Issues » Comments on Rules and Regulations

February 4, 2008

Mr. Caleb Hiner
Bureau of Land Management
1625 West Pine Street
P.O. Box 768
Pinedale, WY 82941

RE: Improve the Utilization of Natural Gas Development in the Pinedale Anticline

Dear Mr. Hiner:

The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) strongly supports conducting year-round drilling and completion operations in the Pinedale Anticline Project Area.

From the options provided in the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Revised Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Pinedale Anticline Oil and Gas Exploration and Development Project (RDSEIS), Alternative D comes closest to accomplishing the operators' goals of meeting year-round operations with improved mitigation and environmental protection. Alternative D of the RDSEIS offers the best option to safely and effectively access these resources. The RDSEIS comprehensively identifies potential environmental and social impacts. The Proposed Action will minimize the amount of impacted surface area while maximizing resource recovery through advanced technology and limited year-round development. It will also ensure reduced air emissions, support ongoing wildlife research, and invest in infrastructure to help sustain environmentally responsible development.

As the United States continues to look for ways to reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources, it is key that oil and natural gas producers be allowed to access mineral resources on federal lands. The Pinedale Anticline is one of our nation's premier natural gas fields and contains enough resource to heat ten million American homes for over 30 years. With today's technology, this enhanced development can be conducted in an environmentally responsible manner. There is a great need to develop this clean burning energy resource in a way that reduces environmental impacts and benefits the local community.

Domestic natural gas development in Pinedale will have a positive impact on the local and regional economy and spur strong economic growth. The project will create a year-round workforce, provide a significant tax source for local communities and support Wyoming's business community. According to the BLM's own figures, estimated royalties of the area's natural gas reserves equal $16 billion, half of which would go to the State of Wyoming and the other half to the federal government.

The Proposed Action will balance resources and benefit the community around the Pinedale Anticline. The IPAA supports BLM's conclusion that all of the acreage included in the Proposed Action can be developed while protecting the environment, local communities and other economic interests.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Dan Naatz
Vice President, Federal Resources
IPAA