Wildcattter Weekly, September 19, 2007
posted on: Sep 19, 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.
Energy Finance Discussion Group
October 09, 2007
Please join the Energy Finance Discussion Group on Tuesday October 9th at 7:30 AM to hear Stu Wagner from Cheniere Energy Inc. present:“The Spot Market for LNG: It’s Here”.
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/
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.
Please note that this will be the last Wildcatter Weekly published until October 11, 2007.
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
Communications Committee Meeting- Thursday, October 25th, 9:00 MST 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.
22,000 planned in next 20 years, says wilderness group
September 18, 2007
Another 22,000 gas and oil wells are planned for Colorado’s federal lands – a figure that means western parts of the state could see a fivefold increase in drilling over the next 20 years. (Rocky Mountain News)
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.
Ritter seeks “balance” on Roan drilling
September 19, 2007
The economic benefits of more gas drilling on the Roan Plateau aren’t worth disturbing a “largely untouched”wilderness, Gov. Bill Ritter told a group of environmentalists Tuesday. (Denver Post)
Energy companies show they weren’t brought up in a barn
September 14, 2007
After years of complaints about the pace of drilling for natural gas on Colorado’s Western Slope — and the quasi-industrial landscape and noise that came with it — oil and gas companies are working hard to be better neighbors. (Denver Business Journal)
In Colorado, Drilling Some Holes in the Republican Base
September 16, 2007
The Bush administration’s aggressive drive to promote oil and gas drilling on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains has sparked growing anger here among traditional Republican constituents who say that the stepped-up push for energy development is sullying some of the country’s most majestic landscape. (Washington Post)
Lawmakers clash over mineral savings fund
September 14, 2007
Sen. Jim Isgar, D-Hesperus, told his colleagues on the state’s mineral revenue interim committee Thursday that any discussion of a permanent fund derived from severance tax or federal mineral leasing revenues is premature. (Daily Sentinel)
State denies claims about dirty water
September 14, 2007
Colorado’s water could be getting dirtier partly because of widespread energy development, former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Assistant Regional Administrator Max Dodson said Thursday. (Daily Sentinel)
Energy boom causes jump in Garfield drill permits
September 18, 2007
Natural gas drilling permits issued in booming Garfield County are on pace to set a record for the year. (Associated Press)
Man camp approved in Piceance Creek area
September 18, 2007
The Rio Blanco County Commission approved a 154-bed man camp for natural gas workers Monday following assurances that a nearby rancher’s wells and springs would be closely tested and monitored for possible contamination. (Daily Sentinel)
Montana
The 31st annual Public Land Law Conference – Rocky Mountain Energy Leadership: Strategies for a New Energy Future, September 24 – 26 in Missoula, will bring together leaders from government, industry, academia, the legal and conservation communities and beyond to explore opportunities and challenges the Rocky Mountain region faces in light of growing and changing energy demands. The conference will offer a broad context of national law and policy as well as detailed discussions of current regional issues. It will also address the challenges and opportunities related to climate change, economic incentives for renewables and other issues surrounding alternative energy development. Details are at http://www.publiclandlawconference.org/.
Plane crash victims from Havre identified
September 18, 2007
Three Havre residents who died in a plane crash Thursday morning have been identified.The Skagit County Coroner identified those aboard the plane as John O. Brown, 60, the pilot, and passengers Randall McPherson, 59, and Christopher Schafer, 25. (Associated Press)
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/.
Parshall residents embrace the economic benefits of oil development in their community
September 17, 2007
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/.
Adobe Town petition goes to hearings
September 15, 2007
A petition to protect a large swath of a southern Red Desert area called Adobe Town will be heard by the Wyoming Environmental Quality Council next month in Rock Springs. (Star Tribune)
Governors press for “clean coal” use
September 14, 2007
The federal government needs to create greater incentives for power companies to move toward “clean coal,” Gov. Bill Ritter and governors from three other coal-producing states said Thursday. (Denver Post)
State officials watch gas prices
September 17, 2007
State officials are keeping an eye on a slump in the price of natural gas, a leading revenue source that has allowed expanded government spending in recent years. (Star Tribune)
Gov: War costs limit energy research
September 18, 2007
Military expenses are siphoning federal dollars that could be used for research and development of domestic energy production that also addresses climate change, Gov. Dave Freudenthal said here Monday. (Star Tribune)
Washington Watch
Enzi critical of ‘anti-energy bill’ in Congress
September 17, 2007
Sen. Mike Enzi on Thursday criticized energy legislation pending before Congress, saying the federal government needs to provide more incentives for utility companies to produce cleaner power from coal. (Associated Press)
Click here to view the House Bill.
Click here to view the Senate Bill.
Congress turns heat up on energy traders
September 16, 2007
Two pieces of legislation will emerge from the US Congress this week that promise sweeping change to the way in which some of the most widely traded – yet little understood – financial products are regulated. (The Financial Times)
Media Watch
The Rocky Mountain News:
An inconvenient truth
September 14, 2007
Don’t you just love that phrase, “though we may eventually come to that”? When someone says “it may come to that” you can be sure it will come to that, or in fact already has come to that — and that the speaker couldn’t be happier with the news, either. (Rocky Mountain News column)
The Greely Tribune:
Ritter has right approach to new energy
September 19, 2007
Last fall, Gov. Bill Ritter was swept into office on a platform that included the development of a “New Energy Economy” with the support from a number of Republicans like me who shared that vision. (Tribune editorial)
The Colorado Springs Gazette:
The miracle worker Ritter takes his show on the road
September 19, 2007
Gov. Bill Ritter will be in Washington, D.C. this week, “promoting the economic, environmental and national security benefits of Colorado’s New Energy Economy and discussing his leadership around renewable energy issues,” according to a press release issued by his office.
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)
San Miguel county wants more wilderness
September 16, 2007
San Miguel County and local environmental groups are trying to get federal legislation passed to designate approximately 60,000 acres in the county as wilderness area. (Daily Sentinel)
Comments indicate many see BLM lands as their backyards
September 19, 2007
High public interest in recreation and travel management issues indicate the degree to which area residents regard Bureau of Land Management lands as their backyard playgrounds, a BLM official says. (Post Independent)
Markets
11% drop in Dec. gas bills, Xcel says
September 18, 2007
Colorado consumers will see an estimated 11 percent decline in their natural gas bills in December, compared with December 2006, Xcel Energy said Monday. (Rocky Mountain News)
Gas prices poised to rise
September 14, 2007
The handle for a gasoline pump hangs out the fuel port of a car while a motorist fills up the tank on his vehicle in the background at a gasoline station in southeast Denver on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007. (Denver Post)
Technology and Alternative and Renewable Energy
The Biofuel Backlash
September 14, 2007
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) released a scathing report Sept. 11 calling for a dramatic drawdown in the subsidies and preferential trade laws granted to biofuel producers in OECD countries. In Europe, Friends of the Earth hailed the report, saying it has focused attention on the negative issues surrounding biofuels, while libertarian groups on both sides of the
Industry News and Events
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.
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.
