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FERC*
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is the regulatory agency that oversees the U.S. interstate natural gas pipeline industry. It does so under the authority of the Natural Gas Act (NGA), the Natural Gas Policy Act (NGPA), the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), the Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act and the Energy Policy Act (EPAct).
The commission regulates both the construction of interstate natural gas pipelines and transportation of natural gas in interstate commerce. Companies wishing to build interstate pipeline facilities or operate pipelines first must obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from FERC. This is done to assure that pipeline facilities benefit consumers, are compatible with the environment and minimize interference with the public and landowners along pipeline rights-of-way.
In regulating the transportation of natural gas in interstate commerce, the commission sets rates, terms and conditions for operation of interstate gas pipeline facilities.
The FERC itself is a five-member commission, each of whom is nominated by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
*Source: Interstate Natural Gas Association of America
U.S. Department of Transportation
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Office of Pipeline Safety*
The federal government establishes minimum pipeline safety standards under the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 49 "Transportation," Parts 190-199. The Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS), within the U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), has overall regulatory responsibility for hazardous liquid and gas pipelines under its jurisdiction in the United States.
OPS is headquartered in Washington, DC, and supported through five regional offices located in Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Atlanta and Washington, DC. OPS Regional Directors, Pipeline Inspectors, State Liaisons and Community Assistance and Technical Services (CATS) managers operate from each of the five OPS regional offices.
CATS managers are available to assist the public, the media and state or local officials with inquiries concerning pipeline safety-related issues. OPS inspects, regulates and enforces interstate gas pipeline safety requirements in Florida. OPS also inspects, regulates and enforces both intra- and interstate liquid pipeline safety requirements in Florida.
Through certification by OPS, the state of Florida regulates, inspects and enforces intrastate gas pipeline and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) safety requirements. This work is performed by the Florida Public Service Commission and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, respectively.
Contact information pertaining to pipelines in Florida:
Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Bureau of LP Gas Inspection
3125 Conner Blvd., Suite N
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1650
Florida Public Service Commission
2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0868
Bureau Chief: C. Edward Mills
Phone: 850-413-6650
E-mail: Emills@PSC.State.FL.US
Office of Pipeline Safety -- Southern Region Office
233 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-832-1147
Director: Linda Daugherty
CATS manager: Joe Mataich
*Source: Office of Pipeline Safety
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