<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" citation="COMAR 26.19.02.01" title_num="26" subtitle_num="19" chapter_num="02" heading="Category Determination Application Procedures for the Applicant.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>A person seeking a determination that natural gas meets the requirements under the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978, §102, 103, 107, or 108 (15 U.S.C. §§3312, 3313, 3317, and 3318) shall submit to the Department:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>An original and two complete copies of an application, on forms provided by the Department, containing all the information required to be filed under 18 CFR 274;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>When an application for a category determination is sought for natural gas for which the applicant has an identified purchaser, a statement included in the application that the applicant has delivered or mailed a copy of the completed Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Form No. 121 to the purchaser;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A copy of a proposed notice of application that incorporates the requirements of §B of this regulation; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Any additional information that the Department considers necessary after the Department's preliminary review of the application.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Notification.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Upon receipt of Departmental notification that an application is complete, the applicant shall advertise at least once a week for 2 consecutive weeks in a:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Local newspaper of general circulation in the county where the operation is located; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Newspaper of general circulation Statewide.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The advertisement in §B(1) of this regulation shall contain, at a minimum, the following information:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>A heading of “Notice of Application for Natural Gas Category Determination” in bold-face type;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The name and business address of the applicant, and the name and telephone number of an individual to whom questions regarding the application may be directed;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>What category is being requested, and a summary of the economic impacts on the applicant, the purchaser, if applicable, and the consumer, if the application is approved; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>The name and address of the Department and a statement that:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>A copy of the application is available for public inspection at the Department office,</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Written comments or objections on the application may be submitted to the Department within 30 days from the date of the last advertisement, and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>A public hearing will be held on the application, if a request for a public hearing is submitted to the Department within 15 days of the publication date of the last advertisement.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>