FTC Seeks Public Comment on Kinder Morgan's Application to Sell Pipeline Assets

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comment on an application by energy company Kinder Morgan, Inc. requesting FTC approval for the company to sell certain natural gas pipeline and other assets to Tallgrass Energy Partners, LP.

Kinder is required to sell Kinder Morgan Interstate Gas Transmission LLC, its interest in the Rockies Express Pipeline, Trailblazer Pipeline Company LLC, as well as other assets, by an FTC order settling charges that Kinder Morgan’s recent acquisition of El Paso Corporation would have otherwise been anticompetitive.

According to the application, the sale of the pipelines and other assets to Tallgrass would resolve FTC concerns that the acquisition as originally proposed would substantially lessen competition in the markets for pipeline transportation and processing of natural gas in the Rocky Mountains region.  In doing so, the application states, the proposed sale would satisfy the requirements of the FTC order.

Public comments on the application may be submitted until November 7, 2012.  Written comments should be sent to:  FTC Office of the Secretary, 600 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20580.  Comments can also be filed electronically.  The Commission will decide whether to approve the sale after the expiration of the public comment period.  Copies of the application also can be found on the FTC’s website and as a link to this press release. (FTC File No 121-0014, Docket No. C-4355; the staff contact is Elizabeth A. Piotrowski, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2623; see press release dated May 5, 2012)

The FTC’s Bureau of Competition works with the Bureau of Economics to investigate alleged anticompetitive business practices and, when appropriate, recommends that the Commission take law enforcement action.  To inform the Bureau about particular business practices, call 202-326-3300, send an e-mail to antitrust{at}ftc{dot}gov, or write to the Office of Policy and Coordination, Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission, 601 New Jersey Ave., Room 7117, Washington, DC 20580.  To learn more about the Bureau of Competition, read Competition Counts.  Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.