[Federal Register: March 19, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 53)]
[Notices]               
[Page 13600-13601]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr19mr99-98]

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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Antitrust Division

 
Notice Pursuant to the National Cooperative Research and 
Production Act of 1993--Atlantic Richfield Company (``ARCO''): LPG 
Blends Evaluation Test Program

    Notice is hereby given that, on January 15, 1999, pursuant to 
Section 6(a) of the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 
1993, 15 U.S.C. 4301 et seq. (``the Act''), Atlantic Richfield Company 
(``ARCO''): LPG Blends Evaluation Test has filed written notifications 
simultaneously with the Attorney General and the Federal Trade 
Commission disclosing (1) the identities of the parties and (2) the 
nature and objectives of the venture. The notifications were filed for 
the purpose of invoking the Act's provisions limiting the recovery of 
antitrust plaintiffs to actual damages under specified circumstances. 
Pursuant to

[[Page 13601]]

Section 6(b) of the Act, the identities of the parties are Atlantic 
Richfield Company, Anaheim, CA; California Air Resources Board, 
Sacramento, CA; Engine Manufacturer's Association, Chicago, IL; Ford 
Motor Company, Dearborn, MI; National Propane Gas Association, 
Scottsdale, AZ; Natural Resources Canada--Canmet Energy Technology 
Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA; Propane Gas Association of Canada, 
Calgary, CANADA; Railroad Commission of Texas--Alternative Fuels 
Research & Education Division, Austin, TX; Shell Martinez Refining 
Company, Martinez, CA; The Adept Group, Inc., Los Angeles, CA; Tosco 
Refining Company, Martinez, CA; and Western Propane Gas Association, 
Sacramento, CA.
    The California Air Resources Board (``ARB'') approved a delay for a 
5 percent propene limit on liquefied petroleum gases (``LPG'') used as 
a motor vehicle fuel and directed ARB staff to investigate the 
feasibility of alternative specification of in-use motor vehicle LPG. 
An alternative may be adopted to the present ARB standard (based on 
equivalence of emissions, performance, and durability). ARB formed an 
LPG Task Group to direct the organization and implementation of the 
investigations. (LPG Task Group members are the parties identified 
above.) The Adept Group, Inc. serves as Project Manager.
    The LPG Task Group and test program will determine if alternative 
specifications to proposed ARB standards for motor vehicle grade LPG 
will provide equivalent or better emissions, performance, and 
durability in existing engines. The task group and program will 
evaluate various LPG blends to determine if there are equivalent 
specifications that would address supply and distribution concerns for 
users and suppliers of LPG motor vehicles. The Blends Evaluation Test 
Program will include emissions testing, performance, combustion 
testing, and durability testing.
    The parties plan to perform acts allowed by the National 
Cooperative Research and Production Act that would advance these goals.
    Information regarding participation in the LPG Blends Evaluation 
Test Program may be obtained from Mr. Alex Sparatu, President, The 
Adept Group, Inc., 1575 Westwood Blvd., Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 
90024-5620.
Constance K. Robinson,
Director of Operations, Antitrust Division.
[FR Doc. 99-6684 Filed 3-18-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-11-M