IX. Assignment of Proceeding
Geoffrey Brown is the Assigned Commissioner and Robert Barnett is the assigned Administrative Law Judge in this proceeding.
Findings of Fact
1. Shell California is a pipeline corporation as defined in Public Utilities Code Section 228, and operates as a common carrier intrastate pipeline company between points in California under tariffs on file with the Commission.
2. Shell California is a subsidiary of Royal Dutch and Shell Transport.
3. Royal Dutch and Shell Transport are merging into Royal Dutch Shell, which will have Shell California as a subsidiary.
4. The merger is expected to simplify governance and management efficiency, leading to reduced expenses.
5. After the merger, Shell California will continue to be operated in accordance with its Commission-approved tariffs; no changes in terms and conditions of service or rates are requested as part of this joint application.
6. This transfer of control will have no effect on the environment because Shell California will continue to be operated as it is now.
Conclusions of Law
1. The proposed transaction is in the public interest.
2. To the extent the joint application seeks authorization for a change of control pursuant to Public Utilities Code Section 854, the application should be approved.
3. Article 2.5 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure ceases to apply to this proceeding.
4. This transfer of control does not require further CEQA review by the Commission.
5. This order should be effective immediately.
IT IS ORDERED that:
1. The application for authority to transfer control of Shell California Pipeline Company LLC from Royal Dutch Petroleum Company and the "Shell" Transport and Trading Company PLC pursuant to Public Utilities Code Section 854 is approved.
2. Applicants shall notify the Director of the Commission's Energy Division in writing of the transfer of authority as authorized herein, within 30 days of the date of the transfer. A true copy of the instruments of transfer shall be attached to the notification.
3. The authority granted herein shall expire if not exercised within one year of the date of this order.
4. Application 05-05-026 is closed.
This order is effective today.
Dated , at San Francisco, California.
