This week, APGA staff presented to the Process Gas Consumers Group (PGCG). The conversation started with identifying that both PGCG and APGA have aligned advocacy priorities as we all want access to affordable and reliable energy. Then, there was specific discussion on the goal to reform Section 5 of the Natural Gas Act, an issue where the PGCG is an ally. Parity between the Federal Power Act and the Natural Gas Act, through Section 5 reform, will benefit APGA and PGCG members, as it will give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) similar ability to hear complaints and issue refunds for “unjust and unreasonable” natural gas transmission rates.
As well, APGA staff had a discussion on the need to protect gas consumers, both the communities that public gas utilities serve and industries that are represented by PGCG members. It is necessary to have fair and transparent policy that doesn’t give one natural gas end user, such as electric generation, preference over another. Groups such as FERC, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), and the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB) are undertaking efforts that could impact access to energy, so there are opportunities to collaborate with PGCG members on this work.
PGCG members represent a broad cross-section of U.S. industry, particularly in terms of goods produced, including metals, cars, textiles, chemicals, glass, fertilizer, and other manufactured products. It is critical that natural gas continue to be a part of PGCG member operations to ensure they can reliably provide the products Americans need. Plus, these companies provide millions of jobs and benefit the economy here in the U.S. APGA looks forward to collaborating with PGCG on advocacy efforts to reform Section 5 and through engaging policymakers on practical policies ensuring equitable access to natural gas.
For questions on this article, please contact Stuart Saulters of APGA staff by phone at 202-544-1334 or by email at ssaulters@apga.org.