[Federal Register: January 23, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 15)]
[Notices]               
[Page 3337]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr23ja04-41]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Energy Information Administration

 
Notice To Withdraw Proposal for New Survey Form EIA-913, 
``Monthly and Annual Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Storage Reports''

AGENCY: Energy Information Administration (EIA), Department of Energy 
(DOE).

ACTION: Notice to Withdraw Proposal for New Survey Form EIA-913, 
``Monthly and Annual Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Storage Reports.''

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SUMMARY: The EIA announces that it is withdrawing its proposal for new 
survey Form EIA-913, ``Monthly and Annual Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) 
Storage Reports.'' The decision was made after considering both the 
public comments submitted regarding the proposed form as well as the 
most efficient and effective allocation of EIA resources directed 
toward EIA's mission of providing policy-independent data, forecasts, 
and analyses to promote sound policy making, efficient markets, and 
public understanding regarding energy and its interaction with the 
economy and the environment.

DATES: This notice becomes effective January 23, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Inquiries about this decision should be directed to Ms. 
Elizabeth Campbell. Contact by FAX (202-586-4420), e-mail 

elizabeth.campbell@eia.doe.gov), or telephone (202-586-5590). 
Submission of requests by e-mail is preferred and recommended to 
expedite receipt and response. The mailing address is: Natural Gas 
Division (Attn: Elizabeth Campbell), EI-44, Forrestal Building, U.S. 
Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20585.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information 
should be directed to Elizabeth Campbell at the address listed above.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background
II. Current Actions

I. Background

    The Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 (Pub. L. No. 93-275, 
15 U.S.C. 761 et seq.) and the DOE Organization Act (Pub. L. No. 95-91, 
42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.) require the EIA to carry out a centralized, 
comprehensive, and unified energy information program. This program 
collects, evaluates, assembles, analyzes, and disseminates information 
on energy resource reserves, production, demand, technology, and 
related economic and statistical information. This information is used 
to assess the adequacy of energy resources to meet near and longer-term 
domestic demands.
    The EIA provides the public and other Federal agencies with 
opportunities to comment on collections of energy information conducted 
by EIA. As appropriate, EIA also requests comments on important issues 
relevant to the dissemination of energy information. Comments received 
help the EIA when preparing information collections and information 
products necessary to support EIA's mission.
    On September 16, 2003, EIA issued a Federal Register notice (68 FR 
54215) requesting public comments on the proposed new survey Form EIA-
913, ``Monthly and Annual Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Storage 
Reports.'' The purpose of the survey would be to collect data on the 
inventory levels of LNG and operational capacities of active LNG 
storage facilities in the United States.
    In the September 16, 2003 notice, EIA discussed the proposed survey 
as well as EIA's reasons for proposing it. EIA received nine (9) 
comments. These comments are available for review at: http://www.eia.doe.gov/oil_gas/natural_gas/survey_forms/eia913c.pdf
.

    EIA reviewed the proposed survey in light of the comments. EIA also 
reconsidered whether the proposed survey was the optimal use of EIA 
resources available for collecting and analyzing information on U.S. 
natural gas supplies.

II. Current Actions

    The EIA announces its decision to withdraw its proposal for new 
survey Form EIA-913, ``Monthly and Annual Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) 
Storage Reports.'' The decision was made after considering both the 
public comments submitted regarding the proposed form as well as the 
most efficient and effective allocation of EIA resources directed 
toward EIA's mission of providing policy-independent data, forecasts, 
and analyses to promote sound policy making, efficient markets, and 
public understanding regarding energy and its interaction with the 
economy and the environment. EIA will monitor the LNG market on an 
ongoing basis. If conditions change and EIA reconsiders proposing an 
LNG storage survey in the future, a Federal Register notice will be 
issued to request public comments.

    Statutory Authority: Section 52 of the Federal Energy 
Administration Act (Pub. L. No. 93-275, 15 U.S.C. 790a).

    Issued in Washington, DC, January 16, 2004.
Jay H. Casselberry,
Agency Clearance Officer, Energy Information Administration.
[FR Doc. 04-1439 Filed 1-22-04; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6450-01-P