Wildcatter Weekly September 13, 2007
posted on: Sep 13, 2007
IPAMS Meetings & Announcements
IPAMS Lunch & Learn
October 08, 2007
The next IPAMS Lunch & Learn is Monday, October 8th at 11:30 a.m. Skip Arnold, Executive Director of Energy Outreach Colorado will give a presentation entitled “Impacts of Energy Prices on Low-income Households.” Lunch & Learn sessions are conducted in the John D. Hershner room, in the Wells Fargo Bank Building, 1700 Lincoln, Denver, CO. There is no charge to attend Lunch & Learn, but seating is limited so please register. Please bring a lunch. For more information, contact Jon Bargas.
Click here to register for this event.
2007 Denver Prospect Fair & Technofest
November 05, 2007
The Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists (RMAG), the Denver Association of Petroleum Landmen (DAPL), the Denver Geophysical Society (DGS) and the Independent Petroleum Association of Mountain States (IPAMS) invite prospect exhibitors, software developers, data vendors, and service companies to share their prospect ideas, new technologies and latest services with oil and gas professionals. This event will be held on Monday, November 5, 2007 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado. The admission fee for attendees is $30.00 payable on site. Exhibitors may also purchase promotional admission vouchers with your booth registration to distribute to friends, associates—anyone you’d like to invite by your booth! There is also a new program at the 2007 Denver Prospect Fair & Technofest; The Technology and Prospect Theatre. The Theatre is a new concept providing a venue for continuous informal presentations in the exhibit hall as a service to the participants. This is an opportunity to introduce your company or your new technology to over 1000 oil and gas industry representatives from the Intermountain West in attendance.
For more information on exhibiting, sponsoring, advertising or simply attending, please visit http://www.denverpftf.org/
IPAMS and DDD to team up for Energy Education
IPAMS is teaming up with the Desk and Derrick Club of Denver (DDD) for a special energy education outreach program during Energy Awareness Month (October, 2007). For several years DDD’s “Magic Suitcase” presentation has both entertained and informed school children about the benefits of petroleum products in our daily lives, as well as the importance of conservation and recycling. This year IPAMS and DDD would like to continue the success of the Suitcase program by asking our member companies to offer interested employees the opportunity to become DDD Magic Suitcase presenters. Our goal is to enlist presentation teams from several IPAMS companies, and for each team to then make annual presentations to schools of their choice locally and in towns with field offices in celebration of Energy Awareness Month. By focusing on the fourth-grade students, Suitcase presenters will have a new audience each school year! In addition we encourage IPAMS companies to sponsor the purchase of supplies and activity books to be given to the children after they hear the Suitcase presentation. Click here to see excerpts from a Magic Suitcase presentation (Thank you to MDU Resources Group, Inc. 2007 Leadership Conference, held in Bismarck, N.D.) Click here to find out more about the Desk and Derrick Club of Denver’s “Magic Suitcase” presentation, sign up for training on September 11th or to become a sponsor.
Visit westernenergyalliance.org for Latest Industry News & Events
Visit www.westernenergyalliance.org for the latest news affecting the Intermountain West’s oil and natural gas industry. Headlines are updated daily from local, national, and international news sources. Click here to read the latest industry news.
Other Upcoming Meetings:
Wyoming Basin Advisors Network – September 20th, 2:00 at IPAMS.
New Mexico Basin Advisors Network – Wednesday, September 26th, 9:00 MDT at IPAMS
Colorado Basin Advisors Network – Wednesday, September 26th, 9:00 MDT at IPAMS
The West
BMP Award Nominations are officially open for the 2008 Awards
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces the third annual Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Development Environmental Best Management Practices (BMP) Awards Program to promote and showcase the finest examples of responsible fluid mineral resource development on BLM-managed public lands, other Federal agency lands, Indian Trust lands, or on Federal split estate lands where the surface is privately owned and the BLM manages the mineral estate. The 2008 BMP awards will recognize oil, gas, geophysical, and geothermal operators and their partners who demonstrate leadership and creativity in reducing the impacts of oil, gas and geothermal development. The BMP Awards Program will serve as an important component of the BLM’s overall approach to ensuring that energy development is conducted in an environmentally responsible manner. For current information on the Awards Program, visit: http://www.blm.gov/bmp. Please let IPAMS know if your company would like to be nominated. Click here for Streaming video of the 2006 and 2007 winners.
Colorado
The Bureau of Land Management White River Field Office in Meeker is seeking people interested in serving on an advisory group for its resource management plan amendment to address expected increased oil and natural gas activity. Members are being sought to represent interests in wildlife, energy, recreation, wild horses, environmental groups, and motorized and nonmotorized recreation. Industry representation on this advisory group would be beneficial. If you operate in the
The Colorado Assessors’ Oil and Gas Committee will hold an Oil & Gas Joint Meeting will on October 1, 2007 in Copper Mountain, Colorado. This is a follow-up meeting to one held in Grand Junction in late June. The meeting is to discuss ideas and recommendations regarding possible changes to the methods and guidelines for oil and gas valuation in the State of Colorado. f you have any questions please call Renae Neilsen, Rio Blanco County Assessor at 970-878-9410 or her Deputy, Mary Herman.
Protect Colorado’s wilderness, DeGette says
September 09, 2007
Colorado and its wilderness are at a crossroads and unless action is taken immediately much of the state’s beauty may be lost forever, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette said Wednesday in announcing that the Colorado Wilderness Act of 2007 will be introduced in Congress next week. (Denver Post)
Compromise sought about drilling rigs in Vermillion Basin
September 09, 2007
Gov. Bill Ritter met with miffed Moffat County officials Saturday, and both sides left smiling. But Ritter didn’t back off his opposition to natural-gas drilling in the Vermillion Basin in northwest Colorado, either. (Daily Sentinel)
Court upholds rancher’s $4M win
September 11, 2007
The Colorado Supreme Court on Monday refused to consider an appeal of a $4 million jury award to a late Garfield County sheep rancher who won his lawsuit against a natural-gas giant over improperly paid royalties. (Daily Sentinel)
Roan comments concern DOW
September 09, 2007
A recent public comment period on approximately 21,000 acres of critical wildlife habitat on the Roan Plateau included warnings that the U.S. Bureau of Land Management should not reduce the size of those areas. (Daily Sentinel)
Agencies defend gas company
September 10, 2007
Public safety officials are coming to the defense of an energy company following a landowner’s criticism over its contractors’ failure to fight a wildfire in Rulison in July. (Post Independent)
Piceance braces for gas explosion
September 12, 2007
ExxonMobil wants to multiply its natural gas production capacity in the Piceance Basin more than 18 times, but many of the region’s public officials say they haven’t heard anything about it. (Daily Sentinel)
Industry-funded study proposes ways to stave off effects of growth
September 12, 2007
First there were new big-box stores in Grand Junction. Next there was new interest in Steamboat Springs’ “luxury lifestyle,” and the oil and gas industry was the “last guy in the door.” (Daily Sentinel)
Presco’s successor promises more responsible drilling in Rulison nuclear blast area
September 13, 2007
The company that bought out Presco’s natural gas interests near the Project Rulison underground nuclear blast site is promising to operate at a higher standard than its predecessor. (Post Independent)
Study finds problems from natural gas boom
September 13, 2007
The already expanding economy of northwest
Scale proposed for distributing severance tax revenues effectively
September 13, 2007
To more effectively direct severance tax to energy-impacted communities, the head of the Department of Local Affairs proposed Wednesday using a continuum of needs to guide where grant funds go. (Daily Sentinel)
Montana
Senators express drilling concerns
September 11, 2007
A pair of
Panel upholds judge’s ruling in coal-bed methane case
September 12, 2007
A federal appeals court on Tuesday upheld a judge’s ruling that allows limited coal-bed methane development in
North Dakota
The 26th Annual Meeting of the North Dakota Petroleum Council will be September 18–20 in Medora, North Dakota. This year’s meeting begins with an extra day of golf on Tuesday, September 18 at the Bully Pulpit Golf Course. We have reserved tee times from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. for you to golf with friends or business associates. The special rate for Petroleum Council meeting registrants is $63.50, which includes lunch, green fees, and cart. An evening reception is planned for Tuesday night at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame starting at 6:30 p.m. The Oil Pac Golf Event will be held Wednesday at the Bully Pulpit. Other activities are available for non-golfers, such as lunch at the historic Rough Riders Hotel, a tour of the Chateau de Mores, and horseback trail rides. The Wednesday evening social will begin in the community center at 6:00 p.m. with the Chairman’s Banquet and entertainment to follow. Thursday includes a full program of speakers, including Lynn Westfall, Tesoro Petroleum; Lynn Helms, Department of Mineral Resources; and Bill Rozett, API. More details and registration is available at http://www.ndoil.org/content/view/72/93/.
Utah
The Utah Petroleum Association’s Annual Meeting will be October 3rd and 4th. The Golf Tournament will be Wednesday, October 3rd at the TalonsCove Golf Resort in Saratoga Springs. The Membership Lunch will be on Thursday at the Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City. Dr. Dianne Nielson, Utah Energy Advisor, will be the keynote speaker. Dr. Nielson is intimately involved with virtually all aspects of Utah’s energy industry as she advises Governor Huntsman on energy related policy. An Upstream Issues Session will precede lunch at 9:30 a.m. on the 4th also at Little America. A Downstream Issues Session will follow lunch at 1:45 p.m. Speakers and topics for the issues session are just in the finalization process and will be publicized shortly. Contact Lee Peacock for more information.
Wyoming
The University of Wyoming is holding a summit on Finding the Balance: Energy and Climate on October 8-10th in Jackson Hole. The event aims to bring together high-level decision-makers, experts in the field of energy and climate, and other interested parties from across the U.S. and beyond to share information and find common ground on balancing energy needs with climate considerations. The issue will be explored from a variety of different perspectives, emphasizing economic, scientific, public policy, and societal values. Speakers, panelists and summit attendees will work together to develop solutions. t is co-sponsored by the Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute, Ruckelshaus Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, the School of Energy Resources, and the Stroock Forum on Wyoming Lands and People, all of the University of Wyoming. The summit will combine keynote speakers, panel discussions, and breakout sessions to facilitate dialogue among participants. The venue is Walk Festival Hall and the Snake River Lodge and Spa. For more information and to register, go to http://www.uwyo.edu/findingthebalance/.
Wide range of concern in Wyoming
September 12, 2007
To the cadre of sportsmen attempting to save the Wyoming Range from oil and gas development, the scene has become iconic. Whether captured on film or in the mind’s eye, the lingering image is of a large drilling platform poised above a small creek where swims a population of threatened cutthroat trout. It’s not a pretty sight. (Denver Post)
Barrasso will introduce bill to protect
September 11, 2007
Republican Sen. John Barrasso said Monday that he will push to restrict energy development in the
BP gives $5 million to UW
September 10, 2007
A major energy company will donate $5 million to the University of Wyoming’s School of Energy Resources. (Star Tribune)
Wyo. governor rejects energy group
September 13, 2007
Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal has severed his ties with a new Golden-based energy advocacy group after a letter from the group endorsed an aggressive plan for oil and gas development. The association, Americans for American Energy, said it supports several energy initiatives, including a controversial proposal to drill on western Colorado’s scenic Roan Plateau. (Denver Post)
Washington Watch
Tough questions on energy to greet returning Congress
September 04, 2007
Congress faces questions both procedural and substantive as the House and Senate this week begin the process of trying to reconcile starkly different energy bills. Comprehensive energy legislation passed through the House and Senate diverge in several key respects. (Click here to see side-by side comparison chart). Notably, the Senate measure would raise auto efficiency standards and greatly expand the national renewable transportation fuels mandate, while the House bill steers clear of these issues. The House-passed bill would create a national renewable electricity standard, a policy Senate supporters failed to advance. In addition, the House bill, unlike the Senate measure, contains an energy tax package. The House version would increase taxes on oil and gas producers and steer the revenue into renewable energy and conservation tax incentives. (E & E News)
Click here to view the House Bill.
Click here to view the Senate Bill.
Path forward on energy remains uncertain — Senate Dems
September 12, 2007
A formal conference committee to reconcile the House and Senate energy bills is far from inevitable, several well-placed Senate Democrats said yesterday. Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), the chamber’s No. 2 Democrat, told reporters Democratic leaders still hope to convene a conference, but he also admitted to examining other options. We just need the cooperation of the Republicans in the Senate. With the threat of filibuster, they can stop a lot of things,” he said. Asked if there is a way to reconcile the bills absent a conference, he replied “there might be” and called that alternative “one of the options” under examination. Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), the chair of the Senate Finance Committee, also expressed doubts. I don’t know if there is going to be an energy bill conference,” he said. (E & E New)
Media Watch
Casper Star Tribune:
A welcome gift from BP
September 12, 2007
A stable long-term future for Wyoming will require an economy broader than simple extraction of minerals. Becoming a leader in energy research is a key step toward meeting that goal. So BP’s $5 million gift to the University of Wyoming on Saturday is a welcome development. (Star Tribune editorial)
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel:
Vermillion ‘compromise’ a contradiction in terms
September 12, 2007
On the surface, the Moffat County Commissioners and Gov. Bill Ritter were talking and even smiling together as they met during the Club 20 fall gathering in Grand Junction last weekend. We’ll leave it to others to judge just how much the smiles and outward appearances of mutual bonhomie were heartfelt. After all, it’s relatively easy to smile through clenched jaws and teeth. (Daily Sentinel editorial)
Environment and Wildlife
Join over 1,000 other Western Sportsmen in signing Conservation in Action’s Sportsmen for Responsible Energy Development Petition
Tired of so-called conservation and sportsmen’s groups who want to end energy development in the Intermountain West claiming to speak for you? Help counter the claims of these groups who use Western sportsmen as pawns in their political agenda! If you are a hunter and/or fisherman and support responsible energy development in the Intermountain West, please take just a moment to sign this online petition and be sure to forward this link to fellow sportsmen.Update: In its latest attempt to hinder energy development in the Intermountain West, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) filed suit this week to stop drilling projects in Wyoming. TRCP, taking a page out of the environmental obstructionist playbook, says they are acting of the behalf of Western hunter and anglers by bringing this suit that will further limit the development of domestic oil and natural gas supplies. Click here for a list of organizations that are a part of TRCP. If you are a member of any of these groups, we encourage you to let them know that they are not speaking for you in their attempts to stop domestic energy development in the West. We also encourage you to sign the Conservation in Action Sportsmen for Responsible Energy Development.
Click here to sign the petition. (http://www.conservationinaction.us/about/sig.php)
Environmentalists will sue to protect giant Palouse earthworm
September 12, 2007
The federal government is dragging its heels on protecting the giant Palouse earthworm, so environmental groups said Monday they will sue to speed up the process. (Associated Press)
Gas producer: Emissions cut by about 90 percent
September 12, 2007
Greenhouse gas emissions from a major natural-gas producer in Garfield County have been cut by approximately 90 percent in the last five years, according to a company official. (Daily Sentinel)
Over 500 scientists published studies countering global warming fears
September 13, 2007
A new analysis of peer-reviewed literature reveals that more than 500 scientists have published evidence refuting at least one element of current man-made global warming scares. More than 300 of the scientists found evidence that 1) a natural moderate 1,500-year climate cycle has produced more than a dozen global warmings similar to ours since the last Ice Age and/or that 2) our Modern Warming is linked strongly to variations in the sun’s irradiance. “This data and the list of scientists make a mockery of recent claims that a scientific consensus blames humans as the primary cause of global temperature increases since 1850,” said Hudson Institute Senior Fellow Dennis Avery. (PR Newswire)
Markets
OPEC members insist crude is plentiful
September 10, 2007
Global oil markets are amply supplied with crude, key OPEC members said Monday, signaling that the cartel will maintain its current output targets at this week’s meeting despite stubbornly high prices. (Associated Press)
Oil Near Record on Refinery Outage
September 13, 2007
Oil prices remained near record highs Thursday and gasoline futures jumped after Valero Energy Corp. said a big Texas refinery was shut down after Hurricane Humberto hit Texas. (Associated Press)
Technology and Alternative and Renewable Energy
The alternatives to alternative energy
September 12, 2007
Chances are that Louis Michaud is one of very few people who spend their days trying to make tornadoes. A year ago, the retired petrochemical engineer put together what looked a bit like a high-tech kiddie swimming pool. Only rather than splashes, this pool tends to generate twisters about as high as the garage. (Business Week)
Industry News and Events
Petroleum Club owners eager to build on history
September 10, 2007
When it opened in 1957, the
Denver Petroleum Club Membership Drive: No Enrollment fee for 3 or more new Members (per company). Must enroll by Sept. 30th, 2007. (Limited offering) Monthly dues of only $117. Click here for more new and exciting information. (Normal enrollment fee $250 or $1,000 Founder’s contribution fee) $100. Pub/Tavern Credit for all new members. You may sign up via e-mail by just requesting application from acanyon@denverathleticclub.org, your Denver Petroleum Club Membership Representative. DAC Fitness program may be added at an additional low fee of only $35,$55,or$75* based on individual membership dues. For more information contact Ali Canyon at acanyon@denverathleticclub.org.
2007 Rocky Mountain Unconventional Gas Conference
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology will host the 2007 Rocky Mountain Unconventional Gas Conference. The conference will take place October 10-12, on the School of Mines campus in Rapid City, SD. Over the past decade, there has been a tremendous growth in the exploration and production of unconventional gases. This growth has been fueled by new insights, technological advancements and practical innovations to enhance productivity, reduce costs and mitigate environmental impacts. This conference is an opportunity to hear from professionals on these issues. In addition, the main points of interest include coalbed methane, shale gas reservoirs and unconventional shallow gases. Participants have the opportunity to attend a short course, Appraising Coalbed and Shale Gas Reservoirs, on Wednesday, October 10. The purpose of this course is to provide practical insights and tools that can be used to identify and appraise coalbed and shale gas reservoirs. For more information and to register, please visit www.sdsmt.edu/learn/professional or call (605) 394-2693.
The Rockies Energy Workforce Collaborative (REWC) (of which IPAMS is a member) recently met to discuss strategies that address shortages of skilled workers for energy and process technology jobs in the Rockies. The REWC focuses on sharing information on the existing and emerging needs of the industry, including the number and type of jobs throughout the region; determining training needs of the region to meet current and future workforce needs; supporting efforts to leverage training resources; developing information needed by workforce boards, economic development groups, education institutions and potential employers; and fostering cooperative efforts to build a diverse energy talent pipeline through job fairs, high school presentations, and recruitment within and outside the region. The REWC region include seven states—Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Texas. The next REWC meeting is scheduled for November 8 in Price, Utah. To view API’s Rockies Energy Workforce website, click here: http://www.rockiesenergyworkforce.org/. To learn more about the Rockies Energy Workforce Collaborative or to become a member, contact James Crandall with API at crandallj@api.org or (202) 682-8475.
Managing Upstream Project Risks: IMA & Fulbright Breakfast Seminar
September 12, 2007
Risks in upstream oil and gas projects take many forms, and managing them is a top priority at all levels within an exploration and production company, including the board of directors, chief executives, operations and financial officers, legal counsel, landmen and line personnel. Effective risk management requires careful planning and an understanding of available risk management tools and techniques. This focused and timely seminar will analyze and discuss current corporate and project risk issues facing the upstream oil and gas industry, with practical suggestions for designing and implementing risk management solutions for transactions in today’s rapidly growing energy sector. The distinguished panel of insurance and legal experts will share insights and perspectives on a variety of topics
Air Quality Challenges Facing the Natural Resources Industry in the Western United States
Presented by the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation , November 1-2, 2007
Click here for an agenda and registration information.
Sponsorships needed for energy education effort
“The Energy Roundtable” is a new television series being produced by USA Talk Network, Inc. The nonpartisan series already has had SHELL Oil (U.S.A.) President John Hofmeister and CHEVRON Vice-Chairman Peter Robertson as guests. The next two programs will seek to educate citizens about the life cycle of energy products and services so consumers understand the many extraordinary efforts made preceding their decisions to turn up the heat, turn on an air conditioner, or fill a gas tank. This educational effort is critically important to all members of our industry. If you have a suggestion regarding a topic or a possible guest for “The Energy Roundtable” or would like to arrange a meeting with the producers to discuss the program, please contact Jon Bargas at IPAMS — (303) 623-0987 or jbargas@westernenergyalliance.org. We also are asking IPAMS members to consider supporting the program in some manner.
The 14th Annual Natural Gas STAR Implementation Workshop will beheld October 23-24, 2007. This year’s workshop comes at a time of heightened interest in greenhouse gases such as methane, and is a forum for sharing solutions and optimal ways to reduce emissions. The workshop will include partner company presentations on new experiences with reducing methane emissions. Registration and the draft agenda are now available on the gas STAR web site. To register for this year’s workshop, please click here.
The Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists (RMAG) and the Petroleum Technology Transfer Council (PTTC) are proud to host a full day symposium on the topic of Structural Concepts and Applications with regard to hydrocarbon plays in the Rockies on Friday, September 14th at the Grand Hyatt, 1750 Welton St., Denver. Advances in structural concepts and applications provide new opportunities for Rocky Mountain hydrocarbon exploration and development. This symposium will feature examples of active Rockies Plays with diverse structural aspects. There will be a morning session summarizing current structural concepts and introducing new tools, and an afternoon session with presentations of specific petroleum applications. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Victor Ramos of the University of Buenos Aires Laboratorio de Tectonica Andina, who wil discuss ‘Andean insights into the Rockies – the interplay between ridge collision, arc magnetism, basin formation, and deformation.’ On September 15th, there will be an optional field trip to the Golden-Boulder Flatirons Area to view the complex thrust and triangle zone structures of a typical Laramide basin boundary. For more information and registration, visit www.rmag.org or call (303) 573-8621.
Content Policy
Materials contained herein are a summary of industry related issues and are for the edification of IPAMS members only. Contents do not reflect official comments or positions of IPAMS. Attribution of Wildcatter Weekly contents for publication without IPAMS consent is prohibited. NOTE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, any copyrighted material herein is distributed without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for non-profit research and educational purposes only.
