The oil and gas industry often bemoans the inefficiencies, permitting delays and duplicated efforts it says result from overlapping regulations at local, state and federal levels. Energy companies are now getting some help addressing this issue from 10 US state governors – who preside over the lion’s share of US oil and gas production – in the form of a coalition to enhance state-level energy regulation and ensure states remain the “primary and appropriate regulators for oil and gas development.”
States First partners with the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission and Ground Water Protection Council to promote safe and efficient energy development with priorities that include regulation & enforcement, environmental protection, technology, transparency and economic development.
Supporting states include Gov. Phil Bryant of Mississippi, Gov. Robert Bentley of Alabama, Gov. Steven L. Beshear of Kentucky, Gov. Steve Bullock of Montana, Gov. Tom Corbett of Pennsylvania, Gov. Jack Dalrymple of North Dakota, Gov. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma, Gov. Gary Herbert of Utah, Gov. John Hickenlooper of Colorado, Gov. Sean Parnell of Alaska, Gov. Rick Perry of Texas and Gov. Brian Sandoval of Nevada.
“Our programs, which are as varied as the geography, climate, geology and social fabric of our states, are designed to be flexible, yet effective, in providing the world’s best environmental protection and regulation,” the governors wrote in a letter addressed to ‘American Energy Policy Leaders.’ “The states’ ability to design effective regulations that reflect state-specific needs is a vital element in the resurgence of our nation’s oil and natural gas industry.”
“We have made great progress, and we urge the Federal Government to leave regulation in the capable hands of the states. Our programs are working. Our people are on the ground, have decades of experience, and we are following a path of continuous improvement.”
Here is the full letter:
