Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order 636 creates a significant new role for independent producers and others in the gas industry in the marketing of natural gas by creating the same opportunity for every competitor. Major ramifications of Order 636 are: 1. requiring pipelines to provide open access transportation service on a basis that is equal in quality for all gas supplies, 2. unbundling transportation service from sales service, and 3. authorizing pipelines to sell gas on a basis similar to unregulated sellers and to earn whatever incremental returns that the market permits. Thus, producers and marketers will enjoy greater access to markets, and local distribution companies and end users will have greater access to reserves. Order 636 will be significant in shaping the new market concern by requiring pipelines to provide a new optional no-notice firm transportation service and creating market centers and pooling points by prohibiting tariff provisions that would inhibit their development.