Interstate Oil and Gas Commission Pushes ANWR Development
Today the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) passed a resolution today supporting responsible development of the Coastal Plain of ANWR. The IOGCC represents the Governors of all the oil and gas producing states in America (30 full members and 7 associate state members). The IOGCC noted the education of the American people as to the importance of oil and gas to the nation is critically important to America solving its energy crisis.
A statement released by the IOGCC reads below.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2005
IOGCC RESOLUTIONS URGE CONGRESS TO ACT ON VITAL ENERGY ISSUES
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission passed five resolutions at its recent Annual Meeting that focus the organization’s efforts on issues that are vital to the nation’s energy future.
One resolution passed by IOGCC officials calls on government leaders to adequately fund and recognize the importance of oil and gas research initiatives.
“Major U.S. oil and gas companies no longer make their comprehensive oil and gas research available, and independent companies generally lack the capability and capacity to conduct their own research, thereby impacting the nation’s ability to effectively and efficiently develop domestic oil and gas resources,” said Christine Hansen, IOGCC executive director.
In a resolution to open the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to hydrocarbon exploration and development, IOGCC officials will advocate to the President and Congress the importance of increased domestic energy production to reduce dependence on foreign oil supplies.
“The IOGCC supports conservation and the use of alternative fuels, but recognizes that for the foreseeable future increased oil production is needed to fuel the nation’s transportation system,” said Hansen. “Advanced technology has greatly reduced the footprint needed for development.” If Prudhoe Bay were developed today, the footprint would be 64 percent smaller, she noted.
The organization also agreed to support the development of a program that includes a voluntary, industry-funded education program to increase awareness and educate the public about the importance of oil and natural gas as an energy source. In addition, IOGCC resolved to continue to identify petroleum manpower and research needs, and will recommend that Congress encourage institutions of higher learning to increase both the number of students in programs and scholarships available for petroleum-specific degrees.
Lastly, the organization passed a resolution that requests the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reconsider implementation of stormwater Phase II requirements for construction sites. Under the Clean Water Act, a permit is not required for discharges of uncontaminated stormwater runoff. The IOGCC will urge EPA to review its pending internal policy and guidance on regulation of stormwater discharge during construction associated with oil and gas activities; provide states and other stakeholders the opportunity to comment on future proposed requirements; and complete an analysis of potential positive or negative impacts on the environment. The IOGCC also is seeking an analysis of potential costs and benefits to the states, the oil and gas industry, and the citizens before any further stormwater regulations are implemented.
Representing the governors of 30 member and seven associate states, the IOGCC champions the conservation and efficient recovery of the nation’s oil and natural gas resources while protecting health, safety and the environment. Established by the charter member states’ governors in 1935, it is the oldest, largest and most effective interstate compact in the nation.