AGA BlueBookFall2010[1]

7/31/2019 AGA BlueBookFall2010[1]

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Operating Section

2010

Organization, Practices

and Procedures


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AMERICAN GAS ASSOCIATION September, 2010

Operating Section Practices and Procedures

Table of Contents

TableofContents1 OPERATING SECTION OVERVIEW ............................................................ 12 ORGANIZATION ........................................................................................... 2

2.1 General.......................................................................................................... 22.2 Managing Committee .................................................................................... 2

2.2.1 Executive Committee ................................................................................. 22.2.2 Nominating Committee .............................................................................. 2

2.3 Operating Section Advocacy Committees ..................................................... 22.4 Technical Committee Structure ..................................................................... 3

2.4.1 Steering Group .......................................................................................... 32.4.2 Committee Sponsors ................................................................................. 4

2.5 Staff Executives ............................................................................................. 43 OPERATING SECTION MEMBERSHIP ....................................................... 5

3.1 General.......................................................................................................... 53.1.1 Members .................................................................................................... 53.1.2 Associates ................................................................................................. 63.1.3 Corresponding Members ........................................................................... 63.1.4 Ex-Officio Participants ................................................................................ 63.1.5 Committee Liaisons ................................................................................... 7

3.2 Clearance of Members .................................................................................. 73.2.1 Clearance for Service as a Committee Officer ........................................... 73.2.2 Service on Multiple Committees ................................................................ 7


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3.3 Company Participation and Voting ................................................................ 84 SECTION OPERATIONS .............................................................................. 9

4.1 Calendar ........................................................................................................ 94.2 Elections ........................................................................................................ 94.3 Conferences and Other Technical Meetings ................................................. 9

4.3.1 Conference ................................................................................................ 94.3.2 Symposia, Workshops & Other Media ....................................................... 94.3.3 Costs/Registration ................................................................................... 10

4.4 Honorariums (Paid Speaker) and Speaker Registration .............................. 104.5 Meeting Locations ....................................................................................... 11

5 COMMITTEE OPERATIONS ...................................................................... 125.1 Committee Productivity................................................................................ 125.2 Committee Meetings ................................................................................... 12

5.2.1 Agendas ................................................................................................... 125.2.2 Meeting Participation ............................................................................... 135.2.3 Fall Meetings ........................................................................................... 135.2.4 Spring Meetings ....................................................................................... 135.2.5 Roundtables ............................................................................................. 14

5.3 New Member Orientation ............................................................................. 145.4 Committee Minutes ..................................................................................... 145.5 Standards .................................................................................................... 155.6 Contacts with Government Agencies .......................................................... 155.7 Publications ................................................................................................. 16

5.7.1 Copyright ................................................................................................. 165.8 Special Projects ........................................................................................... 17


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5.9 Committee Project Reports ......................................................................... 175.10 Questionnaires and Surveys ....................................................................... 175.11 Ballots.......................................................................................................... 185.12 Liaison ......................................................................................................... 19

Appendix A- 1 CHARTER FOR THE MANAGING COMMITTEE ................ 20Appendix A- 2 CHARTER FOR THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ............... 23Appendix A- 3 SCOPE OF THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEES .................... 25Appendix A- 4 AGA OPERATING SECTION ADVOCACY COMMITTEEORGANIZATION AND OPERATION ........................................................... 37Appendix B-1 CHARTER FOR THE OPERATING SECTIONCHAIRPERSON .......................................................................................... 40Appendix B-2 CHARTER FOR THE OPERATING SECTION VICECHAIRPERSONS ........................................................................................ 42Appendix B-3 CHARTER FOR THE COMMITTEE SPONSORS ................ 44Appendix B- 4 POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR STAFF EXECUTIVE ........ 46Appendix C- 1 DUTIES OF THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEECHAIRPERSON .......................................................................................... 48Appendix C- 2 DUTIES OF THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE VICECHAIRPERSONS ........................................................................................ 51Appendix C- 3 SELECTION OF OFFICERS OF TECHNICAL COMMITTEE.................................................................................................................... 52Appendix C- 4 OPERATIONS CONFERENCE PROGRAM ........................ 53Appendix C- 5 DEVELOPING THE COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES .................. 57Appendix C- 6 MINUTES OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS ............................. 59Appendix C- 7 COMMITTEE PROJECT REPORTS .................................. 64


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*Note: For other Operating Section Awards refer to the Awards Manual.


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1 OPERATING SECTION OVERVIEW

The Operating Section is one of three AGA Sections. The other Sections are 1)the Financial and Administrative Section and 2) the Operations & EngineeringServices Associates Section.

The AGA Operating Section provides a forum for industry experts to pool theircollective knowledge to improve the state of the art in the areas of operations,maintenance, engineering and the technological aspects of, transporting, storing,distributing, measuring and utilizing natural gas. Its objective is to aid membercompanies in operating safely, efficiently, and reliably while continuing to servethe best interests of the customer and general public. Committee productsinclude, but are not limited to: Technology Transfer, including publications andworkshops; Operation Processes, including process implementation, bestpractices, and standards development; Regulatory Influence, including proactivemeasures, safety and codes; and Professional Development. In addition, the

Operating Section, through its committee structure, provides for the exchange ofinformation within the Section, AGAs membership, and the gas industry and withscientific, trade and governmental organizations.

The Operating Section consists of a Managing Committee, technical committees,and Operating Section advocacy committees. These committees work together toanticipate, plan for and meet the operational challenges of the natural gasindustry. They are committed to developing and maintaining safe, efficient,reliable, and cost effective gas systems.

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2 ORGANIZATION

2.1 General

The Operating Section (Section) includes the Managing Committee, the technicalcommittees, and advocacy committees. The function and role of each of these is

further defined in this section. The term "committees" as used in this manualrefers to all committees of the Section.

2.2 Managing Committee

The administration of the Section is vested with the Managing Committee. TheManaging Committee establishes policies and procedures for the Section and hasdirect responsibility for continuity of effort and work within the Section. AllOperating Section technical committees and advocacy committees report to theManaging Committee and their activities are subject to its review. The ManagingCommittees charter is given in Appendix A-1.

2.2.1 Executive Committee

The Executive Committee consists of the following officers of the ManagingCommittee: chairperson; first, second, and third vice chairpersons; immediatepast chairperson; all past chairpersons who are still active on the ManagingCommittee, and the Operating Section advocacy committees chairpersons. TheExecutive Committee charter is given in Appendix A-2. For the Sectionchairperson and vice chairpersons, specific duties are set forth in Appendix B-1and Appendix B-2, respectively.

2.2.2 Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee selects nominees for the incoming third vicechairperson, vacant Executive Committee positions, and for members of thesucceeding Nominating Committee. The membership of this committee is madeup of the Section first vice chairperson and nine additional members of theManaging Committee. The membership of the committee is generally designed toprovide for groups of three members serving their third, second, and first years.No member of this committee may serve more than three consecutive years. TheSection chairperson, immediate past chairperson and the Staff Executive serve inan advisory capacity without voting rights. The committee is charged with

presenting slates of candidates at the Section's Fall Meeting, where the slates areacted upon by the Section membership. The Operating Section First ViceChairperson chairs the Nominating Committee.

2.3 Operating Section Advocacy Committees

Operating Section advocacy committees, consisting of the EnvironmentalRegulatory Action Committee, the Operations Safety Regulatory Action

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Committee, and the Building Energy Codes and Standards Committee, areestablished to develop and present an industry consensus in the federalregulatory and legislative areas. They are vested with AGA Board authority to takesuch actions as required to respond on behalf of AGAs membership to proposedrulemakings and recommendations promulgated by federal agencies. To

accomplish their mission, the committees prepare written comments, providetechnical justification for positions taken by the industry, testify if needed, andrecommend litigation to the AGA General Counsels Office, as deemedappropriate. In addition to regulatory initiatives, the Building Energy Codes andStandards Committee also addresses building model codes and standards. TheOperating Section advocacy committees' scopes of activity are covered inAppendix A-4. The Operating Section advocacy committees report to theManaging Committee of the Operating Section and to the Government RelationsPolicy Committee. The chairpersons of the Operating Section advocacycommittees serve as liaison members of the Operating Section's ManagingCommittee and as members of the Executive Committee. Each committee

chairperson will be appointed for a three-year term commencing with his/her dateof appointment as chairperson.

Meetings are held "as required." The Operating Section's Managing Committee isresponsible for the establishment, continuance, discharge, and conduct of eachadvocacy committee.

2.4 Technical Committee Structure

Technical Committees are established to address specific operational areas on acontinuing basis. Their scopes of activity are covered in Appendix A- 3. The soleresponsibility for the establishment, continuance, discharge and conduct oftechnical committees is vested in the Operating Section Managing Committee,subject to approval by the AGA Board of Directors.

2.4.1 Steering Group

The general leadership and direction of the committees are addressed by eachcommittees Steering Group comprised of the committee chairperson, pastchairperson, first, second and optional third vice chairpersons and active pastchairpersons. The committees Staff Executive and Managing CommitteeSponsor(s) are invited to attend all meetings of the Steering Group as well. The

committee chairperson leads the Steering Group. Steering group members arestrongly encouraged to attend the spring steering group planning meeting thatbrings together leadership of all technical committees. These officers serve forone year beginning on January 1.

The function and responsibilities of the committee chairperson are itemized inAppendix C-1. Duties of the vice-chairpersons are shown in Appendix C-2.


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Officer nominees of committees shall be an employee of a full or limited membercompany, an active member of the committee and shall have demonstrated abilityin the affairs of the committee. See Appendix C- 3.

2.4.2 Committee Sponsors

Each technical committee has a Managing Committee primary sponsor and oneor more alternate sponsors who serve as a communication link between theManaging Committee and the technical committee. Sponsors are all members ofthe Managing Committee. A sponsor, primary or alternate, has certain specificfunctions and duties as more fully delineated in Appendix B-3. At least one of thesponsors is encouraged to attend each committee meeting of his/her technicalcommittee. If the primary sponsor cannot attend, arrangements should be madefor an alternate to attend. If none of the sponsors can attend, the primary sponsorshould contact the technical committee chair both before and after the meeting toreview pertinent issues.

2.5 Staff Executives

AGA staff is assigned to committees as Staff Executives. They providespecialized services and expertise to assist the committee officers, committeesand individual members in accomplishing the committee's work. See Appendix B-4. All matters involving Association clearance or authorization are forwardedthrough the Staff Executives. In carrying out their duties, the Staff Executives shallact to advise and support the Section and its elements in addition to acting in anadministrative capacity. The Staff Executive works with the committee officers toprepare an agenda for each committee meeting. The Staff Executive will

distribute the agenda at least two weeks before the meeting registration or hotelreservation cut-off date, whichever comes first. In the event that the StaffExecutive and committee officers are unable to develop an agenda by thedeadline, the Staff Executive will develop a draft agenda by the distributiondeadline.


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3 OPERATING SECTION MEMBERSHIP

3.1 General

There are four categories of committee membership: Members, Associates,Corresponding Member, Ex-officio participants and Liaison, as defined insubsequent paragraphs.

3.1.1 Members

Members are employees or official member company designates of full or limitedmember gas companies, holding companies or service companies (membercompanies), who possess the following qualifications:

Proper knowledge, capabilities and interest in work areas of thecommittee,

Energy and willingness to work purposefully on committee activities,and

Enthusiasm for participation with an attitude of contributing to as wellas receiving from committee work.

In accepting membership on a committee an individual assumes the followingresponsibilities:

Acceptance of the role as a company representative that agrees towork with others to reach an industry consensus on key issues.

Willingness to abstain from participation in the event of a conflict-of-interest situation,

Active participation on the committee, such as participation inmeetings, audio conferences, webcasts or on committee projects.

Active support of committee-sponsored programs and conference

meetings.

Review and abidance by the Operating Section Organization, Practices& Proceduresmanual.

Some on-the-job time and in house staff support may be required


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Companies have found active participation on the committee to be time well spentin comparison to the benefits derived from AGA committee involvement.

3.1.2 Associates

The classification of Associate Member has been established to provideemployees of Associate Member companies of AGA an opportunity to participatein select technical committee meetings. The Associate member must be amember of the Operations & Engineering Services Associates Section in order toparticipate on the technical committees of the Operating Section. Thequalifications and responsibilities listed for Members of the technical committeesare also applicable to Associate Members (see 3.1.1).

Each committee shall determine whether to permit Associate Memberparticipation. All technical committees reserve the right to conduct any portion of acommittee meeting without the presence of Associate Members.

Associate Members must review and abide by the Operating SectionOrganization, Practices and Procedures as well as the Operations & EngineeringServices Associates Section Organization, Practices and Procedures manuals.

Requests/suggestions/comments regarding Associate Member participation maybe directed to the Staff Executive and/or the chairperson of the Operations &Engineering Services Associates Section Managing Committee.

3.1.3 Corresponding Members

Members are employees or official member company designates of Full or Limitedmember gas companies, holding companies or service companies (membercompanies), who possess proper knowledge, capabilities and interest in workareas of committee and want to be kept apprised of committee activities but donot wish to commit as an active committee member. Corresponding membersreceive all mailings/correspondence of the committee and may participate incommittee programs and activities.

3.1.4 Ex-Officio Participants

An Ex-officio is a representative of a government agency, educational institution,

affiliated association, or non-profit research agency who participates in thecommittee because of that employment. In addition, a former committeeparticipant who is no longer employed may be eligible for Ex-officio status if thecommittee steering group determines that the persons participation can bringvalue to the committees activities. A committee participant who is retired andstarts a consultancy business all by himself (without any full time paid employeeworking for him/her), may be eligible for Ex-officio status, subject to same


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determination by the steering group. The qualifications and responsibilities listedfor members of the committees are also applicable to Ex-officio participants. TheEx-officio will have access only to his/her committee page at the AGA website.Ex-officio status shall be reaffirmed on an annual basis.

3.1.5 Committee Liaisons

Each technical committee may appoint a Committee Liaison(s) to anothertechnical committee. All technical committees reserve the right to conduct anyportion of a committee meeting without the presence of Committee Liaisons.

3.2 Clearance of Members

All committee officers and all committee members of full and limited membercompanies must be cleared by their management through the formal AGAclearance process for service on the committee. Lists of nominees are sent by

AGA in the fourth quarter to company clearance officers for annual review.Proposed members are accepted into the nomination, unless specifically rejectedor changed by the clearance officer.

The committee's Staff Executive will notify the chairperson periodically asprospective members to the committee are cleared. Each new committee memberis sent a copy of pertinent orientation material, receives copies of the minutes ofthe most recent meetings of the committee and is referred to the OperatingSection Organization, Practices, and Procedures manual posted on the AGAwebsite at www.aga.org. The committee chairperson or designated vice-chairperson should also contact and welcome each new member of the

committee.

3.2.1 Clearance for Service as a Committee Officer

Clearance for service as committee officers is initiated each year at the FallCommittee meeting. The chairperson should be prepared to continue as amember of the committee for at least one year after his/her tenure in office.

3.2.2 Service on Multiple Committees

Individuals are discouraged from serving simultaneously on more than one

technical committee. However, a member of one committee may be listed on theroster of another committee as a liaison or as a corresponding member.


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3.3 Company Participation and Voting

Member companies may assign more than one representative to a committee.However, each member company is limited to one vote.


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4 SECTION OPERATIONS

4.1 Calendar

The American Gas Association functions through a cycle known as the"Association Year," which begins on January 1 of each year.

4.2 Elections

Nominations for committee officers begin in the fall prior to the Operating Sectionyear in which they assume their duties. The officers of the Section are elected fora one-year term at the Section's Fall Committee Meetings from a slate developedby the Nominating Committee of the Section.

4.3 Conferences and Other Technical Meetings

The Operating Section, through its committees, sponsors various types oftechnical meetings during the year. These include the Operations Conferenceheld in the spring of each year, together with symposia, workshops, audioconferences and webcasts. Professional Development Hours (PDH) are madeavailable for the various technical meetings of the Operating Section. Thefollowing terms and practices have been established for conference and othertechnical meetings.

4.3.1 Conference

A primary Section activity, which constitutes the major technical program of theOperating Section, includes the annual Operations Conference held in the springof each year. This conference broadly covers the fields of gas distribution andtransmission operations. It provides a forum for timely dissemination of knowledgein the related fields through the joining of all technical committees in the Section.An operations exhibition is held in conjunction with the Conference every otheryear (i.e., in the odd-numbered years). See Appendix C-4 for Conference details.

4.3.2 Symposia, Workshops & Other Media

Symposia are defined as technical meetings devoted to a limited subject field thatwould not normally attract interest at a regular conference, due to the depth ofdetail or the interest of the attendees. Symposia may be sponsored by one ormore committees of the Operating Section or other AGA Section, either


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individually or jointly or with other associations or institutions. The AGA PlasticPipe Symposium is an example.

Workshops are less structured programs of specific interest sponsored by anycommittee of the Section. These may involve only the committee or may includebroader participation of interested parties outside of the committee. A workshopmust be based upon a planned program and the discussion leader must workfrom a planned approach. The production of technical papers is not necessary.However, the posting on AGAs website of presentations and other workshopproducts is encouraged for AGA member access.

Audio conferences and Webcasts are valuable communication tools to use onappropriate topics. Several people at a company can participate with minimumexpense involved.

4.3.3 Costs/Registration

The costs incurred by the Association must be underwritten by the registration feefor conferences, symposia, workshops, audio conferences, webcasts andtechnical committee meetings. Sufficient lead-time must be considered inscheduling these meetings in order for staff to make any needed hotelarrangements, to promote the meetings and to provide other support required.

4.4 Honorariums (Paid Speaker) and Speaker Registration

Honorariums, speaker fees and expenses are not normally provided to speakersat section-sponsored meetings and symposia and require AGA management pre-

approval. Where special consideration is required, the following guidelines apply:

Featured speakers at the general session or luncheon of theOperations Conference or luncheon speakers at symposia willnormally be granted a complimentary registration.

Association members, employees of member companies andmanufacturers representatives presenting technical papers areexpected to register as a paying participant in the meeting, unlessattending only for the presentation.

Employees of government, educators and other non-industry persons

presenting technical papers may pay the AGA member rate or begranted complimentary registration on a case-by-case basis. Suchapproval must be cleared through the appropriate AGAconference/meeting coordinator.


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4.5 Meeting Locations

Locations of the spring and fall committee meetings and the OperationsConference are selected based on various criteria that benefit the majority ofmeeting participants and meeting objectives. Committees are stronglyencouraged to hold their meetings at these contracted locations over thecontracted dates. Meeting sites are usually rotated from one part of the country toanother in order to equalize travel distances for all members as much as possible.Technical committees should coordinate with their Staff Executive for location anddates of Symposia and Workshops.


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5 COMMITTEE OPERATIONS

Technical committees of the Section generally meet a minimum of two times per

year at the Sections annual spring and fall Committee Meetings. The StaffExecutive needs to be informed of any separate meeting request no less than sixmonths and preferably one year prior to the scheduled meeting. Additional face-to-face meetings of the committee may be scheduled as required but must beapproved by the Executive Committee.

All committee activities should be coordinated through the committee StaffExecutive.

5.1 Committee Productivity

The committees of the Section exist to serve the industry as a whole, not just thesegment of the industry represented by the committee membership.

The committees identify projects that meet the Sections mission, included wouldbe projects related to the Sections core competency. The projects planned foreach year are approved by the Managing Committee. See Appendix C- 5.

Each committee is expected to prepare or sponsor papers of technical merit forthe Section's Operations Conference, sponsor workshops and/or symposia, andproduce information useful and broadly applicable to the industry.

5.2 Committee Meetings

5.2.1 Agendas

All committee meetings will be based upon a pre-planned and written agenda listing specific items to be covered. All committees should consider including thefollowing topics in their agenda: Advocacy, Best Practices, committee projects,education and information (e.g., publications, conferences, workshops, AGAactivities, etc). The agenda should contain enough detail to advise the committeemember exactly what business is planned for the meeting. A copy of the agendamust be submitted by the AGA Staff Executive to the AGA General Counsels

Office for review. All agendas must have attached the AGA Antitrust ComplianceGuidelines located at www.aga.org/antitrust. The first agenda item followingmember introductions must be the chairperson calling participants' attention to theAGA Antitrust Compliance Guidelines and requesting that they review and abideby the Guidelines, that the Guidelines must be followed throughout the meeting
http://www.aga.org/antitrusthttp://www.aga.org/antitrust


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and that any concerns be brought to the immediate attention of the chairpersonand/or AGA Staff Executive.

5.2.2 Meeting Participation

Meetings of the technical committees are open to any member and theOperations & Engineering Services Associates Section (when such membershipis permitted by the committee) and such guests from outside, as approved by thecommittee chairperson. The committee officers, however, retain the right to closeportions of the meeting. Members planning to bring guests to a committeemeeting should clear it with the chairperson and Staff Executive prior to themeeting.

5.2.3 Fall Meetings

All committees are strongly encouraged to meet at the Section's annual Fall

Committee Meetings, unless approved otherwise by the Executive Committee.Meetings normally will be conducted during September or October. SteeringGroup planning meetings should be conducted prior to the full committeemeetings. In conjunction with the Fall Meetings, each committee will have theopportunity to conduct special workshops and/or roundtables. Key elements of theFall Meetings include the following sessions and responsibilities.

Sponsor and Staff Reports

Addressing issues and programs of the committee that further thetechnical expertise of industry representatives

Selecting new officers for the coming year

Discuss topics of interest for the Operations Conference

Discussion of future committee projects, including committeeworkshops and roundtables

A roundtable session related to the committees area of interest

Identify key meeting highlights

5.2.4 Spring Meetings

Committees will hold their Spring Meetings in conjunction with the annualOperations Conference, exceptions permitted only with advance approval.Committee meetings will not be allowed to take place during the Operations


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Conference sessions, unless pre-approved. Key elements of these meetingsinclude:

Addressing issues and programs of the committee that further thetechnical expertise of industry representatives.

The Steering Group Planning Meeting summary

Work assignments of the committee for the coming year.

Completing draft committee projects for the following year.

Conducting regular committee business and initiating conferenceplanning for the following year.

Planning for pertinent roundtables, workshops and audio conferences

Recognize individual award recipients

5.2.5 Roundtables

Roundtables are defined as an intra-committee meeting focused on technicalissues of recent or anticipated significance. They are normally held in conjunctionwith regular meetings of the committee, following symposia and workshops,sponsored by the committee, or following regular conference programs. AGAstaff, however, should be advised so that they can coordinate facilityarrangements.

5.3 New Member Orientation

Each committee is encouraged to brief and promote early involvement of newmembers. At a minimum, the committee chairperson or a member of the steeringgroup should make a special effort to welcome new members to the committee.In addition, Staff Executive will provide a welcome letter, copies of previousmeeting minutes, and other pertinent Section references to new members.

5.4 Committee Minutes

Minutes are required for each committee meeting. The minutes should be brief,typically no more than 4 to 10 pages in length, and contain all substantivedecisions, action items and project status reports. A one-page Highlightssummary listing the key elements of each meeting should be completed and givento the committee Staff Executive by the end of the committee meeting. With theexception of the Managing, Executive and Nominating Committees, the minutesare processed as follows.


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A draft of the minutes is prepared by the second vice chairperson, or designatedsecretary, and forwarded to the steering group as promptly as possible. Thesteering group, within two weeks of receiving the draft, makes any additions orcorrections they deem appropriate and forwards the corrected draft to thecommittee Staff Executive. The Staff Executive will have the corrected minutes

reviewed by the AGA General Counsels Office and then sent to the committeeand posted on the committee web page. The Staff Executive should send theminutes to all members of the committee and liaison representatives with thecommittee. The approved minutes and one page summary will also be posted onthe committee web site. Appendix C-6 details the methodology and samplegeneral format to be employed in preparing committee minutes and one-pagesummary.

5.5 Standards

The American Gas Association fully cooperates with national standards

organizations, such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), in thedevelopment of standards addressing concerns of the Association and itsmembers.

The following general comments apply to AGA committee involvement inevaluating national standards:

Committees are encouraged to identify areas where national standardsshould be developed or revised to address industry-wide concerns.

A committee may be involved in developing, reviewing or monitoringdraft standards in its field of interest. A member of a technicalcommittee involved in standards development should communicatetheir work to the Staff Executive and the committee.

Note: Nothing in this document shall preclude the development of technicalreports by the committee detailing a technique or methodology. Use of suchreports, however, should be voluntary and users should rely on their ownindependent judgment or, as appropriate, seek the advice of a competentprofessional. The Association may prepare reports delineating one or moreprocesses, practices, procedures or methodologies. It cannot delineate the onlyprocess, practice, procedure or methodology to be utilized. Reports of this natureshould not be construed as standards. A review of these reports by the AGA

General Counsels Office is required before publication.

5.6 Contacts with Government Agencies

All committee contacts with government agencies with regard to changes inregulations must be coordinated through the appropriate Operating Section


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advocacy committee(s). Contacts for speakers at conferences and symposia, orfor any other purpose, must be coordinated through the committee StaffExecutive.

5.7 Publications

Committees are encouraged to develop, revise and maintain documents, such asmanuals, white papers, reports, technical notes, etc., that are considered to bebeneficial to the AGA members and the natural gas industry. Such documentsshall be published, sold and distributed by AGA through its budgetary provisions.All AGA publications should include the Disclaimer & Copyright language as foundin Appendix C-7.5.

A publication proposal shall be approved by the committee that takes theresponsibility of its development, maintenance and revisions. Once approved, theoriginating committee Staff Executive, in consultation with the committee steering

group, shall prepare a proposal for the publication in order to include it in theannual committee project report (CPR) (seeAppendix C-7.7). The ManagingCommittee shall have the final authority to approve the publication proposal whilereviewing annual CPRs.

The committee Staff Executive shall process the draft publication through theoriginating committee and ballot it with the Managing Committee and any othercommittee as deemed appropriate. The ballot for the final draft publication can besent to the originating committee, other committees and the Managing Committee,all at the same time. The returned ballot comments and negative votes shall beaddressed by the task group that primarily worked on the document. If theresolution of comments and negative votes require substantive changes in thedocument, it shall then be re-balloted with all the committees that were originallyballoted. Whether the changes are substantive or not shall be decided by theoriginating committee. The Staff Executive shall obtain clearance of the finalversion of the publication from the AGA General Counsels Office. The committeeStaff Executive will keep the necessary records of the balloting and resolutions ofcomments and negative votes.

Please refer to Appendix C-7.10 for the AGA Publication Flow Chart.

5.7.1 Copyright

Data, information or other content provided to the AGA by members shall be andremain that member's property. All other information gathered or provided by theAGA shall be and remain the property of the AGA. By contributing data,information or other content to AGA, committee participants provide AGA an


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unlimited, worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free license to display, parse, modify,reproduce, copy, transmit, translate, perform, publish, broadcast, preparederivative works or disseminate thereof the data, information or other content,internally, and to third parties.

Committee participants shall not submit any data, information or othercontent that: violates or infringes the rights of any persons, including withoutlimitation rights in copyrights, patents, trademarks or other intellectual propertyrights; is libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic, abusive or otherwiseviolates any law; or to further, any illegal purposes.

Non-members who provide articles for AGA publications should endorse a licenseallowing AGA to edit, publish, reproduce and distribute the article. See AppendixC-7.8, Copyright License for Articles.

Members collaborating to produce, revise, modify, refine, or amend anAGA publication should endorse an assignment allowing AGA to edit, publish,

reproduce and distribute the publication. See Appendix C-7.9, CopyrightAssignment for Committees.

5.8 Special Projects

The Managing Committee may make special requests of committees outside ofthe planned program of that group. These are intended as short-term efforts toaccomplish a specific objective and can normally be handled by an ad hoc groupwithin the committee.

5.9 Committee Project Reports

Committees will provide a list of the committee projects. Based on committeeinput, committee projects for the following year will be developed by thecommittees chairperson, Steering Committee, Staff Executive and Sponsor(s)during the first quarter of the year and then referred to the full committee forapproval during the Spring Committee meetings. The committee projectsummaries will then be submitted to the Managing Committee for comment and tothe Executive Committee for approval. Special attention should be paid to thoseprojects requiring AGA funding for the following year. The committee projectsshould be reviewed at each committee meeting. See Appendix C- 7 for adescription of the contents of these reports and example project forms.

5.10 Questionnaires and Surveys

Committees may find it important to develop brief questionnaires, surveys andother forms of information exchanges for timely input to operational questions. Allsuch inquiries to be circulated inside and/or outside the membership must be


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forwarded to the Staff Executive for processing through the Association, includingthe AGA General Counsels office prior to release. The appropriate legallanguage developed by the AGA General Counsels Office must be included in thequestionnaire. Copies of the questionnaire summaries should be sent to theappropriate Staff Executive. The Staff Executive will then submit the summary to

the AGA General Counsels Office for review prior to any distribution.

Questionnaires seek industry information to help members addressinternal operational needs. The information contained in these materialsis intended for educational, background and informational purposes only.Responders should review the AGA Antitrust Guidelines prior to any response ordiscussions and no information shall be disseminated or discussed that violatesthose guidelines. Because of the informal nature of the responses, members maynot use, copy, reproduce, transmit, translate, offer for sale, sell, display, perform,distribute, publish, broadcast, circulate, modify, create derivative works of,disseminate, or commercially exploit the responses without the written consent ofthe Association and responding member companies.

5.11 Ballots

Should it become necessary to obtain a vote on a committee proposal (e.g. whitepapers, publications, etc.) by means of a ballot of committee members, the ballotmust contain the following and the following rules shall apply:

A statement of the proposal

A deadline for response

Provision for approve; approve with comment; disapprove withcomment; and abstain with comment

Adequate space for notation or comment

Name and Company of responder, and date

For a committee ballot, staff will assist in preparation and distribution of the ballot.Information copies of the ballot will be provided to the Sponsors.

The Staff Executive is responsible for preparing and submitting to the committee

sponsor and committee members the results of the balloting. For a publicationballot, a summary statement must be prepared for the task group created todevelop the publication and should contain the following:

Number of voting members on the committee


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Number of approve and approve with comment votes and thepercentage this number is of ballots cast, plus a brief statement of anycomment received

The number of disapprove votes and the percentage this number is

of the ballots cast, plus a brief statement of any comment received

The number of abstain votes and the percentage this number is ofthe ballots cast, plus a statement of the comments relative toabstentions

A summary of comment resolutions plus proposed recommendationsfor further action, if necessary.

5.12 Liaison

Committees are encouraged to establish a liaison to other committees with areasof common interest. These liaison members will be identified on the rosters of thecommittee of interest at the beginning of the Section year and will receive copiesof minutes, notices, etc. They are encouraged to communicate with the committeechairperson or appropriate committee members for additional details in areas ofspecific concern. They may attend such meetings of the committee of interest asis necessary, but such attendance is not mandatory. Their function is primarily acommunication link to ensure a minimum redundancy in committee activities.

Committees desiring to establish liaisons with other Operating Section committeesshould submit the name of the liaison to their Staff Executive. Staff will thenensure that appropriate approvals are obtained and that the names are added tothe roster.


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OPERATING SECTION ORGANIZATION

Appendix A- 1 CHARTER FOR THE MANAGING COMMITTEE

A-1.1. Who Should Read This

Managing Committee Members

Operating Section Advocacy Committee Chairpersons

A-1.2. Purpose

The Managing Committee is responsible for conceiving, formulating anddistributing objectives, polices, practices and procedures of the Operating Sectionand for monitoring the Sections activities in order to further the continuedimprovement of the Section.

A-1.3. Membership

Members are the senior gas operations person, preferably an officer of anAmerican Gas Association member company. The Section officers are membersof the Managing Committee and include the chairperson, the first, second andthird vice chairpersons, the immediate past chairperson and the Section StaffExecutive.

A-1.4. Ex-Officio Participants

Representatives of affiliated regional gas associations, the American Public GasAssociation and U.S. natural gas research consortiums may be accorded Ex-officio participant status. This status may also be given to chairpersons of theOperating Section advocacy committees, representatives of manufacturerassociations, and representatives of affiliated organizations and agencies. TheAGA Operations and Engineering Services Associates Section ManagingCommittee appoints a liaison to the Operating Section Managing Committee toparticipate with Ex-officio status. Clearance is obtained through the organizationrepresented.

A-1.5. Activities and Responsibilities

a) Develops and maintains a written statement of Operating Sectionorganization, practices and procedures.

b) Oversees establishment, continuance and discharge of technicalcommittees of the Operating Section subject to the approval of the AGABoard of Directors.

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c) Approves the Committee Project Reports of the committees to ensure theymeet the Operating Section mission.

d) Reviews and acts upon the proposals of the Section's technicalcommittees and Operating Section advocacy committees, task forces andtask groups.

e) Requests reports and recommendations from the committee sponsors andtechnical committee chairpersons as necessary to carry outresponsibilities.

f) Advises the Managing Committees AGA Staff Executive as to theOperating Section's needs for AGA staff services.

g) Serves as sponsors to the various technical committees.

A-1.6. Meetings

a) The Managing Committee shall meet at such times and places as theSection chairperson may designate. A meeting can be called by theSection chairperson or at the request of not less than five of the ManagingCommittee members. All meetings require written notice at least ten daysprior to the meeting.

b) At least two meetings of the Managing Committee shall be scheduledduring each Section year. Agendas for the Managing Committee's work atthe meetings shall include the following:

Report from the Operating Section chairperson covering the key pointsof the Section's work during the year.

Business pertinent to the management and continuity of the Section'sactivities.

Recommendations on future dates and locations for Operating Sectionmeetings.

c) Meetings will be called for the purpose of reviewing all Section activitiesand for developing policy for the Section, as within the limits permitted by

the Board of Directors, and for establishing the practices and proceduresfor its implementation.

d) Summaries of the Managing Committee meetings will be sent to all Sectiontechnical committee chairpersons and Managing Committee members.


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e) Twenty (20) members shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of theManaging Committee.

A-1.7. Authority

The authority of the Managing Committee of the Operating Section is bothadvisory and executive in nature. The committee is delegated authority to carryout its responsibilities within the framework of approved policies, procedures andactivities. Specifically, it has:

a) Authority to prepare and issue policies, practices and proceduresgoverning the conduct of the Operating Section not contrary to the policiesand procedures of the Association or its Board of Directors, and

b) Authority for the administration of the policies, practices and procedures ofthe Operating Section within the limits approved by the Association's Boardof Directors.


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Appendix A- 2 CHARTER FOR THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE


Managing Committee Chairperson, Vice Chairpersons, Immediate PastChairperson and Past Chairpersons Still Active

Operating Section advocacy committee Chairpersons

A-2.2. Purpose

The Executive Committee of the Operating Section of the American GasAssociation is responsible for:

a) Recommending and assisting in the development of objectives, policies,practices and procedures to further the improvement of Operating Sectionactivities,

b) Reviewing and acting upon the proposals of Section committees, and

c) Handling matters, which call for prompt action, between meetings of theManaging Committee.

A-2.3. Membership

Members of the committee are the Section chairperson; Section first, second andthird vice chairpersons, Section Staff Executive, immediate past Sectionchairperson, the Operating Section advocacy committee chairpersons, and pastManaging Committee chairpersons who are still active members of the committee.

A-2.4. Officers

Officers of the committee are the Section chairperson and the Section StaffExecutive. The Executive Committee chairperson is the Section chairperson. TheSection Staff Executive handles the secretarial functions of this committee.Term(s) of office coincide with the Section year. The first vice chairperson will

serve as chair of the Nominating Committee and as sponsor for the OperationsConference.

A-2.5. Activities and Relationships


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a) Considers and recommends to the Managing Committee changes in oradditions to the Section's practices and procedures that will improve orfacilitate administration of the Section's business.

b) Reviews and acts upon the proposals of the Sections technicalcommittees, regulatory committees and Sections task forces/task groupsto provide recommendations to the Managing Committee.

c) Acts on behalf the Managing Committee on all matters, which call forprompt action between meetings of the Managing Committee, such asapproving assignment of AGA representatives to gas operations-relatedstandards committees supported by other organizations.

A-2.6. Meetings

The Executive Committee meets at such times and places as it may designate orupon ten days' written notice by the call of the Executive Committee chairperson

or by not less than four of the committee members, which constitutes a quorum.


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Appendix A- 3 SCOPE OF THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEES


All Committee Members

A-3.2. Committee Specific Scopes

A-3.2.1 Corrosion Control Committee

1. Evaluates application of corrosion mitigation methods to natural gasdrilling, gathering, storage, transmission, and distribution systems.

2. Initiates discussion and research that will lead to development of improvedtechniques for the application of corrosion control technology and integritymanagement.

3. Provides forum to promote the use of best practices and procedures for theapplication of cathodic protection in accordance with recognizedengineering practices and procedures and the rules and regulations ofgovernment authorities.

4. Provides technical support and leadership with other committees inapplying transmission and distribution integrity management processes andprocedures.

5. Provides technical support and leadership with other committees to supportAGA activities for federal regulatory enhancements to transmission ordistribution integrity management.

6. Supports AGA events by providing technical support and leadership onprogram content and making presentations on corrosion control andintegrity management topics.

7. Collects, develops, and disseminates technical data and information withspecific reference to the committees scope of interest.

8. Sponsors programs and papers in a cooperative effort in related technicalsymposia, sponsors the publication of committee reports and papers, andthe development of articles for publications, and

9. Monitors and reviews Federal legislation, codes, and associatedrulemaking activities which affect the industry and are within the

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committee's scope of activities, and advises the Managing Committee ofitems of concern.

10. Provides liaison with appropriate industry groups, professionalassociations, research organizations and other committees for theexchange of information and technical assistance relative to the concernedareas of interest.

11. Develops and publishes committee reports and technical papers andprovides liaison with/from appropriate national and international industrygroups, professional associations and other committee for the exchange ofinformation and technical assistance relative to areas of interest.

12. Identifies research priorities to enhance the safe, reliable and costeffective delivery of natural gas.

A-3.2.2 Distribution Construction and Maintenance Committee

1. Reviews field practices and procedures, tools and equipment utilized in theconstruction, maintenance, operation and inspection of distribution systemsand the components of such systems.

2. Develops surveys, testing practices and other procedures utilized in theevaluation of distribution systems and the components of such systems.

3. Develops crew organization, job training, field communication and recordsystems as these pertain to the construction and maintenance ofdistribution systems and the components thereof.

4. Develops equipment, programs and practices to minimize damage todistribution facilities from outside forces.

5. Develops innovative programs to encourage employee development, jobenrichment, and productivity gains.

6. Exchanges information on fleet management work.

7. Monitors gas industry right-of-way and paving restoration issues incooperation with Distribution & Transmission Engineering Committee.

8. Develops, advances and applies the materials management concept,encompassing procurement, purchasing, materials handling, expeditingtraffic and inventory control, whereby the materials function is viewed froma broad company viewpoint.


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9. Shares best practices and procedures for safe, reliable and cost-effectivedelivery of natural gas through the construction and maintenance of gasdistribution systems in compliance with codes and standards.

10. Identifies research priorities to enhance the safe, reliable and cost-effectivedelivery of natural gas.

11. Sponsors programs and papers in a cooperative effort in related technicalsymposia, sponsors the publication of committee reports and papers, andthe development of articles for publications.

12. Shares and develops innovative methods of procuring, operating,maintaining and disposing of fleet vehicles and work equipment in a safe,efficient and effective manner.

13. Develops and publishes committee reports and technical papers andprovides liaison with and encourages liaison from appropriate national and

international industry groups, professional associations and othercommittees for the exchange of information and technical assistancerelative to areas of interest.


15. Monitors and reviews Federal legislation, codes, and associatedrulemaking activities which affect the industry and are within thecommittee's scope of activities, and advises the Managing Committee ofitems of concern.



A-3.2.3 Distribution Measurement Committee

1. Reviews shop and field procedures for handling, testing and maintainingmetering and associated equipment used on distribution system lines fromthe transmission line gate station to the customer's connection downstreamof the meter.


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2. Evaluates design, maintenance, management, and testing operations forgas measurement, regulators, and associated station equipment used onthe gas distribution systems.

3. Analyzes and monitors performance and utilization of gas measurementand associated station equipment, and evaluates equipment data foraccuracy, reliability, and safety considerations.

4. Applies and reviews methods, procedures, systems, and techniques tocollect, audit, and transfer distribution measurement data for end users.


6. Develops and publishes presentations, programs, reports, research, andtechnical notes on gas measurement for reference by the members and thegas industry.

7. Provides an avenue to review and coordinate responses and input onissues relative to regulatory, legislation, and/or code and standards whichaffect gas measurement.





12. Develops and publishes committee reports and technical papers and

provides liaison with/from appropriate national and international industrygroups, professional associations and other committee for the exchange ofinformation and technical assistance relative to areas of interest.

A-3.2.4 Distribution & Transmission Engineering Committee


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1. To collect, develop, and disseminate technical data and information withspecific reference to:

The mechanical design of distribution & transmission systems and thecomponents of such systems.

The analysis of the capability and capacity of distribution &transmission systems and the components of such systems.

The development of suggested practices and procedures related todistribution & transmission design as required by rules and regulationspromulgated by governmental authority.

Investigation and application of management science, economicanalysis, and other analytical tools to all aspects of the design ofdistribution & transmission pipeline systems.

New computer technologies and their applicability to the mechanicaldesign, analysis and operation of distribution & transmission systemsand their components.

2. To sponsor programs, papers and cooperative efforts in related technicalsymposia, the publication of committee reports and papers, and developsarticles for publication.

3. To monitor and review Federal legislation, codes, and associated rule-making activities which affect the industry and are within the committee'sscope of activities; and to advise the Managing Committee of items of

concern and assist in developing position papers to positively influencerulemaking.

4. To provide liaison with appropriate industry groups, professionalassociations, research organizations, and other committees for theexchange of information and technical assistance in the areas of interest.

5. To identify research priorities to enhance the safe, reliable and cost-effective delivery of natural gas.

A-3.2.5 Environmental Matters Committee

1. Collects, develops and disseminates technical data and information relatingto environmental matters.

2. Fosters appropriate research related to environmental subject.


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3. Provides technical support to the Environmental Regulatory ActionCommittee for Environmental Affairs and related functions of the AmericanGas Association.


5. Sponsors programs, papers and presentations within the industry at relatedtechnical symposiums.

6. Develops and publishes committee reports and technical papers andprovides liaison with and encourage liaison from appropriate national andinternational industry groups, professional associations and othercommittees for the exchange of information and technical assistancerelative to areas of interest.

7. Monitors and reviews Federal legislation, codes, and associated

rulemaking activities which affect the industry and are within thecommittee's scope of activities, and advises the Managing Committee ofitems of concern.

A-3.2.6 Gas Control Committee

1. Develops improvements for all phases of gas dispatching and coordinationof these activities to achieve the goals of safety, conservation, economicaloperation, and technical achievement and to serve the public interest.

2. Advances knowledge and techniques through the collection, investigation,

discussion and dissemination of ideas, information and methods related togas dispatching operations and system control.

3. Identifies research priorities to enhance the safe, reliable and costeffective delivery of natural gas


5. Collects, develops, and disseminates technical data and information with

specific reference to the committees scope of interest.6. Monitors and reviews Federal legislation, codes, and associated



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A-3.2.7 Natural Gas Security Committee

1. Provides a forum for the identification, development and communication ofinnovative and cost effective security solutions for the natural gas industry.

2. Provides insight on physical infrastructure security related pursuits by AGAoperating, government relations and regulatory affairs Sections.

3. Identifies research priorities to enhance the safe, reliable and cost-effectivedelivery of natural gas.




7. Provides liaison with appropriate industry groups, professionalassociations, research organizations and other committees for theexchange of information and technical assistance relative to the concerned

areas of interest.8. Develops and publishes committee reports and technical papers and

provides liaison with/from appropriate national and international industrygroups, professional associations and other committees for the exchangeof information and technical assistance relative to areas of interest.


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A-3.2.8 Plastic Materials Committee

1. Evaluates new plastic materials for gas piping systems.

2. Develops and evaluates new fabrication techniques for plastic gas pipingsystems.

3. Evaluates the performance of plastic materials in gas piping systems.


5. Fosters research areas related to committee activities, including the

definition of problems and the collection of data pertinent to the researchand development of specific research proposals.

6. Provides liaison with appropriate industry groups, professional associationsand other committees for the exchange of information and technicalassistance relative to the concerned areas of interest.


8. Monitors and reviews Federal legislation, codes, and associated



A-3.2.9 Safety and Occupational Health Committee

1. Promotes safety and health programs in order to protect employees andthe general public.

2. Sponsors programs and papers, cooperative effort in related technicalsymposia, the publication of committee reports and papers and thedevelopment of articles for publication.


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3. Monitors and reviews federal regulations, codes, and associated rule-making activities which affect the industry and are within the committee'sscope of activities, and advises the managing committee of items ofconcern.


5. Sponsors programs and papers in a cooperative effort in related technicalsymposia, sponsors the publication of committee reports and papers, andthe development of articles for publication.

6. To provide liaison with appropriate industry groups, professionalassociations, research organizations and other committees for theexchange of information and technical assistance relative to the concernedareas of interest.



A-3.2.10 Supplemental Gas Committee

1. Represents the interests of supplemental gas supply operations which may

include but not be limited to liquefied natural gas, LPG-Air, synthetic naturalgas, landfill gas, methanol, biomass gas, coal gasification, hydrogen,unconventional gas, and their processing, conditioning, storage,transportation, regasification, and utilization.

2. Shares techniques, developments, and practices in supplemental gassupply operations.

3. Shares planning, design, safe practices, emergency procedures,operations, maintenance, in supplemental gas supply facilities and othergas supply operations.

4. Monitors, recommends, and reports industry relative codes and standardsactivity including changes, proposals, etc.



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7. Develops and publishes committee reports and technical papers andprovides liaison with and encourages liaison from appropriate national andinternational industry groups, professional associations and othercommittees for the exchange of information and technical assistancerelative to areas of interest.


9. Monitors and reviews Federal legislation, codes, and associatedrulemaking activities which affect the industry and are within thecommittee's scope of activities, and advises the Managing Committee andOperations Safety Regulatory Action Committee of items of concern.

A-3.2.11 Transmission Measurement Committee

1. Develops, collects, assesses and disseminates technical data andinformation with specific reference to:

Procedures, practices, and guidelines for the safe and effectiveinstallation, operation, testing and maintenance of metering andassociated equipment including volume and pressure controlequipment used in production, gathering, and transmission of naturaland substitute gas from the source to the outlet of a transmission line

gate station,

Scientific principles, applications and usage of all types of volumetric,mass and energy metering devices associated with the equipmentspecified above, and

Equations and formulas, and their practical implementation for usagein calculating accurate volumetric, mass and energy quantities.

2. Sponsors programs, papers and presentations within the industry at relatedtechnical symposiums, and provides liaison with and encourages liaison

from appropriate national and international industry groups, professionalassociations and other committees for the exchange of information andtechnical assistance relative to areas of interest.

3. Investigates new technologies related to areas of interest.


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4. Identifies and fosters research ideas related to committee activities,including the definition of problems and the collection of data pertinent forsupport of research proposals.

5. Monitors and reviews Federal regulatory and legislative issues, which arewithin the scope of the committee activities, and advises the ManagingCommittee items of common concern to both LDC and pipeline membersof AGA and whether they are being addressed by any other organizations.

6. Develops and publishes reports, manuals and engineering technical notesfor reference by the members and the industry.

7. Suggests methods, systems, procedures and techniques to collect, auditand transfer measurement data.

A-3.2.12 Underground Storage Committee

1. Monitors development and operation of underground gas storage activities.

2. Reviews the role of underground storage as a result of:

Restraints of supply and possible new use of supplemental fuels,

Public concerns - environment, safety, aesthetics, and

New and impending rules, regulations, codes and legislation.

3. Discusses the science and art of exploring for, drilling and producing

natural gas.



6. Develops and publishes committee reports and technical papers andprovides liaison with and encourages liaison from appropriate national andinternational industry groups professional associations and othercommittees for the exchange of information and technical assistancerelative to areas of interest.



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A-3.2.13 Utility and Customer Field Services Committee

1. Develops and/or promotes the safety and integrity of systems andprotecting the public, employees and property.

2. Evaluates customer service, installation, and maintenance activities onconsumers' premises beginning at the gas meter or at the property linethrough the end utilization of gas.

3. Evaluates internal customer service department activities, such as servicetechnicians training, supervisory control, service procedures, orderdispatching, service policies, service and installation of equipment andapplicable codes.

4. Develops emergency response, restoration of service, mutual aid orcompliance activities.

5. Reviews corollary areas such as customer relations and education,appliance venting and air supply, codes and standards, regulatoryrequirements, utilization research and environmental matters, trainingmanuals and programs, customer and employee safety, applianceperformance and serviceability.

6. Evaluates technology, field communications record keeping, productivityand satisfaction measures as they relate to field services.

7. Investigates new technologies as related to our areas of interest.

8. Sponsors programs, papers and presentations within the industry at relatedtechnical symposiums.

9. Develops and publishes committee reports and technical papers andprovides liaison with and encourage liaison from appropriate national andinternational industry groups, professional associations and othercommittees for the exchange of information and technical assistancerelative to areas of interest.


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Appendix A- 4 AGA OPERATING SECTION ADVOCACYCOMMITTEE ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION


Members of the Environmental Regulatory Action Committee,Operations Safety Regulatory Action Committee and Buildings Energyand Codes Committee

A-4.2. Purpose

The purpose of the Operating Section advocacy committees is to develop and toadvocate AGA membership positions on regulatory actions by federal government

agencies, which are considered to be priority issues because of the potentiallysignificant effect on memberships gas operations and to advise the AGAGovernment Relations Policy Committee on related legislative matters.

A-4.3. Scope

The Operating Section advocacy committees are vested with AGA Board authorityto take such actions as required to respond on behalf of AGAs membership toimprove federal environmental and operational safety law, rules, and policiesadministered by federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency,Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, and Occupational Safety

and Health Administration. The Operating Section advocacy committees advisethe Government Relations Policy Committee on environmental and operationalsafety priorities and recommend litigation to the General Counsels Office. Inaddition to regulatory initiatives, the Building Energy Codes and StandardsCommittee also addresses building model codes and standards. To accomplishtheir mission, the Operating Section advocacy committees are responsible for:

a) Preparing written comments in response to rulemakings and otherregulatory initiatives, and recommendations for submission by theAmerican Gas Association to the appropriate federal agency.

b) Developing factual rationale for positions taken by AGA, and selectingexperts to testify at hearings, with the cooperation of AGA GeneralCounsels Office and government relations staff.

c) Participating in regulatory negotiating committees, federal advisorycommittees, and other stakeholder proceedings that provide a forum forpromoting AGAs position.

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d) Requesting assistance from Association committees to provide expertise inthe development of AGA positions on federal regulatory actions.

e) Cooperating with other Association committees to provide expertise andassistance to develop AGA positions and strategy for federal legislativeinitiatives that will benefit gas utility operations.

f) Continuously monitoring and reviewing existing government agencies'regulations and initiating requests for changes, modifications or deletionswhere appropriate.

g) Recommending litigation to the Association and assisting the AGA inpursuing litigation as deemed appropriate.

A-4.4. Organization

The Operating Section advocacy committees report to the Executive andManaging Committees of the Operating Section and to the Government RelationsPolicy Committee. The Operating Section advocacy committee chairpersons areappointed by the Operating Section chairperson and serve as Ex-officio membersof the Operating Section's Managing Committee and as members of theExecutive Committee. Each committee chairperson will be appointed for a three-year term commencing with his/her date of appointment as chairperson. The vicechairperson may be appointed any time during the three-year term to ensuresufficient continuity. Individual member terms are for three years.

The Operating Section advocacy committee will be staffed by an AGA StaffExecutive. The Staff Executive will be responsible for requesting clearance for

membership in the committee (cleared annually) pursuant to AGA procedures.

A-4.5. Special Projects

Requests from the Operating Section advocacy committee for studies or analysesof specific topics (i.e., white papers) will be coordinated with the Sectionchairperson for assignment to the selected technical committees. Whereapplicable, one technical committee will be selected by the Section chairperson toprovide leadership and direction for a multi-committee endeavor.

Requests from the Operating Section advocacy committee for future funding of

research or study projects will be submitted to the Section chairperson forconsideration by the Managing Committee. If approved, the project funding will beincluded in the following year's Section budget request.

Requests for special approval of projects, required as a result of unanticipatedneeds, may be submitted to the Section chairperson for approval when the need


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arises. Such unbudgeted projects, once approved, may require special funding.Requests for such funds will be made to AGA through the Operating SectionManaging Committee Staff Executive.


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OPERATING SECTION LEADERSHIP

Appendix B-1 CHARTER FOR THE OPERATING SECTIONCHAIRPERSON

B-1.1. Who Should Read This

Chairperson of the Operating Section Managing Committee

B-1.2. Basic Function

To serve as chief executive of the Operating Section of the American GasAssociation, responsible to the Association's Board of Directors.

B-1.3. Specific Duties

a) Is accountable to the Association's Board of Directors and the MembershipServices Committee for the management and operation of the OperatingSection.

b) Serves as chairperson of the Managing Committee and the ExecutiveCommittee, and as chairperson of three of the Sections award committeesfor distinguished individual awards -- the Distribution Achievement AwardCommittee, the John B. McGowan Sr. Gas Industry Research AwardCommittee and the Milton W. Heath, Sr. Memorial Award Committee.

c) Reviews annually those members who will constitute the Section'sManaging Committee.

d) Confers periodically with the Section immediate past chairperson, first,second and third vice chairpersons, Managing Committee members,technical committee chairpersons and vice chairpersons and the Section'sStaff Executive to ensure continuity in the Section's programs; and solicitssuggestions for activities which should be started, continued, suspended ordiscontinued in the Section during the year.

e) Represents or provides representation for the Section at Association publicmeetings, Congressional hearings and other events in the interest of AGA

membership.

f) Reviews the structure of the Operating Section and recommends to theManaging Committee the formation or discharge of Section committees, asrequired.

g) Makes arrangement in conference with the incoming Section chairpersonto turn over the office without disruption of activities.

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B-1.4. Relationships

a) Is nominated by the Nominating Committee elected at the Fall Meetingsand serves in office for a one-year term beginning the succeeding January1 or until his/her successor has been qualified and elected.

b) Shall have served as a vice chairperson of the Operating Section or shallhave served as a member of the Managing Committee.

c) Is directly responsible to the Associations Board of Directors.

d) Maintains a close and harmonious relation with the Association's Board ofDirectors and the vice chairpersons. He/she seeks and acceptsadministrative policy guidance and advice from the Board of Directors andthe Board-level Membership Services Committee.


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Appendix B-2 CHARTER FOR THE OPERATING SECTIONVICE CHAIRPERSONS


Vice Chairpersons of the Operating Section Managing Committee


To assist the Section chairperson in the administration of the Section

B-2.3. Specific Duties

a) Advise, counsel and assist the Section Chair.

b) Attend the Section's Fall Meetings, the Managing Committee SpringMeeting and the Operations Conference.

c) Serve as members of the Section's Managing and ExecutiveCommittees.

d) Serves as a representative on the AGA Board Safety Committee,Operations Safety Regulatory Action Committee and the BestPractices Steering Committee.

B-2.4. Relationships

a) Nominated by the Nominating Committee and are elected at the FallMeetings. They serve in office for a one-year term beginningJanuary 1 or until their successors have been qualified and elected.

b) Are responsible to the Section chairperson for any activitiesdelegated to them by the Section chairperson.

c) Seek and accept administrative policy guidance and advice from theSection chairperson.

d) Serve the following roles at any scheduled meeting of the Section:the first vice chairperson presides in the absence of the chairperson;in the absence of the chairperson and the first vice chairperson, thesecond vice chairperson presides.

e) Serve the following specific roles:


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The first vice chair will serve as the Conference Sponsor for theOperations Conference and chair the Nominating Committee.

The second vice chair will serve as Operating Section liaison tothe Operations & Engineering Services Associates Section

Managing Committee.

The third vice chair will provide assistance to the other chairsand will perform other duties as assigned by the committeechairperson.

NOTE: In the event of the resignation, disability or death of the chairpersonor any vice chairperson, the officers following in progression shall move up,and the Nominating Committee shall appoint a member of the ManagingCommittee to serve the unexpired term of the third vice chairperson. Bycustom, the Section first vice chairperson will usually succeed to thechairperson; the second vice chairperson will become first vicechairperson, etc


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Appendix B-3 CHARTER FOR THE COMMITTEE SPONSORS


Managing Committee Primary Sponsor and Alternate Sponsor(s)of the Technical committees


To maintain communication between the technical committee under his/hersponsorship and the Managing Committee, and to guide, assist andevaluate the technical committee in its efforts.

B-3.3. Specific Duties of the Committee Sponsors

a) Attend technical committee meetings. If not able to attend,communicate with the committee chairperson and Staff Executivebefore and after the meeting. Each technical committee will have aprimary sponsor and one or more alternate sponsors. EachManaging Committee member should be assigned as a primary oralternate sponsor for a technical committee.

b) Guide committee work within the committee's assigned scope andthe practices procedures of the Section. If the work is within theseparameters, the sponsors should give the committee officers wide

latitude in their accomplishment.

c) Serve as the communications link for review of committee problemsand for suggestions and direction by the Managing Committee.

d) Review and follow the progress of the committee on all projects andactivities with special attention to those assigned by the Manag

AGA BlueBookFall2010[1]

Documents

Transcript of AGA BlueBookFall2010[1]