[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 32 (Friday, February 15, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Page 8856]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-2953]


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COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION


Notice; Establishment of Energy Markets Advisory Committee

    The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has determined to 
establish a new advisory committee, the Energy Markets Advisory 
Committee. The purpose of the committee is to conduct public meetings, 
to submit reports and recommendations to the Commission, and otherwise 
to serve as a vehicle for discussion and communication on matters of 
concern to exchanges, firms, end users and regulators regarding energy 
markets and their regulation by the Commission. The Energy Markets 
Advisory Committee will have no operational responsibilities. The 
Commission will seek to achieve a balanced membership by appointing 
representatives of a cross section of the groups and interests involved 
in or affected by the Commission's actions in the energy area.
    The charter of the Energy Markets Advisory Committee will become 
effective upon its filing pursuant to 5 U.S.C. App. 2 Sec.  9(c). The 
Commission expects to file the charter promptly upon completion of the 
15 day notice period specified by 41 CFR 102-3.65(b).
    The Commission has determined that establishment of the Energy 
Markets Advisory Committee is in the public interest and is necessary 
to enable the Commission to carry out its responsibilities in the most 
effective and responsive manner. Since the enactment of the Commodity 
Futures Modernization Act of 2000, there have been important new 
developments in energy markets that create a need for consideration of 
adjustments in current regulatory and legislative approaches to ensure 
that the Commission has the means to protect market integrity and 
competition, while preserving opportunities for innovation and 
increases in efficiency. This is particularly true in light of evidence 
that some of the newer energy markets that have emerged since the 
Modernization Act have taken on some of the characteristics and price-
discovery functions of traditional futures markets. Moreover, there is 
every reason to expect that both the importance of markets for managing 
risks associated with the price and availability of energy and 
innovation in the structure and operation of such markets will continue 
to expand, raising new regulatory issues in the future. In these 
circumstances, an advisory committee focused on energy markets will 
significantly advance the Commission's ability to carry out its 
mission.
    Interested persons may obtain information by writing to the 
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st 
Street, NW., Washington, DC 20581.

    Issued in Washington, DC on February 11, 2008, by the 
Commission.
David A. Stawick,
Secretary of the Commission.
[FR Doc. E8-2953 Filed 2-14-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6351-01-P