The Department of Energy (DOE) has activated a major E-government initiative that will streamline the federal government’s process for authorizing imports and exports of natural gas, using the Internet and credit cards.

“We are launching this new Internet-based system at a time when it is becoming increasingly important that the United States expedite its regulatory processes for trading in global natural gas markets,” DOE Secretary Spencer Abraham said. “Natural gas imports, especially, are growing, and by improving digital communications between government and the natural gas industry, we can streamline the approval process for getting these gas supplies into our market and to consumers.”

Beginning this month, prospective importers and exporters of natural gas can request statutorily-required federal authorizations using a new E-filing system available on DOE’s fossil energy web site. Until now, the filing process for imports or exports required applicants to submit paper forms by mail or by fax.

The E-filing system will simplify the process especially for many of the smaller firms that have recently entered the natural gas market’s import and export sector, DOE said. The online system provides a simple and easily understood form that allows the applicant to meet all legal obligations without additional outside counsel.

Initially, the electronic process will be available for the most commonly requested natural gas import and export authorizations, specifically, short-term authorizations to trade with Mexico and Canada, or for importing liquefied natural gas (LNG). These two-year authorizations, also known as “blanket” authorizations, comprise more than 90% of the more than 100 authorizations issued by the office every year.

With the online system, prospective importers or exporters can submit the necessary authorization forms and pay for the authorization online by credit card. There is also the option to submit the application with a mail-in form and check. In its initial version, the system will not be available for longer-term import authorizations or for the export of LNG, although the Energy Department ultimately plans to incorporate provisions for the long-term import authorizations into the online process.

The online system is available by going to the department’s Fossil Energy web site at https://www.fossil.energy.gov and clicking on “Natural Gas Regulation.” An E-filing link will take users to the electronic application process.

An additional benefit will be that the e-filing system links directly to the Department’s case management section and should reduce overall processing time.

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