[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 189 (Tuesday, September 30, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 56288]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-24642]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No.PL03-6-000]


Natural Gas Markets Conference; Notice of Public Conference

September 23, 2003.
    1. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will hold a 
conference on October 14, 2003, to engage industry members and the 
public in a dialogue about policy issues facing the natural gas 
industry today and the Commission's regulation of the industry for the 
future. Last year the Commission held a wide ranging discussion 
concerning its regulatory goals for the natural gas industry (Docket 
No. PL02-9-000). This year's conference on the ``state of the gas 
market'' will focus on the findings and recommendations contained in 
the National Petroleum Council's soon to be released report: Balancing 
Natural Gas Policy--Fueling the Demands of a Growing Economy.\1\
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    \1\ The National Petroleum Council is an oil and natural gas 
advisory committee to the Secretary of Energy.
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    2. Last March, the Secretary of Energy asked the National Petroleum 
Council to conduct a study of natural gas in the United States in the 
21st Century. Specifically, he stated:
    Such a study should examine the potential implications of new 
supplies, new technologies, new perceptions of risk, and other evolving 
market conditions that may affect the potential for natural gas demand, 
supplies, and delivery through 2025. It should also provide insights on 
energy market dynamics, including price volatility and future fuel 
choice, and an outlook on the longer term sustainability of natural gas 
supplies. Of particular interest is the Council's advice on actions 
that can be taken by industry and government to increase the 
productivity and efficiency of North American natural gas markets and 
to ensure adequate and reliable supplies of energy for consumers.
    3. At the conference, representatives of the National Petroleum 
Council will present their report and interested individuals will have 
an opportunity to respond and ask questions. The summary of findings 
and recommendations will be available from the National Petroleum 
Council on September 25, 2003 on the National Petroleum Council Web 
site at http://www.npc.org. The entire integrated report will be 
available at the conference.
    4. In addition, the Commission also seeks to encourage industry 
representatives and interested individuals to raise other issues for 
the Commission to consider in shaping its future regulatory policies 
concerning the natural gas industry. Following the National Petroleum 
Council presentation and discussion, the Commission will have an open 
forum that will give all interested individuals an opportunity to raise 
issues.
    5. The conference will be held on October 14, 2003 at FERC, 888 
First Street, NE. in Washington, DC, beginning at 10 a.m. in the 
Commission Meeting Room. The public is invited to attend.
    6. The conference will be transcribed. Those interested in 
acquiring the transcript should contact Ace Reporters at 202-347-3700 
or 800-336-6646. Transcripts will be placed in the public record ten 
days after the Commission receives the transcripts. Additionally, 
Capitol Connection offers the opportunity for remote listening and 
viewing of the conference. It is available for a fee, live or over the 
Internet, via C-Band Satellite. Persons interested in receiving the 
broadcast, or who need information on making arrangements should 
contact David Reininger or Julia Morelli at Capitol Connection (703-
993-3100) as soon as possible or visit the Capitol Connection Web site 
at http://www.capitolconnection.gmu.edu and click on ``FERC.''

Magalie R. Salas,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 03-24642 Filed 9-26-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P