((a)) ** Authorization of assignments** The Commission may, by rule or order, authorize any intrastate pipeline to assign, without compensation, to any interstate pipeline or local distribution company all or any portion of such intrastate pipeline’s right to receive surplus natural gas at any first sale, upon such terms and conditions as the Commission determines appropriate.

((b)) ** Effect of authorization under subsection (a)** For the effect of an authorization under subsection (a), see (relating to the coordination of this chapter with the Natural Gas Act [ et seq.]).section 3431 of this title15 U.S.C. 717

((c)) ** Surplus natural gas** For purposes of this section, the term “surplus natural gas” means any natural gas which is determined, by the State agency having regulatory jurisdiction over the intrastate pipeline which would be entitled to receive such natural gas in the absence of any assignment to exceed the then current demands on such pipeline for natural gas.