Scoping meeting set on oil & gas regs

Alaska’s Division of Oil and Gas is inviting members of the public to a scoping meeting on state oil and gas leasing regulations, to be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on June 23 in the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage.

The meeting, targeted at oil and gas lease operators and other interested members of the public, results from a directive from Gov. Parnell to state agencies to share with the public ideas for improving state processes.

“DNR is having an open-house styled scoping meeting to discuss with the public what works, what doesn’t work and how our oil and gas leasing provisions can be improved,” Kathleen King, DNR legislative and policy advisor, told Petroleum News in a June 4 email. “The discussion will be open and broad, focusing on leasing, permitting and unitizing.”

DNR staff will be available during the meeting to discuss issues, gather information and learn more about the public’s concerns.

The department may use ideas discussed at the meeting to propose new regulations, amend existing regulations or repeal regulations, to improve DNR’s processes, King said. DNR would, however, give the public a subsequent opportunity to comment on any proposed regulation changes, she said.

DNR is also inviting the public to submit written comments on its regulations. Comments should be submitted by email to [email protected], by fax to 907 269-8938, or by mail to DNR, Division of Oil and Gas, 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1100, Anchorage, AK. The deadline for comments is July 31.

- Alan Bailey