RS 30:592

§592. Necessity for regulation A. It is declared that the business of selling intrastate natural gas is affected with a public interest, and that state regulation in matters relating to the sale of intrastate natural gas is necessary in the public interest to conserve the natural resources of the state and prevent the physical and economic waste, wasteful use and wasteful utilization thereof. It is further declared that the sale of intrastate natural gas at a price below the fair market value of such gas, especially as compared to the price of other fuels, is one of the primary causes of the present energy crisis in the state in that it has caused and is causing the physical and economic waste, wasteful use and wasteful utilization of intrastate natural gas. B. The provisions of this Part shall only apply to contracts for the sale of intrastate natural gas executed and completed after December 8, 1973, except that in no case shall the provisions of this Part apply to the sale of intrastate natural gas at the wellhead. C. If a contract for the sale of intrastate natural gas existing on December 8, 1973, is thereafter amended in any respect, such amendment or amendments shall not subject such contracts to the provisions of this Part to any greater extent than if such contracts had not been amended subsequent to December 8, 1973, unless the effect of such amendment or amendments is to increase the volume of intrastate natural gas to be delivered to the purchaser under such contract. If any such amendment has the effect of increasing the volume of intrastate natural gas to be delivered to the purchaser under the contract, the provisions of this Part shall not apply until the volume of gas contracted for as of December 8, 1973, has been delivered but the provisions of this Part shall apply to the amount by which the volume of gas is increased over that volume. Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M. Amended by Acts 1974, No. 637, §1.