e8-2953

FR Doc E8-2953[Federal Register: February 15, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 32)]

[Notices]

[Page 8856]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr15fe08-38]

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COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION

Notice; Establishment of Energy Markets Advisory Committee

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has determined to

establish a new advisory committee, the Energy Markets Advisory

Committee. The purpose of the committee is to conduct public meetings,

to submit reports and recommendations to the Commission, and otherwise

to serve as a vehicle for discussion and communication on matters of

concern to exchanges, firms, end users and regulators regarding energy

markets and their regulation by the Commission. The Energy Markets

Advisory Committee will have no operational responsibilities. The

Commission will seek to achieve a balanced membership by appointing

representatives of a cross section of the groups and interests involved

in or affected by the Commission's actions in the energy area.

The charter of the Energy Markets Advisory Committee will become

effective upon its filing pursuant to 5 U.S.C. App. 2 Sec. 9(c). The

Commission expects to file the charter promptly upon completion of the

15 day notice period specified by 41 CFR 102-3.65(b).

The Commission has determined that establishment of the Energy

Markets Advisory Committee is in the public interest and is necessary

to enable the Commission to carry out its responsibilities in the most

effective and responsive manner. Since the enactment of the Commodity

Futures Modernization Act of 2000, there have been important new

developments in energy markets that create a need for consideration of

adjustments in current regulatory and legislative approaches to ensure

that the Commission has the means to protect market integrity and

competition, while preserving opportunities for innovation and

increases in efficiency. This is particularly true in light of evidence

that some of the newer energy markets that have emerged since the

Modernization Act have taken on some of the characteristics and price-

discovery functions of traditional futures markets. Moreover, there is

every reason to expect that both the importance of markets for managing

risks associated with the price and availability of energy and

innovation in the structure and operation of such markets will continue

to expand, raising new regulatory issues in the future. In these

circumstances, an advisory committee focused on energy markets will

significantly advance the Commission's ability to carry out its

mission.

Interested persons may obtain information by writing to the

Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st

Street, NW., Washington, DC 20581.

Issued in Washington, DC on February 11, 2008, by the

Commission.

David A. Stawick,

Secretary of the Commission.

[FR Doc. E8-2953 Filed 2-14-08; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6351-01-P

Last Updated: February 15, 2008