15 USC 3391 - Natural gas for essential agricultural uses

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

§ 3391.

Natural gas for essential agricultural uses

(a)

General rule

Not later than 120 days after November 9, 1978, the Secretary of Energy shall prescribe and make effective a rule, which may be amended from time to time, which provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law (other than subsection (b)) and to the maximum extent practicable, no curtailment plan of an interstate pipeline may provide for curtailment of deliveries of natural gas for any essential agricultural use, unless such curtailment—

(1)

does not reduce the quantity of natural gas delivered for such use below the use requirement specified in subsection (c); or

(2)

is necessary in order to meet the requirements of high-priority users.

(b)

Curtailment priority not applicable if alternative fuel available

(c)

Determination of essential agricultural use requirements

(d)

Authority of Secretary of Agriculture to intervene

(e)

Limitation

(f)

Definitions

For purposes of this section—

(1)

Essential agricultural use

The term “essential agricultural use”, when used with respect to natural gas, means any use of natural gas—

(A)

for agricultural production, natural fiber production, natural fiber processing, food processing, food quality maintenance, irrigation pumping, crop drying, or

(B)

as a process fuel or feedstock in the production of fertilizer, agricultural chemicals, animal feed, or food,

which the Secretary of Agriculture determines is necessary for full food and fiber production.

(2)

High-priority user

The term “high-priority user” means any person who—

(A)

uses natural gas in a residence;

(B)

uses natural gas in a commercial establishment in amounts of less than 50 Mcf on a peak day;

(C)

uses natural gas in any school, hospital, or similar institution; or

(D)

uses natural gas in any other use the curtailment of which the Secretary of Energy determines would endanger life, health, or maintenance of physical property.

(Pub. L. 95–621, title IV, § 401, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3394.)

cite as: 15 USC 3391