UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION 

18 CFR Part 385 

Docket No. RM07-16-000 

(July 23, 2007) 

AGENCY: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. 

ACTION: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. 

SUMMARY: The Commission is proposing to revise its regulations to implement the 

latest version of its eFiling system. The upgraded system will permit most documents 

filed with the Commission to be submitted via the Internet. This will include, among 

other things, large documents such as maps and some confidential documents. 

DATES: Comments are due [60 days from publication in the FEDERAL 

REGISTER]. 

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number by any of the 

following methods: 

• Agency Web Site: http://ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp. Documents created 

electronically using word processing software should be filed in native 

applications or print-to-PDF format and not in a scanned format. 
Docket No. RM07-16-000 - 2 - 

• Mail/Hand Delivery: Commenters unable to file comments electronically must 

mail or hand deliver an original and 14 copies of their comments to: Federal 

Energy Regulatory Commission, Secretary of the Commission, 888 First Street, 

N.E., Washington, D.C. 20426. 

Instructions: For detailed instructions on submitting comments and additional 

information on the rulemaking process, see the Comment Procedures Section of this 

document. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Wilbur Miller 

888 First Street, N.E. 

Washington, DC 20426 

Telephone: (202) 502-8953 

E-mail: wtmiller@ferc.gov 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION 

 

Filing Via the Internet Docket No. RM07-16-000 

NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING 

(July 23, 2007) 

I. Background

1. On September 21, 2000, the Commission issued Order No. 619, which 

implemented the use of the Internet for submission of documents to the Commission for 

filing.1

 Such submissions were limited to categories of documents specified by the 

Secretary of the Commission, with the intention of gradually expanding the range of 

eligible documents.2

 The eFiling system plays an important role in the Commission's 

efforts to comply with the Government Paperwork Elimination Act, which requires that 

agencies provide the option to submit information electronically, when practicable, as a 

substitute for paper.3

 The Commission also has established a system of electronic 

registration, or eRegistration, which is required for users of its eFiling system and other 

 

1

 Electronic Filing of Documents, Order No. 619, 65 Fed. Reg. 57088 (Sept. 21, 

2000), FERC Stats. & Regs. ¶ 31,107 (2000). 

2

 See Rule 2003(c) of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 

385.2003(c). 

3

 Pub. L. No. 105-277, Sec. 1702-1704 (1998); see OMB Circular A-130 Para 

8.a.1(k). 
Docket No. RM07-16-000 - 2 - 

specified activities.4

 Filing via the Internet is optional for eligible documents.5 The 

eFiling system now is receiving approximately one third of all documents filed at the 

Commission. The system is accessible through the Commission's web site at 

http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp. 

2. The Commission is proposing to implement, in late 2007, eFiling 7.0, which will 

significantly expand the capabilities of the system. As part of this implementation, the 

Commission proposes to expand the range of documents that may be filed via the Internet 

to include all filings, with specified exceptions. Most notably, it will be possible for 

regulated entities to make complex filings in their entireties in electronic format.6

 The 

Commission also proposes to implement other changes and technical enhancements, and 

is seeking comments on the advisability of these changes and the best methods of 

implementing them. 

 4

 18 CFR 390.1 & 390.2. 

5

 Rule 2001(a) of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 

385.2001(a). 

6

 The process for making tariff filings by the electric, gas, and oil industries is 

being addressed in Electronic Tariff Filings, Docket No. RM01-5-000. See Electronic 

Tariff Filings, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 69 FR 43929 (July 23, 2004), FERC 

Stats. & Regs. ¶ 32,575 (July 8, 2004); Notice of Additional Proposals and Procedures, 

70 FR 40941 (July 15, 2005), FERC Stats. & Regs. ¶ 35,551 (July 6, 2005). The 

Commission allows Open Access Transmission Tariffs (OATTs) and revisions to be 

eFiled as described at http://www.ferc.gov/help/filing-guide/file-OATT.asp. 
Docket No. RM07-16-000 - 3 - 

II. Discussion

A. Eligible Documents

3. Under the Commission's regulations, only "qualified documents" may be filed via 

the Internet, and the Secretary is authorized to specify which documents are qualified.7

 A 

list of qualified documents is published on the Commission's web site. Currently, there 

are over forty categories of qualified documents.8

 The Secretary also is authorized to 

issue filing instructions.9

4. To implement eFiling 7.0, the Commission proposes to revise its regulations to 

permit users to submit via the Internet all documents filed in Commission proceedings 

pursuant to Chapter I of Title 18 of the Code of Federal Regulations, with specified 

exceptions. As before, the Secretary will specify the documents that may be submitted to 

the eFiling system, but now the Secretary would list exceptions rather than eligible 

documents. The Secretary would continue to issue filing instructions for allowable file 

formats, electronic document formats and electronic filings having multiple components. 

However, where specific regulations require that a filing include particular content, those 

regulations will continue to apply. Similarly, where specific regulations or other 

 7

 Rule 2003(c), 18 CFR 385.2003(c). 

8

 See http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling/docs-efiled.asp. 

9

 Rule 2003(c)(1)(ii), 18 CFR 385.2003(c)(1)(ii); see http://www.ferc.gov/docsfiling/efiling/user-guide.asp. 
Docket No. RM07-16-000 - 4 - 

instructions contain requirements applicable to electronic documents, such as allowable 

file formats,10 those instructions also will continue to apply. The Commission invites 

comment on the proposals described below and generally on which documents should be 

accepted through the eFiling system. 

5. The Commission proposes to revise Rule 2003(c) of the its Rules of Practice and 

Procedure11 to provide specifically that all documents may be filed via the Internet unless 

excluded by the Secretary. It is not necessary, however, to revise the regulations to allow 

the Secretary to issue instructions regarding allowable file formats and other aspects of 

eFiling, as that authority is already included in Rule 2003(c)(2). Although they will not 

be the subject of revisions to the regulations, this notice of proposed rulemaking seeks 

comment on issues such as appropriate file formats and the filing of paper copies of 

oversized documents. Matters such as file formats and filing instructions would be 

contained in the instructions to be issued by the Secretary rather than being covered by 

regulations. 

6. There are several types of filings that the Commission anticipates will not be made 

initially through eFiling 7.0. Electronic filing of tariffs, tariff revisions and rate change 

 10 E.g., http://www.ferc.gov/industries/electric/gen-info/qual-fac/completing.asp

(Form 556 for Qualifying Facilities). 

11 18 CFR 385.2003(c). 
Docket No. RM07-16-000 - 5 - 

applications is the subject of a separate rulemaking.12 Certain forms will not be accepted 

through eFiling. For example, the following forms are currently, and would continue to 

be, submitted through eForms: FERC Form No.1, FERC Form No. 2, FERC Form 

No. 2-A, FERC Form No. 3-Q, FERC Form No. 6, FERC Form No. 6-Q, Form 60, Form 

714, and Electric Quarterly Reports.13 Requests for extensions of time to file these 

forms, however, would be submitted through eFiling. 

7. Finally, the Commission proposes to begin accepting, through eFiling, documents 

for which participants request confidential treatment pursuant to the Commission’s 

regulations,14 including critical energy infrastructure information (CEII).15 Although the 

Commission proposes to begin accepting confidential documents with the eFiling 7.0 

release, it does not propose to accept documents that are subject to protective order. 

There likely will be separate file uploads for Public, Confidential, and CEII files. Filers 

also will be able to revise security designations—for example, move a file from 

Confidential to Public. Filers will be able to load multiple files under each security class 

 12 See Electronic Tariff Filings, Docket No. RM01-5-000, FERC Statutes and 

Regulations ¶ 35,551 (2005). 

13 FERC Form 1-F is currently not included in eForms, so it could be efiled. The 

same is true with OATTs, as explained in footnote 6. 

14 18 CFR 388.112. 

15 18 CFR 388.113. 
Docket No. RM07-16-000 - 6 - 

or they may upload .zip files containing numerous files if the files all have the same 

security class. The Commission will create separate accession numbers for the files 

uploaded under each security class and pass the files under each accession number to 

eLibrary with the appropriate security designation. This mirrors the current process for 

paper filings containing non-public material. 

8. In some cases, the Commission will require paper copies of filings although it will 

also be possible to submit the documents through eFiling 7.0. This paper back-up will 

apply most notably to oversized documents such as maps, diagrams and drawings. Due 

to the size of standard monitors and other hardware and software limitations, it is 

impractical at this time for Commission staff to review such documents in electronic 

form. The Commission therefore anticipates that it will continue to need paper copies of 

most documents that are larger than 8.5 x 11 inches. As the Commission upgrades its 

resources, it expects to be able to reduce or eliminate the requirement for paper copies. 

The Commission also is considering whether to require paper copies of long documents, 

such as those exceeding 500 pages. The instructions posted by the Secretary will include 

directions specifying whether, and how many, paper copies of electronically filed 

documents are required. Appendix A contains examples of some documents that 

participants will be able to file via the Internet, but for which the Commission will also 

require paper copies. 
Docket No. RM07-16-000 - 7 - 

B. File Formats

9. The acceptance through eFiling 7.0 of documents that are not in standard word 

processing formats will present some issues involving file formats. As noted above, the 

Commission has issued instructions regarding file formats for specific documents in 

some regulations. In addition, staff has provided instructions in specific instances. Those 

requirements will continue to apply. The Secretary will specify formats in filing 

instructions that will apply in all other cases. The need for specific formatting may arise 

in connection with oversized documents, spreadsheets and other documents that contain 

data, to ensure that the documents will be in formats that users can reasonably be 

expected to find accessible. 

10. The Secretary has already issued instructions specifying acceptable file formats for 

filings submitted on CD-ROM, DVD and other electronic media. These can be found at 

http://www.ferc.gov/help/submission-guide/electronic-media/acceptable.asp. The 

Commission anticipates that these instructions will be updated concurrent with eFiling 

7.0 and will apply to documents submitted through the eFiling system via the Internet. 

The Commission is required to establish standards for the creation, use, preservation, and 

disposition of electronic records to retain them in a usable format until their authorized 

disposition dates. The Commission therefore invites comment on the current 

instructions, particularly on the question whether they provide adequate accessibility and 

accuracy. Based on guidance from the National Archives and Records Administration 
Docket No. RM07-16-000 - 8 - 

(NARA), the Commission is considering accepting exclusively waveform audio (.wav) 

format files for audio content and either audio-video interleave (.avi) or quicktime (.mov) 

format files for video content except where specific regulations contain requirements for 

other file formats. Also, the Commission intends to enforce, to the extent it is technically 

able to do so, the instructions issued with the eFiling 7.0 system rather than rely on 

voluntary compliance. We also plan to continue to improve our technical ability to 

enforce the instructions. For example, when the Commission has a technical solution for 

reliably and rapidly detecting a password-protected document, it will prevent the 

uploading of that document through eFiling. 

11. In some instances, the Commission may issue more detailed instructions requiring 

particular document formats in connection with specific types of filings. For example, 

the Commission's regulations set out required exhibits for applications under section 7 of 

the Natural Gas Act,16 such as articles of incorporation and a statement showing state 

authorization to do business,17 as well as various types of data.18 The Commission 

anticipates that the Secretary will issue instructions specifying required formats for many 

exhibits that must be included in section 7 applications. For documents such as Articles 

 16 18 CFR 157.14. 

17 18 CFR 157.14(1)-(2) (Exhibits A and B). 

18 E.g., 18 CFR 157.14(11) (Exhibit I—Market Data), (13) (Exhibit K—Cost of 

Facilities). 
Docket No. RM07-16-000 - 9 - 

of Incorporation, it is likely that PDF versions would be required. For documents 

containing data, the Secretary likely will specify that they shall be filed in native 

spreadsheet application.19

12. Another formatting issue concerns the presentation of filed documents in eLibrary. 

In the original conception of e-Library, the Commission would convert filings in native 

application to PDF and to Text.20 This is intended to make filings accessible to the public 

in an open format without the need for purchasing proprietary software. As eFiling has 

increased and more complex documents have been filed, the conversion tools used by the 

Commission have not always been able to produce accurate renditions of filed 

documents. The degree of reliability decreases as the complexity of the electronic files 

increases and the costs of staff intervention to ensure reliability are prohibitive. For 

example, electronic spread sheets commonly contain multiple worksheets, with each 

worksheet containing many potential paper pages of data in many different formats. The 

conversion tools however frequently convert only the first worksheet. 

 19 The Commission anticipates that spreadsheet files in native application would 

be required for Exhibit K and the data portions of Exhibits I, L, and N through P of 

Section 157.14. 

20 See Electronic Filing of the Application for Authorization for the Issuance of 

Securities or the Assumption of Liabilities, 70 FR 35372 (June 20, 2005), FERC Stats. & 

Regs. Regulations Preambles 2001-2005 ¶ 31,188 at P 6 (May 27, 2005); Electronic 

Filing of Documents, 65 FR 57088 (September 21, 2000), FERC Stats. & Regs. 

Regulations Preambles July 1996-December 2000 ¶ 31,107, at 31,820 (September 14, 

2000). 
Docket No. RM07-16-000 - 10 - 

13. The Commission therefore is considering whether to discontinue creating PDF and 

Text versions of submitted documents and post only the electronic files as filed with the 

Commission, although it intends to continue providing PDF versions of its own 

issuances. We are requesting comments on the effect this would have on public 

accessibility to the files. Discontinuing the conversion to open formats could require 

users to purchase proprietary software. There would also be some inconvenience to 

participants in Commission proceedings when they are citing to page numbers, as the vast 

majority of filers do not use paragraph numbers. The Commission requests comments on 

this proposal. 

14. Should the Commission discontinue the practice of creating PDF versions of 

submissions, it could implement several measures. It could require that all word 

processing filings be made in open file formats, such as text, html, rtf, or possibly PDF. 

Open source file types would be the most easily accessible to all users. Alternatively, the 

Commission could permit filings in open file formats as well as in certain Microsoft 

Office formats. The Commission notes that Microsoft provides a free viewer that can be 

downloaded and used to view these files. Alternatively, the Commission could require 

that documents created with proprietary software be filed in the proprietary software 

along with an open source format to ensure that all viewers are able to download and read 

that document. Such filings would duplicate the current Commission practice of 

scanning all filings to create PDF formats. 
Docket No. RM07-16-000 - 11 - 

15. Spreadsheets may be even more complicated because spreadsheet conversions do 

not retain formulas and may be difficult for the public to use. Thus, while spreadsheets 

need to be filed in native application, the Commission could require the filer to provide a 

PDF or open source file that could be used, at least, to obtain the numbers presented in 

the spreadsheet. The Commission invites comment on these alternatives, as well as on 

the possibility of discontinuing the Commission’s practice of creating PDF and Text 

versions. 

16. As a related issue, the Commission seeks input on whether the Secretary should 

require that documents created electronically by the filer using word processing software 

be filed in native applications or print-to-PDF format and not in a scanned format. The 

Commission has found that many ordinary text documents are being scanned and then 

converted to PDF formats. This removes the advantages of the native application, most 

notably the ability to search the text of the document and to copy and paste. It is unclear 

what advantage is derived from the submission of scanned PDF versions in such 

instances.21 The Commission's regulations regarding signatures are intended to allow 

participants to submit pleadings, sworn statements and the like without the need for 

 

21 Many courts prohibit or discourage the filing of scanned PDF documents. E.g., 

http://www.txs.uscourts.gov/attorneys/cmecf/dcfaq.htm; 

http://www.utd.uscourts.gov/documents/utahdraftadminproc.pdf; 

http://www.med.uscourts.gov/ecf/adminprocedures.htm.
Docket No. RM07-16-000 - 12 - 

physical signatures or notarization,22 which in turn should eliminate the need for scanned 

versions to ensure authenticity. The Commission understands that, in some situations, a 

scanned, non-searchable document is the only reasonable alternative. For instance, a filer 

may possess an exhibit only in hard copy and therefore cannot submit it in textsearchable form. The Commission would allow for such situations. 

 C. Documentless Intervention

17. As part of eFiling 7.0, the Commission is proposing to permit documentless 

intervention. This proposal will permit users to intervene in Commission proceedings via 

the Internet through an online form or web interface, without actually uploading a 

document to serve as the motion or notice.23 This change would not, however, affect in 

any way the issue of whether a participant is entitled to intervene. The Commission does 

not propose revising any regulation in connection with this proposed change. 

Instructions relating to this proposal would be issued by the Secretary.24 The 

Commission invites comment on the proposal as described below. 

 22 See Rule 2005(b)(3) of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, 

18 CFR 385.2005(b)(3) (permitting declaration under oath pursuant to 28 USC 1746); 

Rule 2005(c) of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.2005(c) 

(in electronic documents, typed characters suffice as signature). 

23 See Rule 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 

385.214. 

24 See Rule 2003 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 

385.2003 (Secretary's authority for issuing instructions for filings made via the Internet). 
Docket No. RM07-16-000 - 13 - 

18. The current online system allows the entry of only the docket number, the party or 

parties, and at least one registered contact for each party. If a person who has not 

eRegistered attempts to file a motion/notice to intervene with the Commission on-line, 

the system will prompt the user first to eRegister.25 Under the current system the user 

must then attach a document that contains the basis for intervention. The proposed 

change to online filing of interventions will add a section for the user to enter the basis 

for intervention directly into the system without attaching a separate document.26 The 

system would allow users to submit on-line only motions/notices of intervention and 

would require that users file protests, substantive comments and other matters besides the 

intervention as separate documents using the existing eFiling process. 

19. As a part of the proposed change regarding interventions, the Commission will 

issue a confirmation via electronic mail for receipt of each motion/notice of intervention 

that it receives online. This confirmation will identify the information submitted by the 

filer, including the filing date and time. The Commission will also create a placeholder 

document in eLibrary that will specify the date and time the filing was submitted, the 

docket number, the name of the applicant in the docket, the name of the intervening 

party(ies), contact information for the intervening party, and the basis for intervening. 

 25 Rule 2010 requires persons eligible to receive service under that rule to 

eRegister pursuant to 18 C.F.R. 390.1. A person may eRegister through the FERC 

Online page at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ferconline.asp. 

26 See 18 CFR 385.214(3)(b), setting forth the acceptable bases for intervention. 
Docket No. RM07-16-000 - 14 - 

Anyone eSubscribed to the docket will receive an eSubscription email with a link to the 

“document” that the Commission created and added to eLibrary on behalf of the 

submitter. This placeholder document will also be stamped with the Commission's 

standard watermark. The intervening party(ies), as identified, will be added to the service 

list for the specified docket. Where intervention is late or is opposed on other grounds, 

the party(ies) attempting to intervene would be removed from the service list if and when 

intervention was denied. 

D. Quick Comment

20. As part of eFiling 7.0, the Commission is proposing to create a “quick comment” 

feature that will operate in a manner similar to documentless intervention by allowing 

users to submit comments without uploading documents. The Commission believes that 

this feature will be particularly helpful to individuals who do not participate routinely in 

Commission proceedings and wish to make brief comments in certain proceedings, such 

as users impacted by a single project. To submit a documentless, or quick, comment the 

user will first fill out a form with name and email address, and send this information to 

FERC. If the email address provided is valid, an email will be sent to the user, which 

will include a link to the quick comment form. The form will be pre-filled with the 

contact information captured during the prior step. The user will be required to input a 

docket number for the proceeding to which the comment will apply. At this time, the 

Commission anticipates that the quick comment feature will be available only for 
Docket No. RM07-16-000 - 15 - 

P (Hydropower Project), PF (Pre-Filing NEPA activities for proposed gas pipelines), and 

CP (Certificates for Interstate Natural Gas Pipelines) proceedings. After the user has 

identified the docket(s), he or she would enter a comment in the text box by typing or 

copying and pasting. Once the information is submitted to the Commission, a PDF 

document will be created and added to eLibrary, where it will be searchable in the same 

manner as all other documents in the system. As with documentless intervention, the 

Commission does not propose to revise any regulation in connection with this proposed 

change. Instructions relating to quick comment would be issued by the Secretary.27 The 

Commission invites comments on this proposal. 

 E. Filing Deadlines for Documents Submitted Via the Internet

21. In connection with the conversion to eFiling 7.0, the Commission seeks comment 

on the advisability of extending hours for filing on-line to allow Internet filers to make 

submissions until midnight Eastern Standard or Daylight Savings Time. For example, a 

document filed via the Internet would be considered received by the Commission on the 

date of filing as long as the last byte of information is received by midnight Eastern 

Standard or Daylight Savings Time on that date.28 Currently, both Internet and paper 

filings must be received by the close of business, i.e., 5:00 p.m., to be considered to have 

 27 See Rule 2003. 

28 See Rule 2003(c)(3). 
Docket No. RM07-16-000 - 16 - 

been filed on that date. Otherwise, the document is considered to have been filed on the 

next business day.29

22. Paper filings must be received by close of business because there must be staff 

available to stamp the date and time of receipt. However, internet submissions have no 

such limitation because the eFiling system records the date and time of the submission 

separately from the actual file date. The Commission is interested in receiving public 

comments on the effect of bifurcated filing deadlines. 

F. Technical Conference

23. Commission staff may conduct one or more technical conferences to discuss 

issues relating to electronic file format and electronic document standards. Any 

conference will be held prior to the deadline for filing comments on this proposal and 

will be separately noticed. 

III. Information Collection Statement

24. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations require OMB to approve 

certain information collection requirements imposed by agency rule.30 This Final Rule 

does not contain any information collection requirements and compliance with the OMB 

regulations is thus not required. 

 29 Rule 2001(a)(2) of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 

385.2001(a)(2). 

30 5 CFR 1320.12 
Docket No. RM07-16-000 - 17 - 

IV. Environmental Analysis

25. The Commission is required to prepare an Environmental Assessment or an 

Environmental Impact Statement for any action that may have a significant adverse effect 

on the human environment.31 Issuance of this Final Rule does not represent a major 

federal action having a significant adverse effect on the quality of the human 

environment under the Commission's regulations implementing the National 

Environmental Policy Act. Part 380 of the Commission's regulations lists exemptions to 

the requirement to draft an Environmental Analysis or Environmental Impact Statement. 

Included is an exemption for procedural, ministerial or internal administrative actions.32 

This rulemaking is exempt under that provision. 

V. Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification

26. The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA)33 generally requires a description 

and analysis of final rules that will have significant economic impact on a substantial 

number of small entities. This Final Rule concerns procedural matters and is expected to 

increase the ease and convenience of filing. The Commission certifies that it will not 

 31 Order No. 486, Regulations Implementing the National Environmental Policy 

Act, 52 FR 47897 (Dec. 17, 1987), FERC Stats. & Regs., Regulations Preambles 1986-

1990 ¶ 30,783 (1987). 

32 18 CFR 380.4(1) and (5). 

33 5 U.S.C. §§ 601-612. 
Docket No. RM07-16-000 - 18 - 

have a significant economic impact upon participants in Commission proceedings. An 

analysis under the RFA is not required. 

VI. Comment Procedures

27. The Commission invites interested persons to submit comments on the matters and 

issues proposed in this notice to be adopted, including any related matters or alternative 

proposals that commenters may wish to discuss. Comments are due [60 days from 

publication in the FEDERAL REGISTER]. Comments must refer to Docket 

No. RM07-16-000, and must include the commenter's name, the organization he/she 

represents, if applicable, and his/her address in the comments. 

28. The Commission encourages comments to be filed electronically via the eFiling 

link on the Commission's web site at http://ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp. The 

Commission accepts most standard word processing formats. Documents created 

electronically using word processing software should be filed in native applications or 

print-to-PDF format and not in a scanned format. Commenters filing electronically do 

not need to make paper filings. It is not necessary to serve copies of rulemaking 

comments on other commenters. 

29. Commenters that are not able to file comments electronically must send an 

original and 14 copies of their comments to: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 

Secretary of the Commission, 888 First Street, N.E., Washington, DC, 20426. 
Docket No. RM07-16-000 - 19 - 

30. All comments will be placed in the Commission's public files and may be viewed, 

printed, or downloaded remotely as described in the Document Availability section 

below. 

VII. Document Availability

31. In addition to publishing the full text of this document in the Federal Register, the 

Commission provides all interested persons an opportunity to view and/or print the 

contents of this document via the Internet through FERC's Home Page 

(http://www.ferc.gov) and in FERC's Public Reference Room during normal business 

hours (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time) at 888 First Street, N.E., Room 2A, 

Washington D.C. 20426. 

32. From FERC's Home Page on the Internet, this information is available on 

eLibrary. The full text of this document is available on eLibrary in PDF and Microsoft 

Word format for viewing, printing, and/or downloading. To access this document in 

eLibrary, type the docket number excluding the last three digits of this document in the 

docket number field. 

33. User assistance is available for eLibrary and the FERC's website during normal 

business hours from our Help line at (202)502-8222 or the Public Reference Room at 

(202) 502-8371 Press 0, TTY (202)502-8659. E-Mail the Public Reference Room at 

public.referenceroom@ferc.gov. 
Docket No. RM07-16-000 - 20 - 

List of Subjects

18 C.F.R. Part 385

Administrative practice and procedure, Electric utilities, Penalties, Pipelines, Reporting 

and recordkeeping requirements. 

By direction of the Commission. 

 Kimberly D. Bose, 

 Secretary. 
Docket No. RM07-16-000 - 21 - 

 In consideration of the foregoing, the Commission proposes to amend Part 385, 

Chapter I, Title 18, Code of Federal Regulations, as follows. 

PART 385—RULES OF PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

1. The authority citation for Part 385 continues to read as follows: 

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 551–557; 15 U.S.C. 717–717z, 3301–3432; 16 U.S.C. 

791a–825v, 2601–2645; 28 U.S.C. 2461; 31 U.S.C. 3701, 9701; 42 U.S.C. 7101–7352, 

16441, 16451-16463; 49 U.S.C. 60502; 49 App. U.S.C. 1–85 (1988). 

2. Section 385.2001 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(1)(iii) to read as follows: 

§ 385.2001 Filings (Rule 2001).

 (a) Filings with the Commission. (1) * * * 

* * * * * 

 (iii) By filing via the Internet pursuant to Rule 2003 through the links provided 

at http://www.ferc.gov. 

* * * * * 

 3. Section 385.2003 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows: 

§ 385.2003 Specifications (Rule 2003).

* * * * * 

 (c) Filing via the Internet. (1) All documents filed under this Chapter may be 

filed via the Internet except those listed by the Secretary. Except as otherwise 

specifically provided in this Chapter, filing via the Internet is in lieu of other methods of 
Docket No. RM07-16-000 - 22 - 

filing. Internet filings must be made in accordance with instructions issued by the 

Secretary and made available online at http://www.ferc.gov. Provisions of this chapter or 

directions from the Commission containing requirements as to the content and format of 

specific types of filings remain applicable. 

 (2) The Secretary will make available on the Commission's web site a list of 

document types that may not be filed via the Internet, as well as instructions pertaining to 

allowable electronic file and document formats, the filing of complex documents, 

whether paper copies are required, and procedural guidelines. 

 (3) For purposes of statutes or regulations governing timeliness, a document 

filed via the Internet will be deemed to have been received by the Commission at the time 

the last byte of the document is received by the Commission. 

* * * * * 
Docket No. RM07-16-000 - 23 - 

APPENDIX A

(Partial list of eFiling-eligible documents for which paper copies may be required.) 

Environmental and Electric Transmission Filings

• USGS 7.5 minute topographic maps 

• National Wetland Inventory maps 

• Alignment sheets 

• Aerial photographs 

• Major waterbody crossing plans and HDD (horizontal directional drill) diagrams. 

• Drawings/figures showing project boundaries, footprints, building locations, etc. 

• Drawings of valve and piping details at compressor stations, meter stations and 

pipeline interconnections 

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

• Engineering diagrams and plot plans 

• Process flow diagrams 

• Detailed piping and instrumentation diagrams (PSID’s) 

• Equipment/tank detailed drawings of LNG storage tanks and process equipment 

• Hazard detection and control location diagrams/plot plans 

Pipeline Engineering

• Flow diagrams required under Exhibits G and G-1 (18 CFR 157.14) 
Docket No. RM07-16-000 - 24 - 

Storage

• Isopach, isobaric, structural, and stratigraphic maps 

• Well logs