90 FR 94 pgs. 20826-20828 - Application for Authorization To Transmit Electric Energy to a Foreign Country
Type: PRORULEVolume: 90Number: 94Pages: 20826 - 20828
Pages: 20826, 20827, 20828Docket number: [DOE-HQ-2025-0019]
FR document: [FR Doc. 2025-08555 Filed 5-12-25; 9:30 am]
Agency: Energy Department
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 205
[DOE-HQ-2025-0019]
RIN 1901-AB69
Application for Authorization To Transmit Electric Energy to a Foreign Country
AGENCY:
Grid Deployment Office; Department of Energy (DOE).
ACTION:
Notice of proposed rulemaking and request for comments.
SUMMARY:
DOE is proposing to amend existing provisions regarding authorization to transmit electric energy to a foreign country.
DATES:
Comments must be received on or before July 15, 2025.
ADDRESSES:
Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov under docket number DOE-HQ-2025-0019. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. The docket for this proposed rule, which includes Federal Register notices, comments, and other supporting documents and materials, is available for review at www.regulations.gov. All documents in the docket are listed in the www.regulations.gov index. However, not all documents listed in the index may be publicly available, such as information that is exempt from public disclosure. The docket web page can be found at www.regulations.gov/docket/DOE-HQ-2025-0019. The docket web page contains instructions on how to access all documents, including public comments, in the docket, as well as a summary. In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(4), a summary of this proposed rule may be found at www.regulations.gov, under the docket number.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. David Taggart, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General Counsel, GC-1, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-5281. Email: DOEGeneralCounsel@hq.doe.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. General Discussion
II. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act
D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
E. Review Under Executive Order 13132
F. Review Under Executive Order 12988
G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 1999
I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
J. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2001
K. Review Under Executive Order 13211
L. Review Under Additional Executive Orders and Presidential Memoranda
III. Approval of the Secretary
I. General Discussion
DOE is proposing to amend the application process codified in 10 CFR 205.300 through 309. Statutory authority for these sections can be found at 16 U.S.C. 824(e) which establishes that no person shall transmit any electric energy from the United States to a foreign country without first having secured an order of the Secretary authorizing it to do so. Extensive regulations established in response to 16 U.S.C. 824(e), which are now also out of date, impose economic, administrative and procedural burdens on applicants. Such burdens impede private enterprise and entrepreneurship and run contrary to the President's goal of unleashing American energy. Executive Order (E.O.) 14154.
Further, Executive Order 14192, Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation, explicitly makes it "the policy of the executive branch . . . to alleviate unnecessary regulatory burdens placed on the American people." Such burdens "are often difficult for the average person or business to understand, as they require synthesizing the collective meaning not just of formal regulations but also rules, memoranda, administrative orders, guidance documents, policy statements, and interagency agreements that are not subject to the Administrative Procedure Act, further increasing compliance costs and the risk of costs of non-compliance." Id. The Secretary is therefore proposing to reduce regulatory burden wherever possible.
Accordingly, DOE proposes to amend the aforementioned sections to reduce burden and remove out of date requirements while simultaneously bolstering American energy dominance by increasing exports and subsequently the reliance of foreign nations on American energy. The amended rule will simply allow applicants to include information the applicant deems relevant to such an authorization for consideration by the DOE under the Federal Power Act. DOE will endeavor to expeditiously approve applications. DOE seeks comment on all aspects of that proposal, including but not limited to the prior rule's consistency with statutory authority and the Constitution, national security, whether the prior rules are out of date, the prior rule's costs and benefits, and the prior rule's effect on small business, entrepreneurship and private enterprise.
II. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
[top] Executive Order ("E.O.") 12866, "Regulatory Planning and Review," requires agencies, to the extent permitted by law, to (1) propose or adopt a regulation only upon a reasoned determination that its benefits justify its costs (recognizing that some benefits and costs are difficult to quantify); (2) tailor regulations to impose the least burden on society, consistent with obtaining regulatory objectives, taking into account, among other things, and to the extent practicable, the costs of cumulative regulations; (3) select, in choosing among alternative regulatory approaches, those approaches that maximize net benefits; (4) to the extent feasible, specify performance objectives, rather than specifying the behavior or
B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq. ) requires preparation of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis ("IRFA") and a final regulatory flexibility analysis ("FRFA") for any rule that by law must be proposed for public comment, unless the agency certifies that the rule, if promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. As required by E.O. 13272, "Proper Consideration of Small Entities in Agency Rulemaking," 67 FR 53461 (Aug. 16, 2002), DOE published procedures and policies on February 19, 2003, to ensure that the potential impacts of its rules on small entities are properly considered during the rulemaking process. 68 FR 7990. DOE has made its procedures and policies available on the Office of the General Counsel's website ( www.energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel ).
DOE reviewed the proposed amendment under the provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the policies and procedures published on February 19, 2003. This proposal eliminates requirements. Therefore, DOE initially concludes that the impacts thereof would not have a "significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities," and that the preparation of an IRFA is not warranted. DOE will transmit this certification and supporting statement of factual basis to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for review under 5 U.S.C. 605(b).
C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act
This proposed amendment imposes no new information or record-keeping requirements. Accordingly, OMB clearance is not required under the Paperwork Reduction Act. (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ).
D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
DOE is analyzing this proposed action in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, ("NEPA") and DOE's NEPA implementing regulations (10 CFR part 1021). DOE's regulations include categorical exclusions for certain rulemakings. See 10 CFR part 1021, subpart D, appendices A and B. DOE is considering the categorical exclusions potentially applicable to this proposed rule and welcomes comment on the potential application of categorical exclusion(s). DOE will complete its NEPA review before issuing the final rule.
E. Review Under Executive Order 13132
E.O. 13132, "Federalism," 64 FR 43255 (Aug. 10, 1999), imposes certain requirements on Federal agencies formulating and implementing policies or regulations that preempt State law or that have federalism implications. The Executive order requires agencies to examine the constitutional and statutory authority supporting any action that would limit the policymaking discretion of the States and to carefully assess the necessity for such actions. The Executive order also requires agencies to have an accountable process to ensure meaningful and timely input by State and local officials in the development of regulatory policies that have federalism implications. On March 14, 2000, DOE published a statement of policy describing the intergovernmental consultation process it will follow in the development of such regulations. 65 FR 13735.
DOE has examined this proposed amendment and has tentatively determined that it would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, no further action is required by E.O. 13132.
F. Review Under Executive Order 12988
With respect to the review of existing regulations and the promulgation of new regulations, section 3(a) of E.O. 12988, "Civil Justice Reform," imposes on Federal agencies the general duty to adhere to the following requirements: (1) eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity, (2) write regulations to minimize litigation, (3) provide a clear legal standard for affected conduct rather than a general standard, and (4) promote simplification and burden reduction. 61 FR 4729 (Feb. 7, 1996). Regarding the review required by section 3(a), section 3(b) of E.O. 12988 specifically requires that Executive agencies make every reasonable effort to ensure that the regulation (1) clearly specifies the preemptive effect, if any, (2) clearly specifies any effect on existing Federal law or regulation, (3) provides a clear legal standard for affected conduct while promoting simplification and burden reduction, (4) specifies the retroactive effect, if any, (5) adequately defines key terms, and (6) addresses other important issues affecting clarity and general draftsmanship under any guidelines issued by the Attorney General.
Section 3(c) of E.O. 12988 requires Executive agencies to review regulations in light of applicable standards in section 3(a) and (b) to determine whether they are met or it is unreasonable to meet one or more of them. DOE has completed the required review and determined that, to the extent permitted by law, this proposed amendment meets the relevant standards of E.O. 12988.
G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 ("UMRA") requires each Federal agency to assess the effects of Federal regulatory actions on State, local, and Tribal governments and the private sector. Public Law 104-4, sec. 201 (codified at 2 U.S.C. 1531). For a regulatory action likely to result in a rule that may cause the expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100 million or more in any one year (adjusted annually for inflation), section 202 of UMRA requires a Federal agency to publish a written statement that estimates the resulting costs, benefits, and other effects on the national economy (2 U.S.C. 1532(a), (b)). The UMRA also requires a Federal agency to develop an effective process to permit timely input by elected officers of State, local, and Tribal governments on a "significant intergovernmental mandate," and requires an agency plan for giving notice and opportunity for timely input to potentially affected small governments before establishing any requirements that might significantly or uniquely affect them. On March 18, 1997, DOE published a statement of policy on its process for intergovernmental consultation under UMRA. 62 FR 12820. DOE's policy statement is also available at www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/gcprod/documents/umra_97.pdf.
[top] DOE examined this proposed amendment according to UMRA and its statement of policy and determined that the proposed amendment does not contain a Federal intergovernmental mandate, nor is it expected to require expenditures of $100 million or more in any one year by State, local, and Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector. As a result, the analytical requirements of UMRA do not apply.
H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 1999
Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105-277) requires Federal agencies to issue a Family Policymaking Assessment for any rule that may affect family well-being. This proposed amendment would not have any impact on the autonomy or integrity of the family as an institution. Accordingly, DOE has concluded that it is not necessary to prepare a Family Policymaking Assessment.
I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
Pursuant to E.O. 12630, "Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights," 53 FR 8859 (March 18, 1988), DOE has determined that this proposed amendment would not result in any takings that might require compensation under the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
J. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2001
Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2001 (44 U.S.C. 3516, note) provides for Federal agencies to review most disseminations of information to the public under information quality guidelines established by each agency pursuant to general guidelines issued by OMB. OMB's guidelines were published at 67 FR 8452 (Feb. 22, 2002), and DOE's guidelines were published at 67 FR 62446 (Oct. 7, 2002). Pursuant to OMB Memorandum M-19-15, Improving Implementation of the Information Quality Act (April 24, 2019), DOE published updated guidelines which are available at: https://www.energy.gov/cio/department-energy-information-quality-guidelines. DOE has reviewed this proposed amendment under the OMB and DOE guidelines and has concluded that it is consistent with applicable policies in those guidelines.
K. Review Under Executive Order 13211
E.O. 13211, "Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use," 66 FR 28355 (May 22, 2001), requires Federal agencies to prepare and submit to OIRA at OMB, a Statement of Energy Effects for any significant energy action. A "significant energy action" is defined as any action by an agency that promulgates or is expected to lead to promulgation of a final rule, and that: (1) is a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, or any successor order and is likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy; or (2) is designated by the Administrator of OIRA as a significant energy action. For any significant energy action, the agency must give a detailed statement of any adverse effects on energy supply, distribution, or use should the proposal be implemented, and of reasonable alternatives to the action and their expected benefits on energy supply, distribution, and use.
DOE has tentatively determined that this proposed rule would not have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy. Accordingly, DOE has not prepared a Statement of Energy Effects. DOE may prepare such a statement for the proposed rule, and seeks all comments.
L. Review Under Additional Executive Orders and Presidential Memoranda
DOE has examined this proposal and has tentatively determined that it is consistent with the policies and directives outlined in E.O. 14154 "Unleashing American Energy,": E.O. 14192, "Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation,"; E.O. 14219 "Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President's `Department of Government Efficiency' Deregulatory Initiative" and Presidential Memorandum, "Delivering Emergency Price Relief for American Families and Defeating the Cost-of-Living Crisis." This proposal, if finalized as proposed, is expected to be an Executive Order 14192 deregulatory action.
III. Approval of the Secretary
The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this notice of proposed rulemaking and request for comment.
List of Subjects in 10 CFR Part 205
Administrative practice and procedure, Electric power, Electric utilities, Energy, Environmental protection, Exports, Foreign relations.
Signing Authority
This document of the Department of Energy was signed on May 9, 2025, by Chris Wright, Secretary of Energy. That document with the original signature and date is maintained by DOE. For administrative purposes only, and in compliance with requirements of the Office of the Federal Register, the undersigned DOE Federal Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to sign and submit the document in electronic format for publication, as an official document of the Department of Energy. This administrative process in no way alters the legal effect of this document upon publication in the Federal Register .
Signed in Washington, DC, on May 9, 2025.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, DOE proposes to amend part 205 of chapter II, subchapter A as follows:
PART 205-ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES AND SANCTIONS
1. The authority for part 205 continues to read as follows:
Authority:
Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973, Pub. L. 93-159; Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974, Pub. L. 93-275 (88 Stat. 96; E.O. 11790, 39 FR 23185); 42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq., unless otherwise noted. Pub. L. 95-91, 91 Stat. 565 (42 U.S.C. 7101); Pub. L. 66-280, 41 Stat. 1063 (16 U.S.C. 792 et seq. ); E.O. 10485, 18 FR 5397, 3 CFR, 1949-1953, Comp., p. 970 as amended by E.O. 12038, 43 FR 4957, 3 CFR 1978 Comp., p. 136; Department of Energy Delegation Order No. 00-002.00Q (Nov. 1, 2018).
2. Revise §?205.300 to read as follows:
§?205.300 Who shall apply.
To obtain authorization to transmit any electric energy from the United States to a foreign country, an electric utility or other entity subject to DOE jurisdiction under part II of the Federal Power Act must submit an application or be a party to an application submitted by another entity. The application shall include information the applicant deems relevant to DOE's determination under section 202(e) in the Federal Power Act. DOE has a strong policy in favor of approving applications, and doing so quickly and expeditiously.
§§?205.301 through 205.309 [Removed and Reserved]
3. Remove and reserve §§?205.301 through 205.309.
[FR Doc. 2025-08555 Filed 5-12-25; 9:30 am]
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