CHAPTER 15C —ALASKA NATURAL GAS TRANSPORTATION
§719. Congressional findings
The Congress finds and declares that—
(1) a natural gas supply shortage exists in the contiguous States of the United States;
(2) large reserves of natural gas in the State of Alaska could help significantly to alleviate this supply shortage;
(3) the expeditious construction of a viable natural gas transportation system for delivery of Alaska natural gas to United States markets is in the national interest; and
(4) the determinations whether to authorize a transportation system for delivery of Alaska natural gas to the contiguous States and, if so, which system to select, involve questions of the utmost importance respecting national energy policy, international relations, national security, and economic and environmental impact, and therefore should appropriately be addressed by the Congress and the President in addition to those Federal officers and agencies assigned functions under law pertaining to the selection, construction, and initial operation of such a system.
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Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Expiration Date
Short Title
Antitrust Study
§719a. Congressional statement of purpose
The purpose of this chapter is to provide the means for making a sound decision as to the selection of a transportation system for delivery of Alaska natural gas to the contiguous States for construction and initial operation by providing for the participation of the President and the Congress in the selection process, and, if such a system is approved under this chapter, to expedite its construction and initial operation by (1) limiting the jurisdiction of the courts to review the actions of Federal officers or agencies taken pursuant to the direction and authority of this chapter, and (2) permitting the limitation of administrative procedures and effecting the limitation of judicial procedures related to such actions. To accomplish this purpose it is the intent of the Congress to exercise its constitutional powers to the fullest extent in the authorizations and directions herein made, and particularly with respect to the limitation of judicial review of actions of Federal officers or agencies taken pursuant thereto.
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§719b. Definitions
As used in this chapter:
(1) the term "Alaska natural gas" means natural gas derived from the area of the State of Alaska generally known as the North Slope of Alaska, including the Continental Shelf thereof;
(2) the term "Commission" means the Federal Power Commission;
(3) the term "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior;
(4) the term "provision of law" means any provision of a Federal statute or rule, regulation, or order issued thereunder; and
(5) the term "approved transportation system" means the system for the transportation of Alaska natural gas designated by the President pursuant to
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Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Transfer of Functions
The Federal Power Commission was terminated, and its functions, personnel, property, funds, etc., were transferred to the Secretary of Energy (except for certain functions which were transferred to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) by
§719c. Federal Power Commission reviews and reports
(a) Proceedings: suspension, vacation or removal of suspension; issuance of certificate of convenience and necessity
(1) Notwithstanding any provision of the Natural Gas Act or any other provision of law, the Commission shall suspend all proceedings pending before the Commission on October 22, 1976, relating to a system for the transportation of Alaska natural gas as soon as the Commission determines to be practicable after such date, and the Commission may refuse to act on any application, amendment thereto, or other requests for action under the Natural Gas Act relating to a system for the transportation of Alaska natural gas until such time as (A) a decision of the President designating such a system for approval takes effect pursuant to
(2) In the event a decision of the President designating such a system takes effect pursuant to this chapter, the Commission shall forthwith vacate proceedings suspended under paragraph (1) and, pursuant to
(3) In the event such a decision of the President does not take effect pursuant to this chapter or the President decides not to designate such a system and so advises the Congress pursuant to
(b) Recommendation; submittal to President; rule for presentation of data, views, and arguments; Federal agency cooperation
(1) The Commission shall review all applications for the issuance of a certificate of public convenience and necessity relating to the transportation of Alaska natural gas pending on October 22, 1976, and any amendments thereto which are timely made, and after consideration of any alternative transportation system which the Commission determines to be reasonable, submit to the President not later than May 1, 1977, a recommendation concerning the selection of such a transportation system. Such recommendation may be in the form of a proposed certificate of public convenience and necessity, or in such other form as the Commission determines to be appropriate, or may recommend that no decision respecting the selection of such a transportation system be made at this time or pursuant to this chapter. Any recommendation that the President approve a particular transportation system shall (A) include a description of the nature and route of the system, (B) designate a person to construct and operate the system, which person shall be the applicant, if any, which filed for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to construct and operate such system, (C) if such recommendation is for an all-land pipeline transportation system, or a transportation system involving water transportation, include provision for new facilities to the extent necessary to assure direct pipeline delivery of Alaska natural gas contemporaneously to points both east and west of the Rocky Mountains in the lower continental United States.
(2) The Commission may, by rule, provide for the presentation of data, views, and arguments before the Commission or a delegate of the Commission pursuant to such procedures as the Commission determines to be appropriate to carry out its responsibilities under paragraph (1) of this subsection. Such a rule shall, to the extent determined by the Commission, apply, notwithstanding any provision of law that would otherwise have applied to the presentation of data, views, and arguments.
(3) The Commission may request such information and assistance from any Federal agency as the Commission determines to be necessary or appropriate to carry out its responsibilities under this chapter. Any Federal agency requested to submit information or provide assistance shall submit such information to the Commission at the earliest practicable time after receipt of a Commission request.
(c) Report; public availability; factors to be discussed
The Commission shall accompany any recommendation under subsection (b)(1) with a report, which shall be available to the public, explaining the basis for such recommendation and including for each transportation system reviewed or considered a discussion of the following:
(1) for each year of the 20-year period which begins with the first year following October 22, 1976, the estimated—
(A) volumes of Alaska natural gas which would be available to each region of the United States directly, or indirectly by displacement or otherwise, and
(B) transportation costs and delivered prices of any such volumes of gas by region;
(2) the effects of each of the factors described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) on the projected natural gas supply and demand for each region of the United States and on the projected supplies of alternative fuels available by region to offset shortages of natural gas occurring in such region for each such year;
(3) the impact upon competition;
(4) the extent to which the system provides a means for the transportation to United States markets of natural resources or other commodities from sources in addition to the Prudhoe Bay Reserve;
(5) environmental impacts;
(6) safety and efficiency in design and operation and potential for interruption in deliveries of Alaska natural gas;
(7) construction schedules and possibilities for delay in such schedules or for delay occurring as a result of other factors;
(8) feasibility of financing;
(9) extent of reserves, both proven and probable and their deliverability by year for each year of the 20-year period which begins with the first year following October 22, 1976;
(10) the estimate of the total delivered cost to users of the natural gas to be transported by the system by year for each year of the 20-year period which begins with the first year following October 22, 1976;
(11) capability and cost of expanding the system to transport additional volumes of natural gas in excess of initial system capacity;
(12) an estimate of the capital and operating costs, including an analysis of the reliability of such estimates and the risk of cost overruns; and
(13) such other factors as the Commission determines to be appropriate.
(d) Recommendation not based upon Canadian pipeline system decision
The recommendation by the Commission pursuant to this section shall not be based upon the fact that the Government of Canada or agencies thereof have not, by then rendered a decision as to authorization of a pipeline system to transport Alaska natural gas through Canada.
(e) Transportation system: recommendation, submittal to President; environmental impact statement: submittal to President
If the Commission recommends the approval of a particular transportation system, it shall submit to the President with such recommendation (1) an identification of those facilities and operations which are proposed to be encompassed within the term "construction and initial operation" in order to define the scope of directions contained in
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Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Natural Gas Act, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1) and (e), is act June 21, 1938, ch. 556,
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Transfer of Functions
The Federal Power Commission was terminated, and its functions, personnel, property, funds, etc., were transferred to the Secretary of Energy (except for certain functions which were transferred to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) by
Executive Documents
Transfer of Functions
Enforcement functions authorized by, and supplemental enforcement authority created by this chapter with respect to pre-construction, construction, and initial operation of transportation system for Canadian and Alaskan natural gas transferred to Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, until first anniversary of date of initial operation of Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, see Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1979, §§102(h)(1), 203(a), 44 F.R. 33663, 33666,
§719d. Federal and State officer or agency and other interested persons' reports
(a) Federal officer or agency comments; submittal to President; public availability
Not later than July 1, 1977, any Federal officer or agency may submit written comments to the President with respect to the recommendation and report of the Commission and alternative methods for transportation of Alaska natural gas for delivery to the contiguous States. Such comments shall be made available to the public by the President when submitted to him, unless expressly exempted from this requirement in whole or in part by the President, under
(1) environmental considerations, including air and water quality and noise impacts;
(2) the safety of the transportation systems;
(3) international relations, including the status and time schedule for any necessary Canadian approvals and plans;
(4) national security, particularly security of supply;
(5) sources of financing for capital costs;
(6) the impact upon competition;
(7) impact on the national economy, including regional natural gas requirements; and
(8) relationship of the proposed transportation system to other aspects of national energy policy.
(b) State officer or agency and other interested persons' comments; submittal to President
Not later than July 1, 1977, the Governor of any State, any municipality, State utility commission, and any other interested person may submit to the President such written comments with respect to the recommendation and report of the Commission and alternative systems for delivering Alaska natural gas to the contiguous States as they determine to be appropriate.
(c) Report of Federal officer or agency to the President
Not later than July 1, 1977, each Federal officer or agency shall report to the President with respect to actions to be taken by such officer or agency under
(d) Report of Council on Environmental Quality to the President
Following receipt by the President of the Commission's recommendations, the Council on Environmental Quality shall afford interested persons an opportunity to present oral and written data, views, and arguments respecting the environmental impact statements submitted by the Commission under
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Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Transfer of Functions
The Federal Power Commission was terminated, and its functions, personnel, property, funds, etc., were transferred to the Secretary of Energy (except for certain functions which were transferred to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) by
Executive Documents
Transfer of Functions
Enforcement functions authorized by, and supplemental enforcement authority created by this chapter with respect to pre-construction, construction, and initial operation of transportation system for Canadian and Alaskan natural gas transferred to Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, until first anniversary of date of initial operation of Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, see Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1979, §§102(h)(1), 203(a), 44 F.R. 33663, 33666,
§719e. Presidential decision and report
(a) Dateline for decision; transmission to Congress, delay: notice to Congress; contents of decision; chairman, appointment; Federal inspector of construction: duties, including establishment of joint surveillance and monitoring agreement
(1) As soon as practicable after July 1, 1977, but not later than September 1, 1977, the President shall issue a decision as to whether a transportation system for delivery of Alaska natural gas should be approved under this chapter. If he determines such a system should be so approved, his decision shall designate such a system for approval pursuant to
(2) The President, for a period of up to 90 additional calendar days after September 1, 1977, may delay the issuance of his decision and transmittal thereof to the House of Representatives and the Senate, if he determines (A) that there exists no environmental impact statement prepared relative to a system he wishes to consider or that any prepared environmental impact statement relative to a system he wishes to consider is legally or factually insufficient, or (B) that the additional time is otherwise necessary to enable him to make a sound decision on an Alaska natural gas transportation system. The President shall promptly, but in no case any later than September 1, 1977, notify the House of Representatives and the Senate if he so delays his decision and submit a full explanation of the basis of any such delay.
(3) If, on or before May 1, 1977, the President determines to delay issuance and transmittal of his decision to the House of Representatives and the Senate pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection, he may authorize a delay of not more than 90 days in the date of taking of any action specified in
(4) If the President determines to designate for approval a transportation system for delivery of Alaska natural gas to the contiguous States, he shall in such decision—
(A) describe the nature and route of the system designated for approval;
(B) designate a person to construct and operate such a system, which person shall be the applicant, if any, which filed for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to construct and operate such system;
(C) identify those facilities, the construction of which, and those operations, the conduct of which, shall be encompassed within the term "construction and initial operation" for purposes of defining the scope of the directions contained in
(D) identify those provisions of law, relating to any determination of a Federal officer or agency as to whether a certificate, permit, right-of-way, lease, or other authorization shall be issued or be granted, which provisions the President finds (i) involve determinations which are subsumed in his decision and (ii) require waiver pursuant to
(5) Repealed.
(6) If the President determines to designate for approval a transportation system for delivery of Alaska natural gas to the contiguous States, he may identify in such decision such terms and conditions permissible under existing law as he determines appropriate for inclusion with respect to any issuance or authorization directed to be made pursuant to
(b) Transmittal to Congress
The decision of the President made pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall be transmitted to both Houses of Congress and shall be considered received by such Houses for the purposes of this section on the first day on which both are in session occurring after such decision is transmitted. Such decision shall be accompanied by a report explaining in detail the basis for his decision with specific reference to the factors set forth in
(c) Financial analysis
The report of the President pursuant to subsection (b) of this section shall contain a financial analysis for the transportation system designated for approval. Unless the President finds and states in his report submitted pursuant to this section that he reasonably anticipates that the system designated by him can be privately financed, constructed, and operated, his report shall also be accompanied by his recommendation concerning the use of existing Federal financing authority or the need for new Federal financing authority.
(d) Views and objectives involving intergovernmental and international cooperation
In making his decision under subsection (a) the President shall inform himself, through appropriate consultation, of the views and objectives of the States, the Government of Canada, and other governments with respect to those aspects of such a decision that may involve intergovernmental and international cooperation among the Government of the United States, the States, the Government of Canada, and any other government.
(e) Decision effective as provided in section 719f of this title ; financing authority unaffected
If the President determines to designate a transportation system for approval, the decision of the President shall take effect as provided in
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Editorial Notes
Amendments
1992—Subsec. (a)(5).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Transfer of Functions
The Federal Power Commission was terminated, and its functions, personnel, property, funds, etc., were transferred to the Secretary of Energy (except for certain functions which were transferred to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) by
Abolition of Office of Federal Inspector
[Functions and authority vested in Secretary of Energy subsequently transferred to Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects by
Executive Documents
Transfer of Functions
Enforcement functions authorized by, and supplemental enforcement authority created by this chapter, all functions assigned to the person or board to be appointed by the President under subsec. (a)(5) of this section, and, pursuant to subsec. (a)(6) of this section, function of enforcing terms and conditions described in section 5 of the Decision and Report to the Congress on the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, approved by Congress pursuant to
REORGANIZATION PLAN NO. 1 OF 1979
Eff. July 1, 1979, 44 F.R. 33663, 93 Stat. 1373
Prepared by the President and transmitted to the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress assembled, April 2, 1979, pursuant to the provisions of
OFFICE OF THE FEDERAL INSPECTOR FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE ALASKA NATURAL GAS TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Part I. Office of the Federal Inspector and Transfer of Functions
Section 101. Establishment of the Office of Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System
(a) There is hereby established as an independent establishment in the executive branch, the Office of the Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System (the "Office").
(b) The Office shall be headed by a Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System (the "Federal Inspector") who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall be compensated at the rate now or hereafter prescribed by law for Level III of the Executive Schedule [
(c) Each Federal agency having statutory responsibilities over any aspect of the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System shall appoint an Agency Authorized Officer to represent that authority on all matters pertaining to pre-construction, construction, and initial operation of the system.
Sec. 102. Transfer of Functions to the Federal Inspector
Subject to the provisions of Sections 201, 202, and 203 of this Plan, all functions insofar as they relate to enforcement of Federal statutes or regulations and to enforcement of terms, conditions, and stipulations of grants, certificates, permits and other authorizations issued by Federal agencies with respect to pre-construction, construction, and initial operation of an "approved transportation system" for transport of Canadian natural gas and "Alaskan natural gas," as such terms are defined in the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Act of 1976 (
(a) Such enforcement functions of the Administrator or other appropriate official or entity in the Environmental Protection Agency related to compliance with: national pollutant discharge elimination system permits provided for in Section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (
(b) Such enforcement functions of the Secretary of the Army, the Chief of Engineers, or other appropriate officer or entity in the Corps of Engineers of the United States Army related to compliance with: dredged and fill material permits issued under Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (
(c) Such enforcement functions of the Secretary or other appropriate officer or entity in the Department of Transportation related to compliance with: the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968, as amended (
(d) Such enforcement functions of the Secretary or other appropriate officer or entity in the Department of Energy and such enforcement functions of the Commission, Commissioners, or other appropriate officer or entity in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission related to compliance with: the certificates of public convenience and necessity, issued under Section 7 of the Natural Gas Act, as amended (
(e) Such enforcement functions of the Secretary or other appropriate officer or entity in the Department of the Interior related to compliance with: grants of rights-of-way and temporary use permits for Federal land, issued under Section 28 of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 (
(f) Such enforcement functions of the Secretary or other appropriate officer or entity in the Department of Agriculture, insofar as they involve lands and programs under the jurisdiction of that Department, related to compliance with: associated land use permits authorized for and in conjunction with grants of rights-of-way across Federal lands issued under Section 28 of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 (
(g) Such enforcement functions of the Secretary or other appropriate officer or entity in the Department of the Treasury related to compliance with permits for interstate transport of explosives and compliance with regulations for the storage of explosives, Title XI of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970 (
(h)(1) The enforcement functions authorized by, and supplemental enforcement authority created by the Act (
(2) All functions assigned to the person or board to be appointed by the President under Section 7(a)(5) of the Act (
(3) Pursuant to Section 7(a)(6) of the Act (
Part II. Other Provisions
Sec. 201. Executive Policy Board
The Executive Policy Board for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, hereinafter the "Executive Policy Board", which shall be established by executive order, shall advise the Federal Inspector on the performance of the Inspector's functions. All other functions assigned, or which could be assigned pursuant to the Decision, to the Executive Policy Board are hereby transferred to the Federal Inspector.
Sec. 202. Federal Inspector and Agency Authorized Officers
(a) The Agency Authorized Officers shall be detailed to and located within the Office. The Federal Inspector shall delegate to each Agency Authorized Officer the authority to enforce the terms, conditions, and stipulations of each grant, permit, or other authorization issued by the Federal agency which appointed the Agency Authorized Officer. In the exercise of these enforcement functions, the Agency Authorized Officers shall be subject to the supervision and direction of the Federal Inspector, whose decision on enforcement matters shall constitute "action" for purposes of Section 10 of the Act (
(b) The Federal Inspector shall be responsible for coordinating the expeditious discharge of nonenforcement activities by Federal agencies and coordinating the compliance by all the Federal agencies with Section 9 of the Act (
(c) The Federal Inspector and Agency Authorized Officers in implementing the enforcement authorities herein transferred shall carry out the enforcement policies and procedures established by the Federal agencies which nominally administer these authorities, except where the Federal Inspector determines that such policies and procedures would require action inconsistent with Section 9 of the Act (
(d) Under the authority of Section 15 of the Act (
Sec. 203. Subsequent Transfer Provision
(a) Effective upon the first anniversary of the date of initial operation of the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, the functions transferred by Section 102 of this Plan shall be transferred to the agency which performed the functions on the date prior to date the provisions of Section 102 of this Plan were made effective pursuant to Section 205 of this Plan.
(b) Upon the issuance of the final determination order by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget for the transfers provided for by subsection (a) of this section, the Office and the position of Federal Inspector shall, effective on the date of that order, stand abolished.
Sec. 204. Incidental Transfers
So much of the personnel, property, records and unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations and other funds employed, used, held, available, or to be made available in connection with the functions transferred under this Plan, as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall determine, shall be transferred to the appropriate agency or component at such time or times as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall provide, except that no such unexpended balances transferred shall be used for purposes other than those for which the appropriation was originally made. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall provide for the terminating of the affairs of the Office and the Federal Inspector upon their abolition pursuant to this Plan and for such further measures and dispositions as such Director deems necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Plan.
Sec. 205. Effective Date
This Plan shall become effective at such time or times as the President shall specify, but not sooner than the earliest time allowable under
[Pursuant to Ex. Ord. No. 12142, June 21, 1979, 44 F.R. 36927, this Reorg. Plan is effective July 1, 1979].
[For abolition of Office of the Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System and transfer of functions and authority, see section 3012(b) of
Message of the President
To the Congress of the United States:
I am submitting to you today Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1979 to create the Office of Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System and establish the position of Federal Inspector. Creation of this Office and the transfer of appropriate Federal enforcement authority and responsibility is consistent with my September 1977 Decision and Report to the Congress on the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System. This decision was approved by the Congress November 2, 1977.
The Alaska Gas Transportation System is a 4,748-mile pipeline to be constructed in partnership with Canada. Canada completed legislation enacting a similar transfer last year and has already appointed an official to coordinate its activities prior to and during pipeline construction. The Northwest Alaska Pipeline Company has been selected to construct the pipeline, with completion scheduled in late 1984. Estimated construction costs are $10–$15 billion, to be financed by private investment.
Natural gas is among the Nation's most valuable fuels. It is in the national interest to bring Alaskan gas reserves to market at the lowest possible price for consumers. Construction of a gas pipeline from the Prudhoe Bay reserves in Alaska through Canada to points in the West and Midwest United States will provide a system which will deliver more Alaskan natural gas at less cost to a greater number of Americans than any alternative transportation system. Every effort must be made to ensure timely completion of the pipeline at the lowest possible cost consistent with Federal regulatory policies.
As a result of our experience in construction of the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline, we recognize the need for the Federal Government to be in a strong position to manage its own role in this project through prompt, coordinated decisionmaking in pre-construction approval functions and in enforcing the terms and conditions of the permits, certificates, leases, and other authorizations to be issued by various Federal agencies. We must avoid duplicating the delays and cost escalations experienced in the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. The Plan I am submitting would establish clear responsibility for the efficient functioning of Federal enforcement activities by assigning the Federal Inspector authority to carry out these responsibilities.
The Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Act of 1976 [
The Decision and Report to the Congress recommended an Executive Policy Board with policy-making and supervisory authority over the Federal Inspector. I plan to sign an Executive Order upon approval of this Plan by the Congress which will create an Executive Policy Board which will be only advisory, but which will enhance communication and coordinate among Federal agencies and with the Federal Inspector. The Plan modifies the Decision and Report in that regard. The Federal Inspector will use the policies and procedures of the agencies involved in exercising the transferred enforcement responsibilities to the maximum extent practicable. The Board provides the opportunity for agencies to contribute to the policy deliberations of the Inspector and exercises an oversight role to insure that pipeline activities are carried on within existing regulatory policy. The Board is required to review the budget of the Office of the Federal Inspector and periodically report to me on the progress of construction and on major problems encountered. I am convinced that the Federal Inspector must have authority commensurate with his responsibilities.
Each of the provisions of this proposed reorganization would accomplish one or more of the purposes set forth in
Jimmy Carter.
Ex. Ord. No. 12142. Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System
Ex. Ord. No. 12142, June 21, 1979, 44 F.R. 36927, provided:
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, including
1–101. Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1979 [set out above], not having been disapproved by Congress (S. Res. 126, 125 Cong. Rec. S 6563–64 (May 23, 1979) [Cong. Rec., vol. 125, pt. 10, pp. 12413–12414, May 23, 1979]; H. Res. 199, 125 Cong. Rec. H 3950–51 (May 31, 1979) [Cong. Rec., vol. 125, pt. 10, pp. 13052–13053, May 31, 1979]), shall be effective on July 1, 1979.
1–102. In accord with Section 201 of that Plan, there is hereby established the Executive Policy Board for the system for the transportation of Alaska natural gas ("the System") as such system is defined in the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Act of 1976 (
1–103. The Board shall consist of the Secretaries of the Departments of Agriculture, Energy, Labor, Transportation, and the Interior, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Chief of Engineers of the United States Army, and the Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Additional members may be elected to the Board by vote of a majority of the members. The Board will by majority vote elect a Chairman to serve for a one-year term.
1–104. The Board shall perform the following functions:
(a) Advise the Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System (the "Federal Inspector") established by Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1979, on policy issues in accord with applicable law and existing Departmental or Agency policies.
(b) Provide advice, through the Federal Inspector, to the officers representing and exercising the functions of the Federal Departments and Agencies that concern the System ("Agency Authorized Officers").
(c) Advise the Federal Inspector and the Agency Authorized Officers on matters concerning enforcement actions.
(d) At least every six months, assess the progress made and problems encountered in constructing the System and make necessary recommendations to the Federal Inspector.
1–105. The Federal Inspector shall keep the Board informed of the progress made and problems encountered in the course of construction of the System.
1–106. Whenever the Federal Inspector determines that implementation of Departmental or Agency enforcement policies and procedures would require action inconsistent with Section 9 of the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Act of 1976 [
1–107. After written notice of a proposed enforcement action is given by the Federal Inspector, the Federal Inspector will be subject to the rules of procedure for ex parte contacts as reflected in the guidelines and policies of Departments and Agencies from which the specific enforcement authority is transferred.
1–108. The Federal Inspector and all employees of the Office of the Federal Inspector shall be subject to the provisions of Executive Order No. 11222 concerning standards of conduct for Federal employees. The Federal Inspector shall issue standards of conduct, pursuant to the Order, for the Office of the Federal Inspector.
1–109. To the extent permitted by law, each Department and Agency shall cooperate with and furnish necessary information and assistance to the Board in the performance of its functions.
1–110. This Order shall be effective on July 1, 1979.
Jimmy Carter.
§719f. Congressional review
(a) Effectiveness of decision designating transportation system for approval upon enactment of joint resolution
Any decision under
(b) New decision: statement of reasons for proposal; transmittal to Congress
If the Congress does not enact such a joint resolution within such 60-day period, the President, not later than the end of the 30th day following the expiration of the 60-day period, may propose a new decision and shall provide a detailed statement concerning the reasons for such proposal. The new decision shall be submitted in accordance with
(c) Sessions of Congress
For purposes of this section—
(1) continuity of session of Congress is broken only by an adjournment sine die; and
(2) the days on which either House is not in session because of an adjournment of more than 3 days to a day certain are excluded in the computation of the 60-day calendar period.
(d) Rules under rulemaking powers of Congress; change of rules; "resolution" defined; referral to Congressional committees; debate limitation; motion for consideration of resolution; debate on resolution; nondebatable motions and appeals from procedural decisions
(1) This subsection is enacted by Congress—
(A) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of each House of Congress, respectively, and as such it is deemed a part of the rules of each House, respectively, but applicable only with respect to the procedure to be followed in that House in the case of resolutions described by paragraph (2) of this subsection; and it supersedes other rules only to the extent that it is inconsistent therewith; and
(B) with full recognition of the constitutional right of either House to change the rules (so far as those rules relate to the procedure of that House) at any time, in the same manner and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of such House.
(2) For purposes of this chapter, the term "resolution" means (A) a joint resolution, the resolving clause of which is as follows: "That the House of Representatives and Senate approve the Presidential decision on an Alaska natural gas transportation system submitted to the Congress on __________, 19 , and find that any environmental impact statements prepared relative to such system and submitted with the President's decision are in compliance with the Natural 1 Environmental Policy Act of 1969."; the blank space therein shall be filled with the date on which the President submits his decision to the House of Representatives and the Senate; or (B) a joint resolution described in subsection (g).
(3) A resolution once introduced with respect to a Presidential decision on an Alaska natural gas transportation system shall be referred to one or more committees (and all resolutions with respect to the same Presidential decision on an Alaska natural gas transportation system shall be referred to the same committee or committees) by the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as the case may be.
(4)(A) If any committee to which a resolution with respect to a Presidential decision on an Alaska natural gas transportation system has been referred has not reported it at the end of 30 calendar days after its referral, it shall be in order to move either to discharge such committee from further consideration of such resolution or to discharge such committee from consideration of any other resolution with respect to such Presidential decision on an Alaska natural gas transportation system which has been referred to such committee.
(B) A motion to discharge may be made only by an individual favoring the resolution, shall be highly privileged (except that it may not be made after the committee has reported a resolution with respect to the same Presidential decision on an Alaska natural gas transportation system), and debate thereon shall be limited to not more than 1 hour, to be divided equally between those favoring and those opposing the resolution. An amendment to the motion shall not be in order, and it shall not be in order to move to reconsider the vote by which the motion was agreed to or disagreed to.
(C) If the motion to discharge is agreed to or disagreed to, the motion may not be made with respect to any other resolution with respect to the same Presidential decision on an Alaska natural gas transportation system.
(5)(A) When any committee has reported, or has been discharged from further consideration of, a resolution, but in no case earlier than 30 days after the date of receipt of the President's decision to the Congress, it shall be at any time thereafter in order (even though a previous motion to the same effect has been disagreed to) to move to proceed to the consideration of the resolution. The motion shall be highly privileged and shall not be debatable. An amendment to the motion shall not be in order, and it shall not be in order to move to reconsider the vote by which the motion was agreed to or disagreed to.
(B) Debate on the resolution described in paragraph (2)(A) of this subsection shall be limited to not more than 10 hours and on any resolution described in subsection (g) to one hour. This time shall be divided equally between those favoring and those opposing such resolution. A motion further to limit debate shall not be debatable. An amendment to, or motion to recommit the resolution shall not be in order, and it shall not be in order to move to reconsider the vote by which such resolution was agreed to or disagreed to or, thereafter within such 60-day period, to consider any other resolution respecting the same Presidential decision.
(6)(A) Motions to postpone, made with respect to the discharge from committee, or the consideration of a resolution and motions to proceed to the consideration of other business, shall be decided without debate.
(B) Appeals from the decision of the Chair relating to the application of the rules of the Senate or the House of Representatives, as the case may be, to the procedures relating to a resolution shall be decided without debate.
(e) Presidential finding respecting and supplementation or modification of environmental impact statement; submittal to Congressional committees
The President shall find that any required environmental impact statement relative to the Alaska natural gas transportation system designated for approval by the President has been prepared and that such statement is in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 [
(f) Report of Commission: submittal to Congress; Council on Environmental Quality: hearings, report, submittal to Congress; Congressional committee hearings
Within 20 days of the transmittal of the President's decision to the Congress under
(g) Waiver; submittal to Congress
(1) At any time after a decision designating a transportation system is submitted to the Congress pursuant to this section, if the President finds that any provision of law applicable to actions to be taken under subsection (a) or (c) of
(2) Such provision shall be waived with respect to actions to be taken under subsection (a) or (c) of
(3) The resolving clause of the joint resolution referred to in this subsection is as follows: "That the House of Representatives and Senate approve the waiver of the provision of law ( ) as proposed by the President, submitted to the Congress on , 19 ." The first blank space therein being filled with the citation to the provision of law and the second blank space therein being filled with the date on which the President submits his decision to the House of Representatives and the Senate.
(4) In the case of action with respect to a joint resolution described in this subsection, the phrase "a waiver of a provision of law" shall be substituted in subsection (d) for the phrase "the Alaska natural gas transportation system.".
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, referred to in subsecs. (d)(2) and (e), is
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Transfer of Functions
The Federal Power Commission was terminated, and its functions, personnel, property, funds, etc., were transferred to the Secretary of Energy (except for certain functions which were transferred to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) by
Congressional Approval of Presidential Recommendations for Waiver of Law To Permit Expeditious Construction and Initial Operation of System
Congressional Approval of Presidential Decision on Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System
Executive Documents
Transfer of Functions
Enforcement functions authorized by, and supplemental enforcement authority created by this chapter with respect to pre-construction, construction, and initial operation of transportation system for Canadian and Alaskan natural gas transferred to Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, until first anniversary of date of initial operation of Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, see Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1979, §§102(h)(1), 203(a), 44 F.R. 33663, 33666,
1 So in original. Probably should be "National".
§719g. Transportation system certificates, rights-of-way, permits, leases, or other authorizations
(a) Earliest practicable date for issuance or grant of authorizations
To the extent that the taking of any action which is necessary or related to the construction and initial operation of the approved transportation system requires a certificate, right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization to be issued or granted by a Federal officer or agency, such Federal officer or agency shall—
(1) to the fullest extent permitted by the provisions of law administered by such officer or agency, but
(2) without regard to any provision of law which is waived pursuant to
(b) Expedition and precedence of actions on applications or requests
All actions of a Federal officer or agency with respect to consideration of applications or requests for the issuance or grant of a certificate, right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization to which subsection (a) applies shall be expedited and any such application or request shall take precedence over any similar applications or requests of the Federal officer or agency.
(c) Required terms and conditions
Any certificate, right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization issued or granted pursuant to the direction under subsection (a) shall include the terms and conditions required by law unless waived pursuant to a resolution under
(d) Additions to, and amendment or abrogation of authorizations; exception
Any Federal officer or agency, with respect to any certificate, permit, right-of-way, lease, or other authorization issued or granted by such officer or agency, may, to the extent permitted under laws administered by such officer or agency add to, amend or abrogate any term or condition included in such certificate, permit, right-of-way, lease, or other authorization except that with respect to any such action which is permitted but not required by law, such Federal officer or agency, notwithstanding any such other provision of law, shall have no authority to take such action if the terms and conditions to be added, or as amended, would compel a change in the basic nature and general route of the approved transportation system or would otherwise prevent or impair in any significant respect the expeditious construction and initial operation of such transportation system.
(e) Appropriate terms and conditions
Any Federal officer or agency to which subsection (a) applies, to the extent permitted under laws administered by such officer or agency, shall include in any certificate, permit, right-of-way, lease, or authorization issued or granted those terms and conditions identified in the President's decision as appropriate for inclusion except that the requirement to include such terms and conditions shall not limit the Federal officer or agency's authority under subsection (d) of this section.
(
Executive Documents
Transfer of Functions
Enforcement functions authorized by, and supplemental enforcement authority created by this chapter with respect to pre-construction, construction, and initial operation of transportation system for Canadian and Alaskan natural gas transferred to Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, until first anniversary of date of initial operation of Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, see Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1979, §§102(h)(1), 203(a), 44 F.R. 33663, 33666,
§719h. Judicial review
(a) Exclusiveness of remedy
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the actions of Federal officers or agencies taken pursuant to
(b) Limitations for filing claims
(1) Claims alleging the invalidity of this chapter may be brought not later than the 60th day following the date a decision takes effect pursuant to
(2) Claims alleging that an action will deny rights under the Constitution of the United States, or that an action is in excess of statutory jurisdiction, authority, or limitations, or short of statutory right may be brought not later than the 60th day following the date of such action, except that if a party shows that he did not know of the action complained of, and a reasonable person acting in the circumstances would not have known, he may bring a claim alleging the invalidity of such action on the grounds stated above not later than the 60th day following the date of his acquiring actual or constructive knowledge of such action.
(c) Jurisdiction
(1) Special Courts
(A) In general
A claim under subsection (b) shall be barred unless a complaint is filed prior to the expiration of such time limits in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia acting as a Special Court.
(B) Exclusive jurisdiction
The Special Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction to determine such proceeding in accordance with the procedures hereinafter provided, and no other court of the United States, or any State, territory, or possession of the United States, or of the District of Columbia, shall have jurisdiction of any such claim in any proceeding instituted prior to or on or after October 22, 1976.
(2) Expedited consideration
The Special Court shall set any action brought under this section for expedited consideration, taking into account the national interest described in
(3) Environmental impact statements
The enactment of a joint resolution under
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, referred to in subsec. (c)(3), is
Amendments
2004—Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (c)(1).
Subsec. (c)(2).
Subsec. (c)(3).
1984—Subsec. (c)(2).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1984 Amendment
Amendment by
Executive Documents
Transfer of Functions
Enforcement functions authorized by, and supplemental enforcement authority created by this chapter with respect to pre-construction, construction, and initial operation of transportation system for Canadian and Alaskan natural gas transferred to Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, until first anniversary of date of initial operation of Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, see Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1979, §§102(h)(1), 203(a), 44 F.R. 33663, 33666,
§719i. Supplemental enforcement authority
(a) Compliance order or civil action
In addition to remedies available under other applicable provisions of law, whenever any Federal officer or agency determines that any person is in violation of any applicable provision of law administered or enforceable by such officer or agency or any rule, regulation, or order under such provision, including any term or condition of any certificate, right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization, issued or granted by such officer or agency, such officer or agency may—
(1) issue a compliance order requiring such person to comply with such provision or any rule, regulation, or order thereunder, or
(2) bring a civil action in accordance with subsection (c).
(b) Specificity of compliance order
Any order issued under subsection (a) shall state with reasonable specificity the nature of the violation and a time of compliance, not to exceed 30 days, which the officer or agency, as the case may be, determines is reasonable, taking into account the seriousness of the violation and any good faith efforts to comply with applicable requirements.
(c) Appropriate relief and jurisdiction of civil action
Upon a request of such officer or agency, as the case may be, the Attorney General may commence a civil action for appropriate relief, including a permanent or temporary injunction or a civil penalty not to exceed $25,000 per day for violations of the compliance order issued under subsection (a). Any action under this subsection may be brought in any district court of the United States for the district in which the defendant is located, resides, or is doing business, and such court shall have jurisdiction to restrain such violation, require compliance, or impose such penalty or give ancillary relief.
(
Executive Documents
Transfer of Functions
Enforcement functions authorized by, and supplemental enforcement authority created by this chapter with respect to pre-construction, construction, and initial operation of transportation system for Canadian and Alaskan natural gas transferred to Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, until first anniversary of date of initial operation of Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, see Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1979, §§102(h)(1), 203(a), 44 F.R. 33663, 33666,
§719j. Export limitations
Any exports of Alaska natural gas shall be subject to the requirements of the Natural Gas Act [
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Natural Gas Act, referred to in text, is act June 21, 1938, ch. 556,
The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, referred to in text, is
Executive Documents
Transfer of Functions
Enforcement functions authorized by, and supplemental enforcement authority created by this chapter with respect to pre-construction, construction, and initial operation of transportation system for Canadian and Alaskan natural gas transferred to Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, until first anniversary of date of initial operation of Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, see Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1979, §§102(h)(1), 203(a), 44 F.R. 33663, 33666,
1 See References in Text note below.
§719k. Equal access to facilities
(a) Ownership in transportation system
There shall be included in the terms of any certificate, permit, right-of-way, lease, or other authorization issued or granted pursuant to the directions contained in
(b) Use within Alaska
The State of Alaska is authorized to ship its royalty gas on the approved transportation system for use within Alaska and, to the extent its contracts for the sale of royalty gas so provide, to withdraw such gas from the interstate market for use within Alaska; the Federal Power Commission shall issue all authorizations necessary to effectuate such shipment and withdrawal subject to review by the Commission only of the justness and reasonableness of the rate charged for such transportation.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Transfer of Functions
The Federal Power Commission was terminated, and its functions, personnel, property, funds, etc., were transferred to the Secretary of Energy (except for certain functions which were transferred to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) by
Executive Documents
Transfer of Functions
Enforcement functions authorized by, and supplemental enforcement authority created by this chapter with respect to pre-construction, construction, and initial operation of transportation system for Canadian and Alaskan natural gas transferred to Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, until first anniversary of date of initial operation of Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, see Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1979, §§102(h)(1), 203(a), 44 F.R. 33663, 33666,
§719l. Antitrust laws
Nothing in this chapter, and no action taken hereunder, shall imply or effect an amendment to, or exemption from, any provision of the antitrust laws.
(
§719m. Authorization of appropriations
There is hereby authorized to be appropriated beginning in fiscal year 1978 and each fiscal year thereafter, such sums as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Federal inspector appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate under
(
Executive Documents
Transfer of Functions
Enforcement functions authorized by, and supplemental enforcement authority created by this chapter with respect to pre-construction, construction, and initial operation of transportation system for Canadian and Alaskan natural gas transferred to Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, until first anniversary of date of initial operation of Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, see Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1979, §§102(h)(1), 203(a), 44 F.R. 33663, 33666,
§719n. Separability
If any provision of this chapter, or the application thereof, is held invalid, the remainder of this chapter shall not be affected thereby.
(
§719o. Civil rights; affirmative action of Federal officers and agencies; rules: promulgation and enforcement
All Federal officers and agencies shall take such affirmative action as is necessary to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, creed, color, national origin, or sex, be excluded from receiving, or participating in any activity conducted under, any certificates, permit, right-of-way, lease, or other authorization granted or issued pursuant to this chapter. The appropriate Federal officers and agencies shall promulgate such rules as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this section and may enforce this section, and any rules promulgated under this section through agency and department provisions and rules which shall be similar to those established and in effect under title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 [
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Civil Rights Act of 1964, referred to in text, is
Executive Documents
Transfer of Functions
Enforcement functions authorized by, and supplemental enforcement authority created by this chapter with respect to pre-construction, construction, and initial operation of transportation system for Canadian and Alaskan natural gas transferred to Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, until first anniversary of date of initial operation of Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, see Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1979, §§102(h)(1), 203(a), 44 F.R. 33663, 33666,