To the dismay of Oil & Gas Journal writer/editors, not all we write is printed.
And the first things cut are quotes that may be unusual or funny but don't add anything to a story. However, they can add up to an occasional column.
For example:
Ted Eck, chief economist for Amoco Corp., opened his testimony at an energy security hearing with this explanation: "I'm sorry I'm late. I got lost. Economists do that frequently."
Sen. Phil Gramm (R-Tex.) topped that one in a speech last fall: "My momma used to say I became an economist because I didn't have enough personality to be an accountant."
Walter Oldham, Rocky Mountain exploration manager for Oryx Energy Co., tried a bit of oil industry humor on congressmen at a hearing last fall: "I have one of the only jobs around that lets you be wrong eight or nine times out of 1 0 and not get fired." The remark fell flat, proving that legislators don't understand the industry.
AVOIDING THE STUDY TRAP
A year ago, Robert Kallman, director of a task force studying three offshore lease sales, said "We've got to make sure we don't fall into the trap of more studies and delays."
The task force proceeded to hold a score of hearings, order detailed reports from the National Academy of Sciences, and file a long report with President Bush. It has been gathering dust on his desk ever since.
With former admiral James Watkins at the helm, the Department of Energy is working on a national energy strategy. He also is introducing DOE to bits of naval terminology. For example, his way of saying, "I'll get back to you on that" is "I'll close the loop with you on that."
Martin Allday spent much of last year as the chief attorney for the Interior secretary, one of the most sued men in government.
Now he is chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and feeling right at home: "it seems like every decision we make, there's a lawsuit."
DINGELL'S OPINION
Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), House energy and commerce committee chairman, is one of the more interesting and opinionated congressmen on Capitol Hill.
He recently said, "To be in favor of tougher environmental laws is to take a stand for motherhood, apple pie, and the flag. Those pursuing environmental legislation in the 1990s should learn from the mistakes of energy legislation in the 1970s. Much of that legislation was repealed when energy disappeared from the public consciousness in the 1980s. We need to develop sustainable energy and environmental policies. Both are important."
William K. Reilly, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, might disagree.
His business cards are printed on used grocery bags.
Copyright 1990 Oil & Gas Journal. All Rights Reserved.