[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 18, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8170-8171]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-3992]


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

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY


Public Hearings on a Comprehensive National Energy Strategy

AGENCY: Office of Policy and International Affairs, U.S. Department of 
Energy.

ACTION: Notice of public hearing.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: On January 15, 1998 the Department of Energy published Federal 
Register Notice: 63 FR 2371 announcing a series of public hearings to 
solicit input from state and local officials, utility representatives, 
industry representatives, public interest groups and other interested 
parties in the development of a statutorily required national energy 
policy plan, hereinafter referred to as the ``Comprehensive National 
Energy Strategy'' or ``CNES.'' This is a supplemental notice to provide 
additional information on the hearing locations, mechanisms, (i.e. 
website address and fax numbers), for obtaining a copy of the draft 
Comprehensive National Energy Strategy and deadline for public 
comments. The CNES is based on a framework of goals, objectives, and 
strategies that will enable the Nation to sustain an economically 
competitive, environmentally responsible, and secure energy sector into 
the next century. The Department also invites interested parties to 
submit written comments for use in developing the CNES.

Dates and Locations:

Houston, Texas. February 12, 1998. 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., George Brown 
Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Hearing Chair--
Elizabeth A. Moler, Deputy Secretary of Energy
Davis, California. February 13, 1998. 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 
University of California at Davis, University Club Building, Club Room 
One, Hearing Chair--Ernest J. Moniz, Under Secretary of Energy
Washington, D.C. February 19, 1998. 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., U.S. 
Department of Energy--Main Auditorium, 1000 Independence Ave. SW., 
Hearing Chair--Federico F. Pena, Secretary of Energy

ADDRESSES: Written comments may be sent to the U.S. Department of 
Energy,

[[Page 8171]]

ATTN: CNES-Hearings (PO-4), 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Room 7B-044, 
Washington, D.C. 20585 or by fax to 202-737-0219 or 202-586-4025 or via 
the INTERNET at http://www.eren.doe.gov. COMMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED NO 
LATER THAN FEBRUARY 27, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions regarding the public 
hearings, participation or written submissions, please visit the 
website at http://www.eren.doe.gov/nes.html or send fax inquiries to 
CNES-HEARINGS at 202-737-0219 or 202-586-4025.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 801 of the Department of Energy 
Organization Act of 1977 requires the President to submit a National 
Energy Policy Plan to Congress. The President plans to submit a 
National Energy Policy Plan to Congress in 1998. Section 801 also 
states that the President shall ``seek the active participation by 
regional, State, and local agencies and instrumentalities and the 
private sector through public hearings in cities and rural communities 
and other appropriate means to insure that the views and proposals of 
all segments of the economy are taken into account in the formulation 
and review of such proposed Plan.''
    A copy of the proposed Comprehensive National Energy Strategy 
follows this notice.
    The hearings are expected to elicit public input on any aspect of 
the framework, including suggestions for additional detail to accompany 
the strategies. The five basic goals in the proposed CNES are:
     Goal I. Improve the efficiency of the energy system--
making more productive use of energy resources to enhance overall 
economic performance while protecting the environment and advancing 
national security.
     Goal II. Ensure against energy disruptions--protecting our 
economy from external threat of interrupted supplies or infrastructure 
failure.
     Goal III. Promote energy production and use in ways that 
reflect human health and environmental values--improving our health and 
local, regional, and global environmental quality.
     Goal IV. Expand future energy choices--pursuing continued 
progress in science and technology to provide future generations with a 
robust portfolio of clean and inexpensive energy sources.
     Goal V. Cooperate internationally on global issues--
developing the means to address global economic, security, and 
environmental concerns.
    Participants wishing to speak at the hearings must register on-
site. The speaker registry will open one-half hour before each hearing. 
Although it is not necessary to confirm your attendance in advance, you 
may notify the Department of your intention to participate by fax or by 
mail at the address printed above.

    Issued in Washington D.C. on February 9, 1998.
Robert W. Gee,
Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs, U.S. 
Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 98-3992 Filed 2-17-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P