PUBLIC LAW 95-617—NOV. 9, 1978
92 STAT. 3171
required to supply natural gas during any relevant period in volume amounts which exceed the lesser of— (1) the volume determined by reference to the maximum delivery obligations specified in such contract; (2) the volume vs^hich such supplier would have been required to supply, under the curtailment plan in effect for such supplier, to the person, who transferred contractual interests pursuant to the rule required under subsection (a)(1), if no such transfer had occurred; and (3) the volume actually delivered or for which payment would have been made pursuant to such contract during the 12-calendarmonth period ending immediately before such transfer of contractual interests. SEC. 637. EMERGENCY CONVERSION OF UTILITIES AND OTHER 15 USC 717z. FACILITIES. (a) PRESIDENTIAL DECLARATION.—The President may declare a
natural gas supply emergency (or extend a previously declared emergency) if he finds that— ' (1) a severe natural ^as shortage, endangering the supply of natural gas for high-priority uses, exists or is imminent m the United States or in any region thereof; and (2) the exercise of authorities under this section is reasonably necessary, having exhausted other alternatives (not including section 303 of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978) to the maxi- Post, p. 3383. mum extent practicable, to assist in meeting natural gas requirements for such high-priority uses. (b) LIMITATION.—(1) Any declaration of a natural gas supply emergency (or extension thereof) under subsection (a), shall terminate at the earlier of— (A) the date on which the President finds that any shortage described in subsection (a) does not exist or is not imminent; or (B) 120 days after the date of such declaration of emergency (or extension thereof). (2) Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit the President from extending, under subsection (a), any emergency (or extension thereof) previously declared under subsection (a), upon the expiration of such declaration of emergency (or extension thereof) under paragraph (1) (c) PROHIBITIONS.—During a natural gas emergency declared under this section, the President may, by order, prohibit the burning of natural gas by any electric powerplant or major fuel-burning installation if the President determines that— (1) such powerplant or installation had on September 1, 1977 (or at any time thereafter) the capability to bum petroleum products without damage to its facilities or equipment and without interference with operational requirements; (2) significant quantities of natural gas which would otherwise be burned by such powerplant or installation could be made available before the termination of such emergency to any person served by an interstate pipeline for use by such person in a highpriority use; and (3) petroleum products will be available for use by such powerplant or installation throughout the period the order is in effect.
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