IOGCC governors unveil national energy policy

Petroleum News Alaska

Concerned the United States’ economic growth might stall because of seesawing energy prices, the governors of oil and gas producing states today unveiled their plan for a national energy policy.

The governors, through the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, called attention to the potentially tight natural gas market this winter and noted the high costs exacted on the United States by importing large quantities of oil.

Included in their four-pronged strategy are recommendations to assess the costs of imported oil and to increase research to ensure all domestic oil and natural gas resources are developed fully without sacrificing environmental protection. The governors also urged federal policy makers to develop tax incentives that encourage domestic exploration and production, modeling their efforts after successful state programs. The fourth recommendation encourages the public to use energy-efficient technologies and conserve the United States’ limited supply of fossil fuels.

Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating and North Dakota Gov. Ed Schafer led the group’s efforts and underscored the need for a discussion of the United States’ energy future.

“The time for a rational discussion is at hand and we invite citizens and leaders at all levels of government to join us,” Keating and Schafer said.

The IOGCC represents the governors of 30 states and promotes the conservation and efficient recovery of domestic oil and natural gas resources while protecting health, safety and the environment.