[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 68 (Monday, April 11, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Page 18359]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-7259]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Economics and Statistics Administration

[Docket No. 050331090-5090-01]


Impact of Increased Natural Gas Prices on U.S. Industries

AGENCY: Office of Policy Development, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of inquiry.

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SUMMARY: The Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA) is seeking 
public comment on the impact that recent (2000 through present) 
increases in natural gas prices had and will have on U.S. manufacturing 
industries. This notice of inquiry is part of an effort to collect 
information to assist in the preparation of a study and a report that 
the Congress has charged the Secretary of Commerce, in cooperation with 
the Secretaries of Energy and Labor, to prepare on the economic impact 
of rising natural gas prices.

DATES: Written comments on this notice must be submitted on or before 
May 16, 2005.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
    E-mail: [email protected]. Include the phrase ``Natural Gas 
Price Impacts on Industry'' in the subject line;
    Fax: (202) 482-0325 (Attn: David Henry);
    Mail or Hand Delivery/Courier: David Henry, U.S. Department of 
Commerce, Economics and Statistics Administration, Office of Policy 
Development,14th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Room 4875, 
Washington, DC 20230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions on the submission of 
comments, contact David Henry, Office of Policy Development, Economics 
and Statistics Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, on (202) 
482-2566 or by e-mail at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Conference Report accompanying Pub. L. 
108-447 (Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005) directs the Secretary 
of Commerce, in cooperation with the Secretaries of Energy and Labor, 
to examine and prepare a study on the economic impact of natural gas 
prices on energy-intensive industries in the U.S. and potential market 
adjustments thereto, including shifting energy-intensive industries 
overseas. Remarks by Congressman Michael Castle on the floor of the 
House on July 7, 2004 explain the study request further. 150 Cong. Rec. 
H5259-01. The Secretary of Commerce is directed to report his findings 
to the Committees on Appropriations for the U.S. House of 
Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The Secretary of Commerce 
appointed the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs to lead this 
interagency study.
    In order to assist in the interagency study underway, ESA is 
seeking public comment on what the impacts have been and will be on 
U.S. manufacturing industries resulting from rising natural gas prices, 
particularly those manufacturing industries that are energy-intensive, 
e.g. chemicals, nitrogenous fertilizer manufacturing, paper, glass and 
plastics. Information on industry impacts of rising natural gas prices 
that are being sought include, but are not limited to, their impact on 
(1) employment, production and prices; (2) investment decisions and 
capital expenditures; (3) export markets and competition from imports; 
and (4) the possibility of use of alternative fuel and/or feedstock 
choices.
    All comments must be submitted to the address indicated in this 
notice. The Department requires that all comments be submitted in 
written form.
    The Department encourages interested persons who wish to comment to 
do so at the earliest possible time. The period for submission of 
comments will close on May 16, 2005. The Department will consider all 
comments received before the close of the comment period. Comments 
received after the end of the comment period will be considered if 
possible, but their consideration cannot be assured. The Department 
will not accept comments accompanied by a request that a part or all of 
the material be treated confidentially because of its business 
proprietary nature or for any other reason. The Department will return 
such comments and materials to the persons submitting the comments and 
will not consider them. All comments submitted in response to this 
notice will be a matter of public record and will be available for 
public inspection and copying.
    The Office of Policy Development of the Economics and Statistics 
Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce will display public 
comments on the response to this request on the ESA Web site at http://www.esa.doc.gov/ng. The office does not maintain a separate public 
inspection facility. If you have technical difficulties accessing this 
Web site, please call David Henry at (202) 482-2566, for assistance.

    Dated: April 5, 2005.
Kathleen B. Cooper,
Under Secretary for Economic Affairs.
[FR Doc. 05-7259 Filed 4-8-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-06-P