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| Source: NGSA |
Created by laws or by executive order, several federal
departments and agencies have legal authority to regulate
various aspects of the natural gas industry. Periodically,
Congress reviews those departments and agencies and passes
new laws changing their programs and authorities. For
example, in 1989 Congress passed a law removing the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission's authority to regulate
the price of natural gas at the wellhead. In 1990, Congress
passed the 'Clean Air Act', giving the Environmental
Protection Agency greater authority to reduce air
pollution and regulate air emissions from cars, factories,
and electric generators. Both of these laws have had a
major impact on the natural gas industry.
Click on the links below to learn more about the specific
duties and jurisdictions of the various congressional
committees, as well as information on current issues
and pending legislation that may affect the natural
gas industry:
U.S. House of Representatives:
- The
Committee on Energy and Commerce - This committee
has jurisdiction over the Department of Energy, including
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the
Environmental Protection Agency
- The
Committee on Resources - This committee has jurisdiction
over the Department of the Interior, including the
Bureau of Land Management and the Minerals Management
Service
- The
Ways and Means Committee - This committee has
jurisdiction over the Treasury Department, including
federal taxation of the natural gas industry
U.S. Senate:
Federal Departments and Agencies:
There are a number of departments and agencies created
by law or executive order, which have jurisdiction over
certain aspects of the natural gas industry. To learn
more about these departments and agencies, their mission,
programs, authority, and current issues, click on the
links below:
- The
Department of Energy (DOE)
"The priorities of the Department's energy program
are to: increase domestic energy production; revolutionize
our approach energy conservation and efficiency; and
promote the development of renewable and alternative
energy sources."
- The
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
"The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regulates
and oversees energy industries in the economic and
environmental interest of the American public."
- The
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
"EPA's mission is to protect human health and
to safeguard the natural environment - air, water,
and land - upon which life depends."
- The
Department of the Interior (DOI)
"DOI's mission is to protect and provide access
to our Nation's natural and cultural heritage and
honor our trust responsibilities to Indian tribes
and our commitments to island communities."
- The
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
"BLM's mission is to sustain the health,
diversity, and productivity of the public lands
for the use and enjoyment of present and future
generations.
- The
Minerals Management Service (MMS)
"The mission of MMS is to manage the mineral
resources on the Outer Continental Shelf in an
environmentally sound and safe manner and to timely
collect, verify and distribute mineral revues
from federal and Indian lands."
- The
Treasury Department
"The mission of the Department of the Treasury
is to promote prosperous and Stable American and World
Economies and Manage the Government's Finances."
- The
Department of Transportation (DOT)
"The mission of the Department of Transportation
is to serve the United States by ensuring a fast,
safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation
system that meets our vital national interests and
enhances the quality of life of the American people,
today and into the future."
- The
Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS)
"The mission of OPS is to ensure the safe,
reliable and environmentally sound operation of
the nation's pipeline transportation system."
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