At any time, the owner or operator of an existing electric powerplant may certify to the Secretary, for purposes of subsection (b) of this section—
(1) whether or not such powerplant has or previously had the technical capability to use coal or another alternate fuel as a primary energy source;
(2) whether or not such powerplant could have the technical capability to use coal or another alternate fuel as a primary energy source without having—
(A) substantial physical modification of the powerplant, or
(B) substantial reduction in the rated capacity of the powerplant; and
(3) whether or not it is financially feasible to use coal or another alternate fuel as a primary energy source in such a powerplant.
The Secretary may prohibit, in accordance with section 8343(a) or (b) of this title, the use of petroleum or natural gas, or both, as a primary energy source in any existing electric powerplant, if an affirmative certification under subsection (a)(1), (2), and (3) of this section is in effect with respect to such powerplant and if, after examining the basis for the certification, the Secretary concurs with the certification.
At any time, the owner or operator of an existing electric powerplant may certify to the Secretary for purposes of this subsection whether or not it is technically and financially feasible to use a mixture of petroleum or natural gas and coal or another alternate fuel as a primary energy source in that powerplant. If an affirmative certification under this subsection is in effect with respect to such powerplant and if, after examining the basis for the certification, the Secretary concurs with the certification, the Secretary may prohibit, in accordance with section 8343(a) of this title, the use of petroleum or natural gas, or both, in such powerplant in amounts in excess of the minimum amount necessary to maintain reliability of operation of the unit consistent with maintaining reasonable fuel efficiency of such mixture.
The owner or operator of any such powerplant may at any time amend any certification under subsection (a) or (c) of this section in order to take into account changes in relevant facts and circumstances; except that no such amendment to such a certification may be made after the date of any final prohibition under subsection (b) or (c) of this section based on that certification.
(Pub. L. 95–620, title III, §301, as added Pub. L. 97–35, title X, §1021(a), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 614.)
A prior section 8341, Pub. L. 95–620, title III, §301, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3305, related to existing electric powerplants, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 97–35, title X, §1021(a), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 614.
Section effective Aug. 13, 1981, see section 1038 of Pub. L. 97–35, set out as an Effective Date of 1981 Amendment note under section 6240 of this title.
Section 1022 of Pub. L. 97–35 provided that:
“(a) The amendments made by section 1021 to section 301(b) and (c) of the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 [subsecs. (b) and (c) of this section] shall not apply to any electric powerplant for which a final order was issued pursuant to section 301(b) or (c) of such Act before the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 13, 1981].
“(b) Any electric powerplant issued a proposed order under section 301(b) or (c) of such Act which is pending on the date of the enactment of this Act may elect not to have the amendments made by section 1021 to such section 301(b) or (c) apply with respect to that powerplant. Such an election shall be irrevocable and shall be made in such form and manner as the Secretary of Energy shall, within 45 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, prescribe. Such an election shall be made not later than 60 days after the date on which the Secretary of Energy prescribes the form and manner of making such election.
“(c)(1) The amendments made by section 1021 shall not affect the validity of any final order issued under section 301(b) or (c) of the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 before the date of the enactment of this Act.
“(2) The validity of any proposed order issued under such section 301(b) or (c) shall not be affected in the case of powerplants covered by elections made under subsection (b).
“(3) The authority of the Secretary of Energy to amend, repeal, rescind, modify, or enforce any order referred to in paragraph (1) or (2), or rules applicable thereto, shall remain in effect notwithstanding any such amendments.”
Section, Pub. L. 95–620, title III, §302, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3306, authorized Secretary to prohibit use of petroleum or natural gas as primary energy source in existing major fuel-burning installations having coal or alternate fuel capability and, in installations in which mixtures of petroleum or natural gas and coal or other alternate fuels are found feasible, to prohibit excessive use of petroleum or natural gas in such mixtures.
(1) Except to the extent authorized by subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary shall prohibit any powerplant from using natural gas or petroleum under the authority granted him under section 8341(b) or (c) of this title only by means of a final order issued by him which shall be limited to the particular powerplant involved.
(2) The Secretary may issue such a final order only with respect to a powerplant which is not, at the time the proposed order is issued, covered by a final rule issued under subsection (b) of this section.
(1) The Secretary may prohibit, by rule, the use of natural gas or petroleum under section 8341(b) of this title in existing electric powerplants.
(2) Each powerplant to be covered by any final rule issued under this subsection shall be specifically identified in the proposed rule published under section 8411(b) of this title.
(3) In prescribing any final rule under this subsection, the Secretary shall take into account any special circumstances or characteristics of each category of powerplants (such as the intermittent use, size, age, or geographic location of such powerplants). Any such rules shall not apply in the case of any existing electric powerplant with respect to which a comparable prohibition was issued by order.
(Pub. L. 95–620, title III, §303, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3306; Pub. L. 100–42, §1(c)(9), May 21, 1987, 101 Stat. 312.)
1987—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 100–42, §1(c)(9)(A), (B), struck out “or installation” after “powerplant” in two places and “or 8342” after “section 8341(b) or (c)”.
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 100–42, §1(c)(9)(A), struck out “or installation” after “powerplant”.
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 100–42, §1(c)(9)(C), struck out par. (3) which read as follows:
“(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall not issue a final order under this subsection to any powerplant if it is demonstrated that such powerplant would have been granted an exemption if such prohibition had been established by a final rule pursuant to subsection (b) of this section rather than by order pursuant to this subsection, except that if a temporary exemption would have been granted, such a final order may be issued but may not take effect until such time as the temporary exemption would have terminated.
“(B) In any case in which an order is not issued by reason of subparagraph (A) or in which the effective date of such order is delayed under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall take such steps as may be necessary to assure the installation involved complies with the same requirements (including provisions of section 8354(a) of this title) as would have been applicable if an exemption had been granted based upon the grounds for which the order is not issued or the effective date of which is delayed.”
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 100–42, §1(c)(9)(D), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: “The Secretary may, by rule, prohibit the use of natural gas or petroleum pursuant to section 8341(b) or 8342(a) of this title—
“(A) in the case of any category of existing electric powerplants identified in such rule; and
“(B) in the case of any category of existing major fuel-burning installations which have design capabilities of consuming fuel (or any mixture thereof) at a fuel heat input rate of 300 million Btu's per hour or greater which are identified in such rule.”
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 100–42, §1(c)(9)(A), struck out “or installation” after “powerplant”.
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 100–42, §1(c)(9)(A), (E), struck out “or installations” after “powerplants” in two places in introductory provisions, and amended last sentence generally. Prior to amendment, last sentence read as follows: “Any such rules shall not apply in the case of any existing electric powerplant with respect to which a comparable prohibition was issued by order.”
After consideration of a petition (and comments thereon) for an exemption from one or more of the prohibitions of part A for a powerplant, the Secretary shall, by order, grant such an exemption for the use of natural gas or petroleum, if he finds that the petitioner has demonstrated that for the period of the proposed exemption, despite diligent good faith efforts—
(1) it is likely that an adequate and reliable supply of coal or other alternate fuel of the quality necessary to conform with design and operational requirements for use as a primary energy source, will not be available to such powerplant at a cost (taking into account associated facilities for the transportation and use of such fuel) which, based upon the best practicable estimates, does not substantially exceed the costs, as determined by rule by the Secretary, of using imported petroleum as a primary energy source;
(2) one or more site limitations exist which would not permit the operation of such a powerplant using coal or any other alternate fuel as a primary energy source; or
(3) the prohibitions of section 8341 of this title could not be satisfied without violating applicable environmental requirements.
After consideration of a petition (and comments thereon) for an exemption from one or more of the prohibitions of part A for a powerplant, the Secretary, by order, shall grant an exemption under this subsection for the use of natural gas or petroleum, if he finds that the petitioner has demonstrated that—
(1) the petitioner will comply with the prohibitions of part A by the end of the proposed exemption by the use of a synthetic fuel derived from coal or another alternate fuel; and
(2) the petitioner is not able to comply with such prohibitions by the use of such synthetic fuel until the end of the proposed exemption.
The effectiveness of an exemption under this subsection is conditioned on the petitioner filing and maintaining a compliance plan meeting the requirements of section 8354(b) of this title.
After consideration of a petition (and comments thereon) for an exemption from one or more of the prohibitions of part A for a powerplant, the Secretary, by order, shall grant an exemption under this subsection for the use of natural gas or petroleum, if he finds that the petitioner has demonstrated that such powerplant will comply with such prohibitions at the expiration of such exemption by the adoption of a technology for the use of coal or another alternate fuel which at the time of the granting of the exemption is determined by the Secretary to be an innovative technology. The effectiveness of an exemption under this subsection is conditioned on the petitioner filing and maintaining a compliance plan meeting the requirements of section 8354(b) of this title.
(1) After consideration of a petition (and comments thereon) for an exemption from one or more of the prohibitions of part A for a powerplant, the Secretary shall, by order, grant an exemption under this subsection for the use of natural gas or petroleum, if he finds that the petitioner has demonstrated that such powerplant is to permanently cease operation at or before the expiration of the exemption period. An exemption under this subsection is conditioned on the petitioner filing and maintaining a compliance plan meeting the requirements of section 8354(b) (other than paragraph (1)(B)) of this title.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, an exemption under this part may not be granted for any powerplant once an exemption under this subsection has been granted for such powerplant.
After consideration of a petition (and comments thereon) for an exemption for a powerplant from one or more of the prohibitions of part A for a powerplant, the Secretary may, by order, grant an exemption under this subsection for the use of natural gas or petroleum, if he finds that the petitioner has demonstrated that for the period of the proposed exemption the issuance of such exemption is in the public interest and is consistent with the purposes of this chapter.
After consideration of a petition (and comments thereon) for an exemption from one or more of the prohibitions of part A for a powerplant, the Secretary shall, by order, grant an exemption under this subsection for the use of natural gas or petroleum, if the petitioner certifies that such powerplant is to be operated solely as a peakload powerplant.
(1) After consideration of a petition (and comments thereon) for an exemption from one or more of the prohibitions of part A for a powerplant, the Secretary shall, by order, grant an exemption under this subsection for the use of natural gas or petroleum, if he finds that the petitioner has demonstrated that such exemption is necessary to prevent impairment of reliability of service.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, an exemption under this part (other than a permanent exemption under section 8352(f) of this title for the use of petroleum) may not be granted for any powerplant for which an exemption under this subsection has been granted.
(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), exemptions under this section for any powerplant may not exceed, taking into account any extension or renewal, 5 years.
(2)(A) An exemption under subsection (a)(1) of this section may be granted for a period of more than 5 years, but may not exceed, taking into account any extension or renewal, 10 years.
(B) Subject to paragraph (3), an exemption under subsections (b), (c), and (g) of this section may be extended beyond the 5-year limit under paragraph (1), but such exemption, so extended, may not exceed 10 years.
(3) An exemption under subsections (d), (f), and (g) of this section for the use of natural gas by a powerplant may not extend beyond December 31, 1994.
(4) In computing the 5-year and 10-year limitations of paragraphs (1) and (2) in the case of any exemption under this section, the period before the prohibition on the use of natural gas and petroleum would first apply (if the exemption had not been granted) shall be disregarded.
(Pub. L. 95–620, title III, §311, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3307; Pub. L. 100–42, §1(c)(10), (11), May 21, 1987, 101 Stat. 313.)
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (d)(2), (e), and (g)(2), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 95–620, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3289, known as the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 8301 of this title and Tables.
1987—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–42, §1(c)(10), (11), struck out “or installation” after “powerplant” in introductory provisions and in pars. (1) and (2) and struck out “or 8342” after “section 8341” in par. (3).
Subsecs. (b) to (e), (h)(1). Pub. L. 100–42, §1(c)(10), struck out “or installation” after “powerplant” wherever appearing.
For effectiveness of exemption for certain electric powerplants as prior to 180 days after Nov. 9, 1978, see section 902(a) of Pub. L. 95–620, set out as a note under section 8301 of this title.
(1) After consideration of a petition (and comments thereon) for an exemption from one or more of the prohibitions of part A for a powerplant, the Secretary shall, by order, grant a permanent exemption under this subsection for the use of natural gas or petroleum, if he finds that the petitioner has demonstrated that despite diligent good faith efforts—
(A) it is likely that an adequate and reliable supply of coal or other alternate fuels of the quality necessary to conform with design and operational requirements for use as a primary energy source will not be available to such powerplant at a cost (taking into account associated facilities for the transportation and use of such fuel) which, based upon the best practicable estimates, does not substantially exceed the cost, as determined by rule by the Secretary, of using imported petroleum as a primary energy source during the remaining useful life of the powerplant;
(B) one or more site limitations exist which would not permit the operation of such a powerplant using coal or any other alternate fuel as a primary energy source; or
(C) the prohibitions of part A could not be satisfied without violating applicable environmental requirements.
(2) Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this subsection, a powerplant which has been granted an exemption under subsection (g) of this section may not be granted an exemption under this subsection.
After consideration of a petition (and comments thereon) for an exemption from one or more of the prohibitions of part A for a powerplant, the Secretary may, by order, grant a permanent exemption under this subsection, if he finds that the petitioner has demonstrated that—
(1) with respect to the site of the powerplant, the operation of such a facility using coal or any other alternate fuel is infeasible because of a State or local requirement;
(2) if such State or local requirement is under a building code or nuisance or zoning law, no other exemption under this part could be granted for such facility; and
(3) the granting of the exemption would be in the public interest and would be consistent with the purposes of this chapter.
After consideration of a petition (and comments thereon) for an exemption from one or more of the prohibitions of part A for a cogeneration facility, the Secretary may, by order, grant a permanent exemption under this subsection, if he—
(1) finds that the petitioner has demonstrated that economic and other benefits of cogeneration are unobtainable unless petroleum or natural gas, or both, are used in such facility, and
(2) includes in the final order a statement of the basis for such finding.
(1) After consideration of a petition (and comments thereon) for an exemption from one or more of the prohibitions of part A for a powerplant, the Secretary shall, by order, grant a permanent exemption under this subsection, if he finds that the petitioner has demonstrated that—
(A) the powerplant uses, or proposes to use, a mixture of petroleum or natural gas and coal or another alternate fuel as a primary energy source; and
(B) the amount of the petroleum or natural gas used in such mixture will not exceed the minimum percentage of the total Btu heat input of the primary energy sources of such powerplant needed to maintain reliability of operation of the unit consistent with maintaining a reasonable level of fuel efficiency, as determined in accordance with rules prescribed by the Secretary.
(2) Repealed. Pub. L. 100–42, §1(c)(12)(A), May 21, 1987, 101 Stat. 313.
(3) The Secretary may authorize a higher percentage than that referred to in paragraph (1)(B) if he finds that the higher percentage of natural gas allowed would be mixed with synthetic fuels derived from municipal wastes or agricultural wastes and would encourage the use of alternate or new technologies which use renewable sources of energy.
After consideration of a petition (and comments thereon) for an exemption from one or more of the prohibitions of part A for a powerplant, the Secretary shall, by order, grant a permanent exemption under this subsection, if he finds that the petitioner has demonstrated that such powerplant will be maintained and operated only for emergency purposes (as defined by rule by the Secretary).
After consideration of a petition (and comments thereon) for an exemption from one or more of the prohibitions of part A for a powerplant, the Secretary shall, by order, grant a permanent exemption under this subsection, if he finds that—
(1) the powerplant is operated solely as a peakload powerplant;
(2) a denial of such petition is likely to result in an impairment of reliability of service; and
(3)(A) modification of the powerplant to permit compliance with such prohibitions is technically infeasible; or
(B) such modification would result in an unreasonable expense.
(1) After consideration of a petition (and comments thereon) for an exemption from one or more of the prohibitions of part A on the use of petroleum by a powerplant, the Secretary may, by order, grant a permanent exemption under this subsection, if he finds that the petitioner has demonstrated that—
(A) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (or the appropriate State air pollution control agency) certifies to the Secretary that the use by such powerplant of coal or any available alternate fuel as a primary energy source will cause or contribute to a concentration, in an air quality control region or any area within such region, of a pollutant for which any national ambient air quality standard is or would be exceeded for such area;
(B) such powerplant is to be operated only to replace no more than the equivalent capacity of existing electric powerplants—
(i) which use natural gas or petroleum as a primary energy source,
(ii) which are owned by the same person who is to operate such powerplant, and
(iii) which, if they used coal as a primary energy source, would cause or contribute to such a concentration in such region;
(C) such powerplant is and shall continue to be operated solely as an intermediate load powerplant;
(D) the net fuel heat input rate for such powerplant will be maintained at or less than 9,500 Btu's per kilowatt hour throughout the remaining useful life of the powerplant; and
(E) the powerplant has the capability to use synthetic fuels derived from coal or other alternate fuel.
(2) The Secretary shall, from time to time, review each exemption granted to a powerplant under this subsection, and shall terminate such exemption if he finds that there is available a supply of synthetic fuel derived from coal or other alternate fuel suitable for use as a primary energy source by such powerplant.
(1) Subject to paragraph (2), after consideration of a petition (and comments thereon) for an exemption from any prohibition of part A for the use of natural gas by a powerplant, the Secretary shall, by order, grant a permanent exemption under this subsection for such use, if he finds that the petitioner has demonstrated that—
(A) such powerplant has a design capability of consuming fuel (or any mixture thereof) at a fuel heat input rate of less than 250 million Btu's per hour;
(B) such powerplant was a baseload powerplant on April 20, 1977; and
(C) such powerplant is not capable of consuming coal without—
(i) substantial physical modification of the unit; or
(ii) substantial reduction in the rated capacity of the unit (as determined by the Secretary).
(2) An exemption under this subsection may only apply to the prohibitions under section 8341 of this title and prohibitions established by final rules or orders issued before January 1, 1990.
After consideration of a petition (and comments thereon) for an exemption from one or more of the prohibitions of part A for a powerplant, the Secretary shall, by order, grant a permanent exemption under this subsection for the use of liquefied natural gas if the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (or the appropriate State air pollution control agency) has certified to the Secretary that the use of coal by such powerplant as a primary energy source will cause or contribute to a concentration, in an air quality control region or any area within such region, of a pollutant for which any national ambient air quality standard is or would be exceeded for such region or area and the use of coal would not comply with applicable environmental requirements.
(Pub. L. 95–620, title III, §312, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3309; Pub. L. 100–42, §1(c)(10), (12), May 21, 1987, 101 Stat. 313.)
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b)(3), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 95–620, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3289, known as the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 8301 of this title and Tables.
1987—Subsecs. (a)(1), (b), (d)(1). Pub. L. 100–42, §1(c)(10), struck out “or installation” after “powerplant” wherever appearing.
Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 100–42, §1(c)(12)(A), struck out par. (2) which read as follows: “In the case of an existing major fuel-burning installation, the percentage determined by the Secretary under subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) shall not be less than 25 percent.”
Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 100–42, §1(c)(12)(B), substituted “The” for “In the case of an existing electric powerplant, the”.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–42, §1(c)(10), struck out “or installation” after “powerplant” wherever appearing.
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 100–42, §1(c)(12)(C), struck out subsec. (j) which related to granting, by Secretary of Energy, of permanent exemptions for use of natural gas for installations served by international pipelines.
Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 100–42, §1(c)(12)(C), struck out subsec. (k) which related to granting, by Secretary of Energy, of permanent exemptions for use of natural gas or petroleum for installations based upon product or process requirements.
Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 100–42, §1(c)(12)(C), struck out subsec. (l) which related to granting, by Secretary of Energy, of permanent exemptions for use of natural gas or petroleum for installations necessary to meet scheduled equipment outages.
For effectiveness of exemption for certain electric powerplants as prior to 180 days after Nov. 9, 1978, see section 902(a) of Pub. L. 95–620, set out as a note under section 8301 of this title.
Except in the case of an exemption under section 8352(b), (f), or (i) of this title, the Secretary may grant a permanent exemption for a powerplant under this part only—
(1) if the applicant has demonstrated that the use of a mixture of natural gas or petroleum and coal (or other alternate fuels), for which an exemption under section 8352(b) of this title would be available, is not economically or technically feasible; and
(2) if the Secretary has not made a finding that the use of a method of fluidized bed combustion of coal or an alternate fuel is economically and technically feasible.
(1) In the case of an exemption under section 8352(b) or (g) of this title, the Secretary may not grant an exemption for an existing powerplant unless he finds that the petitioner has demonstrated that there is no alternative supply of electric power which is available within a reasonable distance at a reasonable cost without impairing short-run or long-run reliability of service and which can be obtained by the petitioner, despite reasonable good faith efforts.
(2) The Secretary shall forward a copy of any such petition to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission promptly after it is filed with the Secretary and shall consult with the Commission before making any finding on such petition under paragraph (l).
(Pub. L. 95–620, title III, §313, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3313; Pub. L. 100–42, §1(c)(10), (13), May 21, 1987, 101 Stat. 313.)
1987—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–42, §1(c)(13), struck out “or installation” after “powerplant” in introductory provisions.
Pub. L. 100–42, §1(c)(10), which directed the substitution of “or (i)” for “(i), or (j)” was executed by making the substitution for “(i) or (j)” to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
For effectiveness of exemption for certain electric powerplants as prior to 180 days after Nov. 9, 1978, see section 902(a) of Pub. L. 95–620, set out as a note under section 8301 of this title.
Any exemption from any prohibition under this part shall be on such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines appropriate, including terms and conditions requiring the use of effective fuel conservation measures which are practicable and consistent with the purposes of this chapter. In the case of any temporary exemption, the terms and conditions (which may include a compliance plan meeting the requirements of subsection (b) of this section) shall be designed to insure that upon the expiration of such exemption, the persons and powerplant covered by such exemption will comply with the applicable prohibitions.
A compliance plan meets the requirements of this subsection if it is approved by the Secretary and—
(1) contains (A) a schedule indicating how compliance with applicable prohibition of this chapter will occur and (B) evidence of binding contracts for fuel, or facilities for the production of fuel, which would allow for such compliance; and
(2) is revised at such times and to such extent as the Secretary may require to reflect changes in circumstances.
(Pub. L. 95–620, title III, §314, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3314; Pub. L. 100–42, §1(c)(10), May 21, 1987, 101 Stat. 313.)
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b)(1)(A), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 95–620, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3289, known as the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 8301 of this title and Tables.
1987—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–42 struck out “or installation” after “powerplant”.
For effectiveness of exemption for certain electric powerplants as prior to 180 days after Nov. 9, 1978, see section 902(a) of Pub. L. 95–620, set out as a note under section 8301 of this title.