§ 1862 — Natural Gas Distribution

(a) The purpose of this section is to encourage expanded participation by local distribution companies in acquisition of leases and development of natural gas resources on the Outer Continental Shelf by facilitating the transportation in interstate commerce of natural gas, which is produced from a lease located on the Outer Continental Shelf and owned, in whole or in part, by a local distribution company, from such lease to the service area of such local distribution company. (b) (1) whether the application of any local distribution company qualifies for consideration under the statement of policy; and (2) whether the public convenience and necessity will be served by the issuance of the requested certificate of transportation. (c) For purposes of this section, the term— (1) “local distribution company” means any person— (A) engaged in the distribution of natural gas at retail, including any subsidiary or affiliate thereof engaged in the exploration and production of natural gas; and (B) regulated, or operated as a public utility, by a State or local government or agency thereof; (2) “interstate commerce” shall have the same meaning as such term has under section 717a(7) of title 15; and (3) “Commission” means the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.