PTI Local Government Energy Assurance Guidelines - Metropolitan ...

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U. S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is an independent agency that regulates the interstate
transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil. FERC also reviews proposals to build liquefied natural gas
(LNG) terminals and interstate natural gas pipelines, as well as licensing hydropower projects. It also assists
consumers in obtaining reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy services at a reasonable cost through
appropriate regulatory and market means.
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
FHWA has excellent data for transportation-related energy issues. In an emergency, responders will ordinarily
work through the State highway agency for road-related assistance.
Federal Maritime Administration (FMA)
In the event that a State requires long distance waterborne fuel delivery (usually heating oil or gasoline)
aboard an international shipping carrier not registered in the United States, a waiver from the Federal act
requiring the use of U.S.-flagged vessels (the Jones Act) would be sought through the Federal Maritime
Administration and with DOE assistance.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
Limits on the number of hours a truck driver can operate a vehicle fall under regulations managed by the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These limits can be waived under two conditions. First, if
an emergency has been declared by the President of the United States, the Governor of a State, or their
authorized representative; and second, if the FMCSA Field Administrator has declared that a regional
emergency exists that justifies an exemption. This exemption cannot exceed the duration of the motor carrier’s
or driver’s direct assistance in providing emergency relief to the affected area, or 30 days from the date of the
initial declaration of the emergency or the exemption, whichever is less.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The Federal Aviation Administration supports the Nation’s airports. Depending on the location and airport
infrastructure of the local jurisdiction, in the event of an aviation fuel shortage it may be necessary to
coordinate with the FAA. This would most likely be handled through the State’s transportation agency and
coordinated at the State emergency operations center. The FAA also has air transportation data useful for
energy assurance planning purposes.
Regional Organizations
Local governments should also become familiar with the variety of regional energy organizations affecting them.
These are not just the domain of State agencies. State PUCs usually deal with the Electric Reliability Councils,
the Regional Transmission Operators (RTOs), and the Independent System Operators (ISOs) that coordinate the
distribution of electricity and handle multi-State emergency electrical procedures. Other examples of regional
organizations are the Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs) that operate large hydropower dams under DOE
jurisdiction. The Bonneville Power Administration in the Northwest and the Tennessee Valley Authority in the
Southeast are two such PMAs. In addition, State energy policy organizations such as the Southern States Energy
Board and the Western Interstate Energy Board may provide important coordination during emergencies. Regional
councils of governments (COGs) and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) can also have unique expertise
with regard to energy emergencies, beyond their traditional transportation focus.
94 | Appendix E – Additional Agencies and Organizations Relevant to the Energy Assurance Planning Process