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As part of broad-based statewide investigation the first half of1999, California will explore possibilities for opening upelectricity distribution to competition as an extension of thestate’s ongoing energy industry restructuring. Potential impact onthe natural gas industry will be part of the investigation orderedearlier this month by the California Public Utilities Commission.

With bipartisan and Administration support, legislation craftedby the Wyoming Congressional delegation to give coalbed methaneleaseholders and production companies some relief from a recentappellate court decision won rapid and unanimous approval by theSenate Energy Committee last Wednesday. The bill, S.2500, isexpected to be taken up by the full Senate at any time, and thebill’s language also is expected to become part of a manager’samendment to the Interior Department’s appropriations bill, whichmust be approved before the end of the session next month.

The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) andthe Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) currently areeyeing a number of restructuring options – one of which is tocombine the two groups into a single pipeline association,officials said. INGAA is looking south of the border as well tostrengthen its ties with Mexico.