The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Tuesday approved a final rule that amends certain existing regulations to implement aspects of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act. Specifically, the CFTC amended certain definitions and recordkeeping regulations so that they apply to both futures and over-the-counter swaps. As an example, futures commission merchants and introducing brokers now will be required to follow recordkeeping rules for swap transactions that are the same that they presently follow for futures transactions. The final rule is to become effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.

Taylor-Wharton Cryogenics LLC, a subsidiary of Taylor-Wharton International LLC (TWI), a technology, service and manufacturing network for natural gas applications involving pressure vessels and precision valves, has created a liquefied natural gas (LNG) business unit. The Mechanicsburg, PA-based company said it created the unit, which will specialize in cryogenic equipment for LNG bulk storage, transport and end-user applications, in response to the global demand for LNG. David Barr, who developed the first LNG distribution business in Minnesota for Lubrication Technologies Inc., is to lead TWI’s efforts to grow the LNG business.

The Georgia Public Service Commission (PUC) unanimously approved a consent agreement with the City of Atlanta resolving 67 alleged violations of the Georgia Utility Facility Protection Act, which requires anyone digging with mechanized equipment to call 8-1-1 so that underground utilities may be located and properly marked to prevent damage to natural gas and other underground lines. The city agreed to pay a civil penalty of $100,000, which was from $585,000 after officials agreed to train employees and change excavation procedures. All city employees and subcontractors who are involved with excavations are required to attend PUC-approved damage prevention training, and revised policies and procedures will be implemented, regulators said.

Anyone looking for liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply that can be delivered by truck has a new information resource available via the website of NGVAmerica. The natural gas vehicle (NGV) advocacy organization and Zeus Intelligence are offering a list of all the LNG facilities around the country that have the capability to offload LNG into trailers for truck delivery to user sites. To date, Zeus has identified 34 such plants located throughout the country, and it plans to update its list periodically. “Plant managers participating in the survey indicated that they could supply up to 3 million gallons of LNG per day, which is about 300 trailer loads,” said Zeus energy analyst Tom Campbell, who led the survey. “The actual LNG supply capacity is much smaller. This listing, however, provides a good understanding of the upper bound.”

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