Department of Energy June 8, 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Office of Fossil Energy (FE) of the Department of Energy (DOE) gives notice of receipt of an application (Application), filed on March 1, 2016, by Venture Global Plaquemines LNG, LLC (Plaquemines LNG), requesting long-term, multi-contract authorization to export domestically produced liquefied natural gas (LNG), up to the equivalent of 1,240 billion cubic feet per year (Bcf/y) of natural gas. Plaquemines LNG requested authority to export this LNG to any country which has, or in future develops, the capacity to import LNG via ocean- going carriers, 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).\1\ Plaquemines LNG seeks authorization to export this LNG for a 25-year term commencing on the earlier of the date of first export or seven years from the date the authorization is issued. Plaquemines LNG proposes to conduct its export operations from the Plaquemines LNG Project, a planned natural gas liquefaction and LNG export terminal to be located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, near river mile marker 55, in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. Plaquemines LNG seeks to export this LNG on its own behalf and as agent for other entities who hold title to the LNG at the time of export. The Application was filed under section 3 of the Natural Gas Act (NGA). Additional details can be found in Plaquemines LNG's Application, posted on the DOE/FE Web site at: https://www.energy.gov/fe/venture- global-plaquemines-lng-llc-plaquemines-lng-fe-dkt-no-16-28-ln g-ftanfta.

On November 9, 2015, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR) to amend the test procedure for central air conditioners and heat pumps. That proposed rulemaking serves as the basis for the final rule. The final rule, in addition to satisfying the agency's obligation to periodically review its test procedures for covered equipment, amends specific certification, compliance, and enforcement provisions related to this product. In the final rule DOE makes the following amendments to the current test procedure: a new basic model definition as it pertains to central air conditioners and heat pumps and revised requirements for represented values; revised alternative efficiency determination methods; termination of active waivers and interim waivers; procedures to determine off mode power consumption; changes to the test procedure that would improve test repeatability and reduce test burden; and clarifications to ambiguous sections of the test procedure intended also to improve test repeatability and reproducibility Some of these amendments also include incorporation by reference of updated industry standards.