15 USC 720a - Issuance of certificate of public convenience and necessity

U.S Code last checked for updates: Nov 22, 2024

§ 720a.

Issuance of certificate of public convenience and necessity

(a)

Authority of the Commission

(b)

Issuance of certificate

(1)

In general

(2)

Considerations

In considering an application under this section, the Commission shall presume that—

(A)

a public need exists to construct and operate the proposed Alaska natural gas transportation project; and

(B)

sufficient downstream capacity will exist to transport the Alaska natural gas moving through the project to markets in the contiguous United States.

(c)

Expedited approval process

(d)

Prohibition of certain pipeline route

No license, permit, lease, right-of-way, authorization, or other approval required under Federal law for the construction of any pipeline to transport natural gas from land within the Prudhoe Bay oil and gas lease area may be granted for any pipeline that follows a route that—

(1)

traverses land beneath navigable waters (as defined in section 1301 of title 43) beneath, or the adjacent shoreline of, the Beaufort Sea; and

(2)

enters Canada at any point north of 68 degrees north latitude.

(e)

Open season

(1)

In general

(2)

Regulations

The regulations referred to in paragraph (1) shall—

(A)

include the criteria for and timing of any open seasons;

(B)

promote competition in the exploration, development, and production of Alaska natural gas; and

(C)

for any open season for capacity exceeding the initial capacity, provide the opportunity for the transportation of natural gas other than from the Prudhoe Bay and Point Thomson units.

(3)

Applicability

(f)

Projects in the contiguous United States

(1)

In general

(2)

Expansion

(g)

Study of in-State needs

(h)

Alaska royalty gas

(1)

In general

(2)

Exception

(i)

Regulations

(Pub. L. 108–324, div. C, § 103, Oct. 13, 2004, 118 Stat. 1256.)

cite as: 15 USC 720a