[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 154 (Wednesday, August 11, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48885-48886]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-18314]


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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

[Investigation No. 332-462]


Renewable Energy Services: An Examination of U.S. and Foreign 
Markets

AGENCY: International Trade Commission.

ACTION: Institution of investigation and scheduling of public hearing.

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DATES: Effective August 3, 2004.

SUMMARY: Following receipt of a request on July 12, 2004 from the 
United States Trade Representative (USTR), the Commission instituted 
investigation No. 332-462, Renewable Energy Services: An Examination of 
U.S. and Foreign 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 Lisa Ferens, Project Leader (202-
205-3486; [email protected]), Jennifer Baumert, Deputy Project 
Leader, (202-205-3450; [email protected]), or 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: As requested by the USTR, the Commission's report will, 
to the extent possible, (1) provide an overview of foreign and domestic 
markets for renewable energy services; (2) examine trade and investment 
in renewable energy services markets, including barriers affecting such 
trade and investment, if any; and (3) if possible, discuss existing 
regulatory practices that generate demand for the subject services. 
USTR has requested that the Commission's study include examples from 
both developed- and developing-country markets. In addition, the USTR 
has asked the Commission to include examples--as appropriate--from 
those economies with which the United States has established, or is in 
the process of negotiating, free trade arrangements. To the extent 
possible, the Commission is also requested to present information on 
trade and market conditions for those goods related to the subject 
renewable

[[Page 48886]]

energy services. For the purpose of this study, renewable energy 
services are defined to include: the use of renewable power sources--
including wind, solar energy, biomass fuels, tidal energy, and 
geothermal energy--in heating or electricity generation; the sale of 
renewable energy; geological analysis, resource assessment, and other 
services incidental to the evaluation, planning, or siting of a 
renewable energy project or facility; design, construction, and 
installation services for renewable energy equipment and facilities; 
the operation, management, and monitoring of renewable energy projects 
or facilities; decommissioning services; services incidental to the 
issuance of renewable energy certificates; research and development 
services related to renewable energy; and other services incidental to 
the development and use of renewable power sources.
    The USTR asked that the Commission furnish its report by October 1, 
2005, 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 19, 2005. 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., April 5, 2005. Any prehearing briefs 
(original and 14 copies) should be filed not later than 5:15 p.m., 
April 7, 2005; the deadline for filing post-hearing briefs or 
statements is 5:15 p.m., May 5, 2005. In the event that, as of the 
close of business on April 5, 2005, no witnesses are scheduled to 
appear at the hearing, the hearing will be canceled. Any persons 
interested in attending the hearing as an observer or non-participant 
may call the Secretary of the Commission (202-205-1806) after April 5, 
2005, for information concerning 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 Sec.  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 to the Commission for 
inspection by interested parties. The Commission will not include any 
confidential business information in the report it sends to the USTR. 
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 May 5, 2005. 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, except to the extent permitted by 
section 201.8 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 
CFR 201.8) (see Handbook for Electronic Filing Procedures, ftp://ftp.usitc.gov/pub/reports/electronic_filing_handbook.pdf). Persons 
with questions regarding electronic filing should contact the Secretary 
(202-205-2000 [email protected]).
    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, renewable energy services.

    Issued: August 5, 2004.

    By order of the Commission.
Marilyn R. Abbott,
Secretary to the Commission.
[FR Doc. 04-18314 Filed 8-10-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P