Governor Gordon Addresses Energy Industry Regulation at National Oil and Gas Commission

Governor Mark Gordon concluded his two year Chairmanship of the Intestate Oil and Gas Compact Commission with an address to membership at their annual meeting in Colorado Springs, Colorado this week. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the details.

Gordon spoke about many of the taxing regulations, particularly those emanating from Washington, DC, and that they are not necessarily informed by local conditions, and are seemingly driven more by politics than the prudent regulation of the industry. Gordon also pointed out the Intestate Oil and Gas Compact Commission provides a forum for honest discussion of energy issues and regulations, as well as the true cost of those regulations, which can lead to responsible regulatory reform.

Also during his address, the Governor noted that the oil and gas industry has always been more than just oil and gas, as it not only provides reliable and reasonably priced energy, but it supports families and communities. Gordon said that in addition, the industry provides important contributions to biological and environmental research in Wyoming, including work on sage-grouse, as well as deer and antelope migration. During his two-year term, the Governor supported re-establishment of a working group agreement with the EPA that had lapsed for years. The agreement empowers the IOGCC to work with the EPA in an effort to make regulations more practical and efficient. Another milestone during Governor Gordon’s term was initiating work with Native American tribes to assist with the development, production and reclamation of oil and gas on tribal lands.