Port Arthur LNG Phase II, LLC; Application for Long-Term, Multi-Contract Authorization To Export Liquefied Natural Gas to Non-Free Trade Agreement Nations, 17568-17569 [2020-06512]

Download as PDF 17568 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 61 / Monday, March 30, 2020 / Notices lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose of the Committee: The purpose of the committee is to provide advice and guidance on a continuing basis to the Office of Science and to the Department of Energy on scientific priorities within the field of advanced scientific computing research. Purpose of the Meeting: This meeting is the semi-annual meeting of the Committee. Tentative Agenda Topics: • View from Washington • View from Germantown • Update on Exascale project activities • Report from Subcommittee on 40 years of investments by the Department of Energy in advanced computing and networking • Report from Exascale Transition Subcommittee • Update from the Subcommittee on AI coordination across Office of Science programs • Technical presentations • Public Comment (10-minute rule) The meeting agenda includes an update on the budget, accomplishments and planned activities of the Advanced Scientific Computing Research program and the exascale computing project; an update from the Office of Science; technical presentations from funded researchers; and there will be an opportunity for comments from the public. The meeting will conclude at 3:00 p.m. EDT on April 24, 2020. Agenda updates and presentations will be posted on the ASCAC website prior to the meeting: https://science.osti.gov/ ascr/ascac. Public Participation: The meeting is open to the public. Individuals and representatives of organizations who would like to offer comments and suggestions may do so during the meeting. Approximately 30 minutes will be reserved for public comments. Time allotted per speaker will depend on the number who wish to speak but will not exceed 10 minutes. The Designated Federal Officer is empowered to conduct the meeting in a fashion that will facilitate the orderly conduct of business. Those wishing to speak should submit your request at least five days before the meeting. Those not able to attend the meeting or who have insufficient time to address the committee are invited to send a written statement to Christine Chalk, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585, email to Christine.Chalk@ science.doe.gov. Minutes: The minutes of this meeting will be available within 60 days on the Advanced Scientific Computing website at: https://science.osti.gov/ascr/ascac. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Mar 27, 2020 Jkt 250001 Signed in Washington, DC, on March 20, 2020. LaTanya Butler, Deputy Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. 2020–06510 Filed 3–27–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY [FE Docket No. 20–23–LNG] Port Arthur LNG Phase II, LLC; Application for Long-Term, MultiContract Authorization To Export Liquefied Natural Gas to Non-Free Trade Agreement Nations Office of Fossil Energy, DOE. Notice of application. AGENCY: ACTION: The Office of Fossil Energy (FE) of the Department of Energy (DOE) gives notice (Notice) of receipt of an application (Application), filed on February 28, 2020, by Port Arthur LNG Phase II, LLC (PALNG Phase II). The Application requests long-term, multicontract authorization to export domestically produced liquefied natural gas (LNG) in a volume equivalent to approximately 698 billion cubic feet per year (Bcf/yr) of natural gas. PALNG Phase II seeks to export this LNG from two proposed LNG trains, Trains 3 and 4 (the Expansion Project), to be built at the proposed Port Arthur LNG terminal in Jefferson County, Texas. PALNG Phase II filed the Application 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, April 29, 2020. 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: Kyle W. Moorman or Amy Sweeney, U.S. Department of Energy (FE–34), SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 or (202) 586–2627, kyle.moorman@hq.doe.gov or amy.sweeney@hq.doe.gov Cassandra Bernstein, 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, cassandra.bernstein@ hq.doe.gov SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PALNG Phase II requests long-term, multicontract authorization to export LNG from Trains 3 and 4 (the Expansion Project) that PALNG Phase II is proposing to construct, own, and operate at the Port Arthur LNG terminal. PALNG Phase II’s affiliate, Port Arthur LNG, LLC, previously received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to construct the Port Arthur LNG terminal, where Port Arthur LNG, LLC plans to build Trains 1 and 2 (the Base Project). PALNG Phase II requests authority to export LNG in a volume up to 13.5 million metric tons per annum (mtpa), which it states is equivalent to approximately 698 Bcf/yr of natural gas. PALNG Phase II requests authorization to export the LNG to: (i) Any nation with which the United States has entered into a free trade agreement (FTA) requiring national treatment for trade in natural gas (FTA nations), and (ii) any other nation with which trade is not prohibited by U.S. law or policy (non-FTA nations). 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 PALNG Phase II’s request for a FTA export authorization separately pursuant to section 3(c) of the NGA, 15 U.S.C. 717b(c). PALNG Phase II requests the authorization on its own behalf and as agent for other entities that will hold title to the LNG at the point of export. PALNG Phase II further requests that the authorization: (i) Commence on the earlier of the date of first export or seven years from the issuance of the requested authorization, and (ii) terminate on the later of the date that is 20 years from the date of the commencement of the term or December 31, 2050. Additional details can be found in PALNG Phase II’s Application, posted on the DOE/FE website at: https://www.energy.gov/fe/ E:\FR\FM\30MRN1.SGM 30MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 61 / Monday, March 30, 2020 / Notices downloads/port-arthur-lng-phase-ii-llcfe-dkt-no-20-23-lng. DOE/FE Evaluation lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with NOTICES In reviewing PALNG Phase II’s request, 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 the study entitled, Macroeconomic Outcomes of Market Determined Levels of U.S. LNG Exports (2018 LNG Export Study),1 and DOE/ FE’s response to public comments received on that Study.2 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); 3 • Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Perspective on Exporting Liquefied Natural Gas From the United States, 79 FR 32260 (June 4, 2014); 4 and • Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Perspective on Exporting Liquefied Natural Gas From the United States: 2019 Update, 84 FR 49278 (Sept. 19, 2019), and DOE/FE’s response to public comments received on that study.5 Parties that may oppose this Application should address these issues and documents in their comments and 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 1 See NERA Economic Consulting, Macroeconomic Outcomes of Market Determined Levels of U.S. LNG Exports (June 7, 2018), available at: https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2018/ 06/f52/Macroeconomic%20LNG%20Export %20Study%202018.pdf. 2 U.S. Dep’t of Energy, Study on Macroeconomic Outcomes of LNG Exports: Response to Comments Received on Study; Notice of Response to Comments, 83 FR 67251 (Dec. 28, 2018). 3 The Addendum and related documents are available at: https://energy.gov/fe/draft-addendumenvironmental-review-documents-concerningexports-natural-gas-united-states. 4 The 2014 Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Report is available at: https://energy.gov/fe/life-cyclegreenhouse-gas-perspective-exporting-liquefiednatural-gas-united-states. 5 U.S. Dep’t of Energy, Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Perspective on Exporting Liquefied Natural Gas From the United States: 2019 Update—Response to Comments, 85 FR 72 (Jan. 2, 2020). The 2019 Update and related documents are available at: https://fossil.energy.gov/app/docketindex/docket/ index/21. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Mar 27, 2020 Jkt 250001 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 30 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. 20–23–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. 20–23–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. If an additional PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 17569 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, notices 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 March 24, 2020. Amy Sweeney, Director, Office of Regulation, Analysis, and Engagement, Office of Oil and Natural Gas. [FR Doc. 2020–06512 Filed 3–27–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Notice of Request for Information (RFI) on the Building Technologies Office’s Draft Connected Communities Funding Opportunity Announcement (DE–FOA– 0002291) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy (DOE). ACTION: Request for information (RFI). AGENCY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) invites public comment on its Request for Information (RFI) number DE–FOA–0002291 regarding the Building Technologies Office’s (BTO) Draft Connected Communities Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). This RFI pertains to a draft Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) planned to be issued by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Office in collaboration with the Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO), Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) and the Office of Electricity (OE) on Connected Communities of Grid-interactive Efficient Buildings. The purpose of this RFI is to solicit feedback from utilities, industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other stakeholders on issues related to Grid-interactive Efficient Buildings in Connected Communities. EERE is SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\30MRN1.SGM 30MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 61 (Monday, March 30, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17568-17569]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-06512]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

[FE Docket No. 20-23-LNG]


Port Arthur LNG Phase II, LLC; Application for Long-Term, Multi-
Contract Authorization 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 (Notice) of receipt of an application (Application), 
filed on February 28, 2020, by Port Arthur LNG Phase II, LLC (PALNG 
Phase II). The Application requests long-term, multi-contract 
authorization to export domestically produced liquefied natural gas 
(LNG) in a volume equivalent to approximately 698 billion cubic feet 
per year (Bcf/yr) of natural gas. PALNG Phase II seeks to export this 
LNG from two proposed LNG trains, Trains 3 and 4 (the Expansion 
Project), to be built at the proposed Port Arthur LNG terminal in 
Jefferson County, Texas. PALNG Phase II filed the Application 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, April 29, 
2020.

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: 
Kyle W. Moorman or Amy Sweeney, 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 or (202) 586-2627, 
[email protected] or [email protected]

Cassandra Bernstein, 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, [email protected]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PALNG Phase II requests long-term, multi-
contract authorization to export LNG from Trains 3 and 4 (the Expansion 
Project) that PALNG Phase II is proposing to construct, own, and 
operate at the Port Arthur LNG terminal. PALNG Phase II's affiliate, 
Port Arthur LNG, LLC, previously received approval from the Federal 
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to construct the Port Arthur LNG 
terminal, where Port Arthur LNG, LLC plans to build Trains 1 and 2 (the 
Base Project).
    PALNG Phase II requests authority to export LNG in a volume up to 
13.5 million metric tons per annum (mtpa), which it states is 
equivalent to approximately 698 Bcf/yr of natural gas. PALNG Phase II 
requests authorization to export the LNG to: (i) Any nation with which 
the United States has entered into a free trade agreement (FTA) 
requiring national treatment for trade in natural gas (FTA nations), 
and (ii) any other nation with which trade is not prohibited by U.S. 
law or policy (non-FTA nations). 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 PALNG Phase II's request for a FTA export 
authorization separately pursuant to section 3(c) of the NGA, 15 U.S.C. 
717b(c).
    PALNG Phase II requests the authorization on its own behalf and as 
agent for other entities that will hold title to the LNG at the point 
of export. PALNG Phase II further requests that the authorization: (i) 
Commence on the earlier of the date of first export or seven years from 
the issuance of the requested authorization, and (ii) terminate on the 
later of the date that is 20 years from the date of the commencement of 
the term or December 31, 2050. Additional details can be found in PALNG 
Phase II's Application, posted on the DOE/FE website at: https://
www.energy.gov/fe/

[[Page 17569]]

downloads/port-arthur-lng-phase-ii-llc-fe-dkt-no-20-23-lng.

DOE/FE Evaluation

    In reviewing PALNG Phase II's request, 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 the study entitled, Macroeconomic Outcomes 
of Market Determined Levels of U.S. LNG Exports (2018 LNG Export 
Study),\1\ and DOE/FE's response to public comments received on that 
Study.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ See NERA Economic Consulting, Macroeconomic Outcomes of 
Market Determined Levels of U.S. LNG Exports (June 7, 2018), 
available at: https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2018/06/f52/Macroeconomic%20LNG%20Export%20Study%202018.pdf.
    \2\ U.S. Dep't of Energy, Study on Macroeconomic Outcomes of LNG 
Exports: Response to Comments Received on Study; Notice of Response 
to Comments, 83 FR 67251 (Dec. 28, 2018).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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); \3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ The Addendum and related documents are available at: https://energy.gov/fe/draft-addendum-environmental-review-documents-concerning-exports-natural-gas-united-states.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Perspective on Exporting 
Liquefied Natural Gas From the United States, 79 FR 32260 (June 4, 
2014); \4\ and
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ The 2014 Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Report is available at: 
https://energy.gov/fe/life-cycle-greenhouse-gas-perspective-exporting-liquefied-natural-gas-united-states.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Perspective on Exporting 
Liquefied Natural Gas From the United States: 2019 Update, 84 FR 49278 
(Sept. 19, 2019), and DOE/FE's response to public comments received on 
that study.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ U.S. Dep't of Energy, Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Perspective 
on Exporting Liquefied Natural Gas From the United States: 2019 
Update--Response to Comments, 85 FR 72 (Jan. 2, 2020). The 2019 
Update and related documents are available at: https://fossil.energy.gov/app/docketindex/docket/index/21.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Parties that may oppose this Application should address these 
issues and documents in their comments and 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 30 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. 20-23-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. 20-23-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. 
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, notices 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 March 24, 2020.
Amy Sweeney,
Director, Office of Regulation, Analysis, and Engagement, Office of Oil 
and Natural Gas.
[FR Doc. 2020-06512 Filed 3-27-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
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