[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 105 (Thursday, May 31, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 29563]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-13593]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket Nos. RP98-44-000 and GP98-38-000]


EL Paso Natural Gas Company, Vastar Gas Marketing, Inc. and 
Atlantic Richfield Company; Notice of Settlement Agreement

May 24, 2001.
    Take notice that on May 16, 2001, El Paso Natural Gas Company (El 
Paso), Vastar Gas Marketing, Inc. (Vastar) and Atlantic Richfield 
Company (ARCO) (collectively referred to as the Signatory Parties) 
filed, for the Commission's approval a Settlement Agreement 
(Settlement) under Rule 602 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and 
Procedure in the captioned dockets. A copy of the Settlement is 
available for public inspection in the Commission's Public Reference 
Room and may be viewed on the web at http://www.ferc.fed.us/online/rims.htm (call 202-208-2222 for assistance).
    Signatory Parties state that the Settlement resolves the Kansas ad 
valorem refund claims raised by El Paso against Vastar and ARCO. El 
Paso originally sought refunds of approximately $6.6 million from 
Vastar and/or ARCO. The Settlement resolves these claims, and the 
related defense of Vastar and ARCO, in exchange for Vastar's and ARCO's 
lump sum payment of $4.1 million. In addition, the Settlement will 
result in the full and complete release of Vastar's and ARCO's claims 
against its royalty owners with respect to Kansas ad valorem tax 
refunds on El Paso's system, and the termination of all related 
proceedings pending before the Commission as they relate to EL Paso's 
claims.
    Initial comments are due June 5, 2001; relay comments are due June 
15, 2001.

Davis P. Boergers,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 01-13593 Filed 5-30-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-M