[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 33 (Friday, February 16, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 10745]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-3891]



[[Page 10745]]

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

[Investigation 332-426]


Natural Gas Services: Recent Reforms in Selected Markets

AGENCY: United States International Trade Commission.

ACTION: Institution of investigation.

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EFFECTIVE DATE: February 8, 2001.

SUMMARY: Following receipt of a request on January 16, 2001, from the 
United States Trade Representative (USTR), the Commission instituted 
investigation No. 332-426, Natural Gas Services: Recent Reforms in 
Selected Markets, under section 332(g) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 
U.S.C. 1332(g)).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Information specific to this 
investigation may be obtained from Mr. Christopher Melly, Project 
Leader (202-205-3461; [email protected]), Ms. Joann Tortorice, Deputy 
Project Leader (202-205-3032; [email protected]), or Mr. Richard 
Brown, Chief, Services and Investment Division (202-205-3438; 
[email protected]), Office of Industries, U.S. International Trade 
Commission, Washington, DC, 20436. For information on the legal aspects 
of this investigation, contact William Gearhart of the Office of the 
General Counsel (202-205-3091; [email protected]). Hearing impaired 
individuals are advised that information on this matter can be obtained 
by contacting the TDD terminal on (202) 205-1810.

Background

    In a letter dated January 16, 2001, the USTR requested that the 
Commission, pursuant to section 332(g) of the Tariff Act of 1930, 
conduct an investigation of the natural gas services markets in 
countries where significant market reform, privatization, and 
liberalization has occurred or is ongoing. The foreign markets to be 
examined are: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Korea, Japan, 
Mexico, Spain, and the United Kingdom. As requested, in its report, the 
Commission will (1) describe the nature of reform, including, but not 
limited to the extent of privatization, vertical and horizontal 
restructuring, and consumer choice, as applicable; (2) examine current 
market access conditions, including, but not limited to measures 
affecting network access, investment, and trading (i.e., the exchange 
of natural gas contracts through financial markets), as applicable; and 
(3) identify common regulatory practices adopted by multiple countries, 
insofar as they exist. For the purpose of this study, natural gas 
services will focus on the downstream natural gas market, including the 
following segments: transmission (including transport and storage); 
distribution; wholesale and retail supply; and trading.
    This letter follows a similar request made by the USTR in November 
1999 for the Commission to conduct an investigation of the electric 
power services markets in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, 
the European Union, Japan, New Zealand, and Venezuela. The Commission 
submitted its report to the USTR on November 23, 2000, copies of which 
may be obtained by contacting the Office of the Secretary at 202-205-
2000 or by accessing the USITC Internet server (http://www.usitc.gov). 
The USTR asked that the Commission furnish the natural gas report by 
October 16, 2001, and that the Commission make the report available to 
the public in its entirety.

Public Hearing

    A public hearing in connection with the investigation will be held 
at the U.S. International Trade Commission Building, 500 E Street SW, 
Washington, DC, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on April 3, 2001. All persons 
shall have the right to appear, by counsel or in person, to present 
information and to be heard. Requests to appear at the public hearing 
should be filed with the Secretary, United States International Trade 
Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436, no later than 5:15 
p.m., March 20, 2001. Any prehearing briefs (original and 14 copies) 
should be filed not later than 5:15 p.m., March 22, 2001; the deadline 
for filing post-hearing briefs or statements is 5:15 p.m., April 25, 
2001. In the event that, as of the close of business on March 20, 2001, 
no witnesses are scheduled to appear at the hearing, the hearing will 
be canceled. Any person interested in attending the hearing as an 
observer or non-participant may call the Secretary of the Commission 
(202-205-1806) after March 20, 2001, to determine whether the hearing 
will be held.

Written Submissions

    In lieu of or in addition to participating in the hearing, 
interested parties are invited to submit written statements (original 
and 14 copies) concerning the matters to be addressed by the Commission 
in its report on this investigation. Commercial or financial 
information that a submitter desires the Commission to treat as 
confidential must be submitted on separate sheets of paper, each 
clearly marked ``Confidential Business Information'' at the top. All 
submissions requesting confidential treatment must conform with the 
requirements of section 201.6 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and 
Procedure (19 CFR 201.6). All written submissions, except for 
confidential business information, will be made available in the Office 
of the Secretary of the Commission for inspection by interested 
parties. To be assured of consideration by the Commission, written 
statements relating to the Commission's report should be submitted to 
the Commission at the earliest practical date and should be received no 
later than the close of business on April 25, 2001. All submissions 
should be addressed to the Secretary, United States International Trade 
Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. The Commission's 
rules do not authorize filing submissions with the Secretary by 
facsimile or electronic means. Persons with mobility impairments who 
will need special assistance in gaining access to the Commission should 
contact the Office of the Secretary at 202-205-2000. General 
information concerning the Commission may also be obtained by accessing 
its Internet server (http://www.usitc.gov).

List of Subjects

    WTO, GATS, Energy services, Market access, Natural gas, Trade in 
services.

    Issued: February 9, 2001.

    By order of the Commission.
Donna R. Koehnke,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 01-3891 Filed 2-15-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P