 29, 2015, is available at: https://energy.gov/sites/prod/ files/2015/12/f27/20151113_macro_impact_of_lng_ exports_0.pdf. 3 The 2018 LNG Export Study, dated June 7, 2018, is available at: https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/ files/2018/06/f52/Macroeconomic%20LNG%20 Export%20Study%202018.pdf. DOE is currently evaluating public comments received on this Study (83 FR 27314). PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 of Natural Gas From the United States, 79 FR 48132 (Aug. 15, 2014); 4 and • Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Perspective on Exporting Liquefied Natural Gas from the United States, 79 FR 32260 (June 4, 2014).5 Parties that may oppose this Application should address these issues and documents in their comments and/ or protests, as well as other issues deemed relevant to the Application. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq., 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. 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. Interested parties will be provided 60 days from the date of publication of this Notice in which to submit comments, protests, motions to intervene, or notices of intervention. Any person wishing to become a party to the proceeding must file a motion to intervene or notice of intervention. 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. 18–144–LNG in the title line; (2) mailing an original and three paper copies of the filing to the Office of Regulation, Analysis, and Engagement at the address listed in ADDRESSES; or (3) hand delivering an original and three paper copies of the filing to the Office of Regulation, Analysis, and Engagement at the address listed in ADDRESSES. All filings must include a reference to FE Docket No. 18–144–LNG. PLEASE NOTE: If submitting a filing via email, please 4 The Addendum and related documents are available at: https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/ files/2014/08/f18/Addendum.pdf. 5 The Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Report is available at: https://energy.gov/fe/life-cyclegreenhouse-gas-perspective-exporting-liquefiednatural-gas-united-states. E:\FR\FM\26OCN1.SGM 26OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 208 / Friday, October 26, 2018 / Notices 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. 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 Office of Regulation, Analysis, and Engagement 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/. Signed in Washington, DC, on October 23, 2018. Amy Sweeney, Director, Division of Natural Gas Regulation. [FR Doc. 2018–23473 Filed 10–25–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Proposed Agency Information Collection Extension U.S. Department of Energy. Notice and request for comments on submission of information collection request for approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: ACTION: The Department of Energy (DOE), pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, has submitted an SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:32 Oct 25, 2018 Jkt 247001 information collection request to the OMB for approval of a reinstatement and extension of the lapsed OMB approval for three years. Comments are invited on: Whether the extended collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency; the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments regarding this proposed information collection must be received on or before November 26, 2018. If you anticipate difficulty in submitting comments within that period, contact the person listed in ADDRESSES as soon as possible. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be sent to the following address: DOE Desk Officer, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, Room 10102, 735 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20503. DATES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Andrea Lachenmayr, LPO. PaperworkReductionAct.Comments@ hq.doe.gov, (202) 586–3399. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This information collection request contains: (1) OMB No.: 1910–5137 (2) Information Collection Request Title: Application for Loans under the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program; (3) Type of Request: Extension; (4) Purpose: This information collection package covers collection of information necessary to evaluate applications for loans submitted under Section 136 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, as amended (EISA) (42 U.S.C. 17013). Applications for loans submitted to DOE under Section 136 of EISA must contain certain information. This information will be used to analyze whether a project is eligible for a loan and to evaluate the application under criteria specified in the interim final regulations implementing Section 136 of EISA, located at 10 CFR part 611. The collection of this information is critical to ensure that the government has sufficient information to determine PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 54099 whether applicants meet the eligibility requirements to qualify for a DOE loan and to provide DOE with sufficient information to evaluate an applicant’s project using the criteria specified in 10 CFR part 611; (5) Annual Estimated Number of Respondents: 7 Applications; (6) Annual Estimated Number of Total Responses: It is estimated that the total number of annual responses will not exceed 7; (7) Annual Estimated Number of Burden Hours: 910 hours, most of which is likely to be time committed by firms that seek debt and/or equity financing for their projects, regardless of their intent to apply for a DOE loan; (8) Annual Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Cost Burden: It is estimated that the annual estimated reporting and recordkeeping cost burden for applicants will not exceed $26,296 per annum, per applicant. Authority: Section 136 of the EISA authorizes the collection of information. Signed in Washington, DC, on October 18, 2018. John Sneed, Executive Director, Department of Energy Loan Programs Office. [FR Doc. 2018–23457 Filed 10–25–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Proposed Agency Information Collection Extension U.S. Department of Energy. Notice and request for comments on submission of information collection request for approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). AGENCY: ACTION: The Department of Energy (DOE), pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, has submitted an information collection request to the OMB for approval of an extension of the existing OMB approval for three years. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the extended collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Comments regarding this proposed information collection must SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\26OCN1.SGM 26OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 208 (Friday, October 26, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54097-54099]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-23473]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

[FE Docket No. 18-144-LNG]


Energ[iacute]a Costa Azul S. de R.L. de C.V; Application for 
Long-Term, Multi-Contract Authorization To Export Natural Gas to Mexico 
and To Export Liquefied Natural Gas to Non-Free Trade Agreement Nations

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 
September 27, 2018, by Energ[iacute]a Costa Azul S. de R.L. de C.V 
(Energ[iacute]a Costa Azul), a subsidiary of Infrastructura Energetica 
Nova, S.A.B. de C.V. (IEnova) and IEnova's subsidiaries. A majority of 
the ownership interests in IEnova (66.43%) is held by indirect, wholly-
owned subsidiaries of Sempra Energy, a publicly traded California 
corporation. The Application requests long-term, multi-contract 
authorization to export domestically produced natural gas to Mexico in 
a volume up to 182 billion cubic feet (Bcf) per year (Bcf/yr) (0.5 Bcf 
per day), and to re-export a portion of this natural gas as liquefied 
natural gas (LNG) in a volume equivalent to 161 Bcf/yr of natural gas 
(0.44 Bcf per day). Energ[iacute]a Costa Azul seeks to export this LNG 
from the proposed Energ[iacute]a Costa Azul Mid-Scale Project, which 
consists of certain liquefaction and export terminal facilities located 
on the site of Energ[iacute]a Costa Azul's existing LNG import terminal 
north of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. The volumes for which 
Energ[iacute]a Costa Azul seeks authorization in this Application would 
be additive to the volumes for which Energ[iacute]a Costa Azul seeks 
authorization in its application in FE Docket No. 18-145-LNG. 
Energ[iacute]a Costa Azul requests authorization to export this LNG to: 
(i) Countries with which the United States has entered into a free 
trade agreement (FTA) requiring national treatment for trade in natural 
gas (FTA countries) and (ii) any other countries with which trade is 
not prohibited by U.S. law or policy (non-FTA countries). 
Energ[iacute]a Costa Azul

[[Page 54098]]

seeks to export the requested volume of natural gas and the requested 
volume of LNG on its own behalf and as agent for other entities who 
hold title to the natural gas at the time of export. Energ[iacute]a 
Costa Azul requests the authorization for a 20-year term to commence on 
the earlier of the date of first export or seven years from the 
issuance of the requested authorizations. Energ[iacute]a Costa Azul 
further requests authorization to continue exporting for a total of 
three years following the end of the 20-year authorization term 
requested herein, solely to export any volumes that it is unable to 
export during the 20-year authorization term (Make-Up Volumes). 
Energ[iacute]a Costa Azul filed the Application under section 3 of the 
Natural Gas Act (NGA). Additional details and related procedural 
history can be found in Energ[iacute]a Costa Azul's Application, posted 
on the DOE/FE website at: https://www.energy.gov/fe/downloads/energ-costa-azul-s-de-rl-de-cv-dkt-no-18-144-lng. 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, December 26, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: Electronic Filing by Email: [email protected].
    Regular Mail: U.S. Department of Energy (FE-34), Office of 
Regulation, Analysis, and Engagement, 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 Regulation, 
Analysis, and Engagement, Office of Fossil Energy, Forrestal Building, 
Room 3E-042, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Benjamin Nussdorf or Larine Moore, U.S. Department of Energy (FE-34), 
Office of Regulation, Analysis, and Engagement, Office of Fossil 
Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 3E-042, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586-7970; (202) 586-9478.
Cassandra Bernstein or Ronald (R.J.) Colwell, U.S. Department of Energy 
(GC-76), Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Electricity and 
Fossil Energy, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586-9793; (202) 586-8499.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

DOE/FE Evaluation

    In the Application, Energ[iacute]a Costa Azul requests 
authorization to export LNG from the proposed Energ[iacute]a Costa Azul 
liquefaction and export terminal facilities to both FTA countries and 
non-FTA countries. This Notice applies only to the portion of the 
Application requesting authority to export LNG to non-FTA countries 
pursuant to section 3(a) of the NGA, 15 U.S.C. 717b(a). DOE/FE will 
review Energ[iacute]a Costa Azul's request for a FTA export 
authorization separately pursuant to section 3(c) of the NGA, 15 U.S.C. 
717b(c).
    In reviewing Energ[iacute]a Costa Azul's request for a non-FTA 
authorization, DOE will consider any issues required by law or policy. 
DOE will consider domestic need for the natural gas, as well as any 
other issues determined to be appropriate, 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. As part of this analysis, DOE will 
consider one or more of the following studies examining the cumulative 
impacts of exporting domestically produced LNG:
     Effect of Increased Levels of Liquefied Natural Gas on 
U.S. Energy Markets, conducted by the U.S. Energy Information 
Administration upon DOE's request (2014 EIA LNG Export Study); \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The 2014 EIA LNG Export Study, published on Oct. 29, 2014, 
is available at: https://www.eia.gov/analysis/requests/fe/.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     The Macroeconomic Impact of Increasing U.S. LNG Exports, 
conducted jointly by the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University's 
Baker Institute for Public Policy and Oxford Economics, on behalf of 
DOE (2015 LNG Export Study); \2\ and
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ The 2015 LNG Export Study, dated Oct. 29, 2015, is available 
at: https://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2015/12/f27/20151113_macro_impact_of_lng_exports_0.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Macroeconomic Outcomes of Market Determined Levels of U.S. 
LNG Exports, conducted by NERA Economic Consulting on behalf of DOE 
(2018 LNG Export Study).\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ The 2018 LNG Export Study, dated June 7, 2018, is available 
at: https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2018/06/f52/Macroeconomic%20LNG%20Export%20Study%202018.pdf. DOE is currently 
evaluating public comments received on this Study (83 FR 27314).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additionally, DOE will consider the following environmental 
documents:
     Addendum to Environmental Review Documents Concerning 
Exports of Natural Gas From the United States, 79 FR 48132 (Aug. 15, 
2014); \4\ and
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ The Addendum and related documents are available at: https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2014/08/f18/Addendum.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Perspective on Exporting 
Liquefied Natural Gas from the United States, 79 FR 32260 (June 4, 
2014).\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ The Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Report is available at: https://energy.gov/fe/life-cycle-greenhouse-gas-perspective-exporting-liquefied-natural-gas-united-states.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Parties that may oppose this Application should address these 
issues and documents in their comments and/or protests, as well as 
other issues deemed relevant to the Application.
    The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
seq., 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.

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. Interested parties will be provided 60 days from the date 
of publication of this Notice in which to submit comments, protests, 
motions to intervene, or notices of intervention.
    Any person wishing to become a party to the proceeding must file a 
motion to intervene or notice of intervention. 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 [email protected], with FE Docket No. 18-144-LNG 
in the title line; (2) mailing an original and three paper copies of 
the filing to the Office of Regulation, Analysis, and Engagement at the 
address listed in ADDRESSES; or (3) hand delivering an original and 
three paper copies of the filing to the Office of Regulation, Analysis, 
and Engagement at the address listed in ADDRESSES. All filings must 
include a reference to FE Docket No. 18-144-LNG. PLEASE NOTE: If 
submitting a filing via email, please

[[Page 54099]]

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. 
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 
Office of Regulation, Analysis, and Engagement 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/.

    Signed in Washington, DC, on October 23, 2018.
Amy Sweeney,
Director, Division of Natural Gas Regulation.
[FR Doc. 2018-23473 Filed 10-25-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
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