The Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) Tuesday urged the next Congress to enact incentives aimed at increasing US natural gas production.
The 30-state group approved a resolution, during its annual meeting in San Antionio, Tex., which asked Congress and the next president to focus national attention on the increased demand for natural gas.
IOGCC also urged Congress and the president to develop a national energy policy that increases access to public lands for gas production by eliminating unnecessary and duplicative regulations.
The resolution said technological advances have enabled the industry to cost-effectively produce natural gas while still protecting the environment.
IOGCC also will undertake a campaign to educate state and local officials about the need for improved access to public lands for gas production.
Gov. Tony Knowles of Alaska will remain IOGCC chairman in 2001. The group represents the governors of 30 states producing nearly all US oil and gas.