Department of Energy March 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

At the direction of the President, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE or Department), as the Secretariat for the Quadrennial Energy Review Task Force (QER Task Force), will convene a series of public meetings to discuss and receive comments on issues related to the Quadrennial Energy Review.

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA), as amended, prescribes energy conservation standards for various consumer products and certain commercial and industrial equipment, including commercial refrigeration equipment (CRE). EPCA also requires the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to determine whether more-stringent standards would be technologically feasible and economically justified, and would save a significant amount of energy. In this final rule, DOE is adopting more-stringent energy conservation standards for some classes of commercial refrigeration equipment. It has determined that the amended energy conservation standards for these products would result in significant conservation of energy, and are technologically feasible and economically justified.

The Department of Energy (DOE), pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, intends to extend for three years, an information collection request (OMB Control Number 1910-1700) with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The proposed voluntary collection will request that an individual or an authorized designee provide pertinent information for easy record retrieval allowing for increased efficiencies and quicker processing. Pertinent information includes the requester's name, shipping address, phone number, email address, previous work location, the action requested, and any identifying data that will help locate the records (e.g., maiden name, occupational license number, time and place of employment).

Pursuant to section 215 of the Federal Power Act, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) approves the following Reliability Standards that were submitted to the Commission for approval by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, the Commission-certified Electric Reliability Organization: MOD-025-2 (Verification and Data Reporting of Generator Real and Reactive Power Capability and Synchronous Condenser Reactive Power Capability), MOD- 026-1 (Verification of Models and Data for Generator Excitation Control System or Plant Volt/Var Control Functions), MOD-027-1(Verification of Models and Data for Turbine/Governor and Load Control or Active Power/ Frequency Control Functions), PRC-019-1 (Coordination of Generating Unit or Plant Capabilities, Voltage Regulating Controls, and Protection), and PRC-024-1 (Generator Frequency and Voltage Protective Relay Settings). The generator verification Reliability Standards help ensure that verified data is available for power system planning and operational studies by requiring the verification of generator equipment and capability needed to support Bulk-Power System reliability and promoting the coordination of important protection system settings.

Pursuant to section 215 of the Federal Power Act, the Commission proposes to approve a new Reliability Standard, PRC-025-1 (Generator Relay Loadability), submitted by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the Commission-approved Electric Reliability Organization. In addition, the Commission proposes to approve Reliability Standard PRC-023-3 (Transmission Relay Loadability), also submitted by NERC, which revises a currently- effective standard pertaining to transmission relay loadability.

The Office of Fossil Energy (FE) of the Department of Energy (DOE) gives notice of receipt of an application (Application) filed on November 12, 2013, by Delfin LNG LLC (Delfin), requesting long-term, multi-contract authorization to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) produced from domestic sources in a volume equivalent to approximately 657.5 billion cubic feet per year (Bcf/yr) of natural gas, or 1.8 Bcf per day (Bcf/d). Delfin seeks authorization to export the LNG for a 20- year term from a proposed floating liquefaction project to be located in West Cameron Block 167 (WC 167) of the Gulf of Mexico, offshore of Cameron Parish, Louisiana (Liquefaction Project). Delfin states that the floating liquefaction facility will be a ``deepwater port'' within the meaning of the Deepwater Port Act (33 U.S.C. 1501, et seq.), and therefore also will require a license from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Marine Administration (MARAD), in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard. Delfin seeks authorization under Sec. 3(a) of the Natural Gas Act (NGA), 15 U.S.C. 717b(a), to export this LNG by vessel from the Liquefaction 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 (non-FTA countries), and with which trade is not prohibited by U.S. law or policy. Delfin seeks to export the LNG on its own behalf and as agent for third parties. Delfin requests that this authorization commence on the earlier of the date of first export or seven years from the date the authorization is issued.

On August 2, 2013, DOE published a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR) concerning its regulations governing Assistance to Foreign Atomic Energy Activities. The comment period on the SNOPR was originally to close on October 31, 2013, but was extended until November 30, 2013. By this notice, DOE is re-opening the comment period on the SNOPR. The comment period will close on April 2, 2014. The re-opening of the comment period will provide for additional time for the public to review and comment on the proposed regulation and other comments received. The Department looks forward to hearing feedback from the public on the proposed regulations.

BPA is submitting to OMB for clearance, a proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The proposed collection will allow BPA to gather information from potential vendors on the environmental services and capabilities they can provide to support activities ensuring environmental compliance for BPA programs and projects in fulfillment of its commitment to stewardship of the Northwest region's natural and cultural resources. The services and capabilities information will help BPA in identifying contracting opportunities for those vendors with the services, skills and capabilities necessary to assist BPA in implementing environmental analysis and documentation in compliance with federal environmental laws.