News Cuttings
IADC participates in Oil and Natural Gas Subsector Coordinating Council meeting
On 23 September, the Oil and Natural Gas Subsector Coordinating Council (ONG-SCC) hosted a 2-hr educational session for the US Department of Energy and other agency staff who are involved or interested in how the oil and natural gas industry works and how it prepares for and responds to weather-related events.
Industry representatives from all parts of the oil and natural gas supply chain were present and available for questions during and after the session presentations. Melissa Mejias, IADC Legislative Analyst, presented on behalf of IADC. Other presenters included Kathy Judge, National Grid and ONG-SCC Chair, as well as representatives from API, Marathon Petroleum Corp, the American Gas Association and American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers.
The session included a brief overview of how the industry works – from E&P to distribution – and addressed how various elements of the operations across the oil and natural gas supply chain prepare for response. Presenters highlighted potential challenges, the ways in which industry and government can work together to limit impacts to the public, and the differences between oil and natural gas when weather events impact operations. The educational meeting was particularly timely given the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) prediction for an increase in the potential number of named storms in the 2016 hurricane season. Industry, along with federal, state and local government agencies, discussed and considered what is needed to ensure impacts are effectively understood and can be responded to efficiently in case of emergency.
The ONG-SCC plans to continue its series of Department of Energy educational sessions throughout the year.
Click here for more information about the ONG-SCC
IADC hosts offshore industry educational lunch and learn event on Capitol Hill
On 20 September, IADC hosted an Offshore Drilling 101 lunch and learn in Washington, DC, to educate Capitol Hill staffers on the basics of offshore drilling operations and on the positive impacts of drilling operations on the US economy.
IADC offshore members who led the presentation also visited with several senators, members of Congress and their staff while in DC to educate them about the offshore drilling industry, its goals and successes and to give them a better sense of who IADC’s members are and what they do.
“In April, IADC onshore members visited the Capitol to educate the individuals creating our nation’s energy laws and regulatory policies on onshore drilling operations and hydraulic fracturing. The event was incredibly well received by those in attendance. Thus, we invited IADC offshore members to put together a similar program,” said Elizabeth Craddock, IADC Vice President, Policy and Government Affairs.
“During our lunch and learn and in individual visits with members of Congress, senators and their staff members, we were able to demonstrate how IADC members safely drill offshore for our nation’s oil and natural gas resources that fuel our economy, while also contributing jobs and positive economic impact,” she continued. “Drilling contractors, whether they operate onshore or offshore, have a vital role in the upstream oil and gas industry. We have a compelling story to tell, and in DC we found an audience that was willing to listen and understand.”
IADC members who participated were:
• Brady Long, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Transocean;
• James Sanislow, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, Noble Drilling Services;
• Steve Schappell, Location Director, Maersk Drilling USA;
• Tony Seeliger, Senior Vice President of Operations, Pacific Drilling; and
• Michael Lawson, Vice President, Health, Safety, Environment and Training/Competency, Rowan Companies.
