[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 246 (Thursday, December 23, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 72104-72105]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-33317]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration
[TA-W-36,219]


Matador Petroleum Corporation, Dallas, Texas; Notice of Negative 
Determination on Reconsideration

    By application dated August 20, 1999, the company requested 
administrative reconsideration of the Department's negative 
determination regarding eligibility to apply for Trade Adjustment 
Assistance (TAA), applicable to workers and former workers of the 
subject firm. The denial notice was signed on June 30, 1999, and 
published in the Federal Register on September 11, 1999 (64 FR 43723).
    The June 30, 1999, denial of TAA for workers engaged in employment 
related to the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas 
at Matador Petroleum Corporation, Dallas, Texas, was based on the 
finding that criteria (2) and (3) of group eligibility requirements of 
Section 222 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, were not met. 
Employment levels and revenues derived from the sale of articles 
produced at the subject firm increased during the relevant time period.
    The company provided new information regarding employment at the 
subject firm, showing that the number of workers did decline in January 
through March 1999 and that there is a threat of additional layoffs. 
Based on this new information criterion (1) is met.
    The company explains that the revenues derived from the sale of 
crude oil and natural gas increased because the company found 
significant amounts of oil and gas. Profits of the subject firm, 
however, declined because they were forced to sell the products at a 
price lower than the associated costs of production; the low price of 
imported products drove the price down.
    The Trade Act of 1974 does not provide for working group 
certification based on the cost of producing products. Price is not a 
criterion for worker group certification.

[[Page 72105]]

Conclusion

    After reconsideration, I affirm the original notice of negative 
determination of eligibility to apply for worker adjustment assistance 
for workers and former workers of Matador Petroleum Corporation, 
Dallas, Texas.

    Signed at Washington, D.C. this 13th day of December, 1999.
Grant D. Beale,
Program Manager, Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance.
[FR Doc. 99-33317 Filed 12-22-99 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-30-M