By the OGJ Online Staff
HOUSTON, Aug. 6 -- Invited panels of industry experts, elected officials, and other interested parties will participate in a review of federal oil and gas research programs at afternoon public hearings over the next 2 weeks in Denver, Pittsburgh, and Houston, US Energy Sec. Spencer Abraham announced Monday.
The National Energy Policy proposed by President George W. Bush "makes it clear that new technology will be key to finding and producing more oil and gas both in the US and globally," Abraham said. "The review I am directing will help us define the technology investments that the US government should be making with the industry to keep oil and gas flowing from America's wells, improve prospects for US technology abroad, and safeguard our environment."
Results of the review to be completed in September will help shape the administration's 2003 fiscal budget.
Abraham said he expects the review to help US Department of Energy officials to identify new sources of energy production, aggressive conservation measures, and new technologies that will enable US producers to find and extract more oil and gas without endangering the environment.
Those are basically the same goals embraced by several previous federal studies of US energy, usually undertaken by new administrations in times of varying energy crises. The latest review will build on the findings of the last DOE study in October 1999 for the Clinton administration, officials said.
Like those earlier studies, the new review also promises to examine "the complete spectrum" of current oil and gas technology. Moreover, Abraham said it would spotlight two recommendations from the National Energy Policy:
-- Promote enhanced oil and gas recovery from existing wells through new technology
-- Improve oil and gas exploration technology through continued partnership with public and private entities.
The first hearing is scheduled for 1-5 p.m. Wednesday at the Doubletree Hotel, 3203 Quebec St., in Denver. The second hearing is to be at 1-5 p.m. Aug. 13 at the Hyatt Regency hotel at the Pittsburgh International Airport. The final hearing is scheduled at 1-6 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Sheraton North Houston Hotel near Houston Intercontinental Bush Airport in Houston.
Those not named to the formal panels can submit written statements of up to 4 single-spaced pages through Aug. 30, said DOE officials. Those statements can be submitted by mail to the DOE's Office of Natural Gas and Petroleum Technology or by email to [email protected].
DOE officials said submitted statements should address specific issues, including:
-- The federal government's proper objectives in promoting advanced technology for the oil and gas industry.
-- The value of past government-industry technology partnerships and how they may be improved in the future.
-- Whether federal financial support is necessary for all sectors of the oil and gas industry or if such support is especially important for certain sectors or technology.
-- If the current federal program is properly focused on the critical technology needs of independents, who account for 50% of the oil and 65% of the natural gas production in the Lower 48 states.
-- What changes should be made in the current program.
-- What actions the US government should undertake to promote global competitiveness of US developed technologies.
The DOE also plans to compile data gathered in several recent analyses of federal oil and gas technology activities, including information from an ongoing review by the National Academy of Sciences.
