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Testimony

Testimony Apr 15, 2021

IPAA submitted testimony on the CLEAN Future Act, a 981-page bill described by the Democratic leadership of the House Energy and Commerce and Committee as “ambitious new climate legislation that ensures the United States acts aggressively to tackle the climate crisis this decade and achieve net zero greenhouse gas pollution.” The bill is far reaching, with decarbonization efforts spanning from infrastructure modernization to funds for workers.

In the testimony, IPAA addresses a number of provisions in the CLEAN Future Act that directly affect oil and natural gas production, many of which have no relationship to reducing greenhouse gases. IPAA has been at the forefront of advocating on these issues for many years and will continue to lead the industry in the fight against the misguided policies outlined in this legislation.
The testimony comments break down:
  • Sections of the legislation unrelated to the state objective of the CLEAN Future Act – These include changes to the carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery (EOR) process without an evident environmental benefit; expanding the Safe Water Drinking Act (SWDA); changes to the Clean Air Act that expand regulated pollutants; and expand Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) waste definitions. In his testimony, IPAA EVP Dan Naatz details how taken together, these sections do not comport with the objectives of the CLEAN Future Act. Instead, they are wedged into the bill solely to reduce or prevent the development of American oil and natural gas. “Sections 621 and 623 create unnecessary burdens on state programs to implement new requirements without any justification. Sections 624 and 625 regurgitate the same stale, unjustified proposals that have been shopped by ardent anti-oil and natural gas environmentalists for years. The Committee, the House and the Congress should reject all of them.”
  • Super Pollutant Provisions – The CLEAN Future Act contains provisions that address methane or carbon dioxide emissions from oil and natural gas production operations that generate unworkable outcomes. These sections of the legislation create an unrealistic burden on states and set technology requirements that may or may not result in desired emissions reductions.
  • Carbon Dioxide Geologic Sequestration – IPAA supports the funding authority in Section 502 to provide for state permitting of Class VI underground injection wells.

 

Testimony Feb 11, 2020

Good afternoon.

My name is Will Allison and I’m here representing the Independent Petroleum Association of America.

Thank you to the Council on Environmental Quality for holding this public hearing.

The thousands of oil and natural gas operators represented by the IPAA commend the Trump Administration for proposing this much-needed reform of the National Environmental Policy Act.

NEPA underwent its last MAJOR update in 1978 and it’s well past time for a modernization of the law to help spur economic development, innovation, and improved environmental protections.

Unfortunately, opponents of this proposed reform say its only intention is to weaken environmental protections.

But the reality is that NEPA has become so outdated and burdensome that it actually makes environmental outcomes worse…

Testimony Jul 12, 2018

The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) appreciates the opportunity to discuss this draft legislation and looks forward to working with the Caucus to enact this important legislation that will restore the Endangered Species Act toward its original goal of protecting imperiled species on the brink of extinction. IPAA represents thousands of independent oil and natural gas explorers and producers across the country, as well as the service and supply industries that support their efforts. IPAA’s members are the face of small business in the oil and natural gas industry and support millions of direct and indirect jobs across the United States.

Testimony Oct 13, 2017

IPAA Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Political Affairs Dan Naatz testified at a legislative hearing before the U.S. House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources on the important role U.S. independent producers play in the safe and responsible development of onshore oil and natural gas to grow America’s economy, create well-paying jobs, and strengthen the nation’s energy security.

Testimony Apr 25, 2017

Small businesses are a key part of the industry because oil and natural gas wells naturally deplete over time. Correspondingly, the industry is a “food chain” industry. As large companies want more capital, they sell their lower producing properties to smaller companies that are the primary owners of marginal wells. While many EPA regulations can impact small businesses, these oral comments will address some recent air and waste water regulations. IPAA’s written comments include other regulations.

Testimony Jun 21, 2016

API and IPAA provide this statement regarding Bureau of Land Management (BLM) management of public lands, in particular BLM’s proposed rule entitled “Resource Management Planning,” 81 Fed. Reg. 9673 (Feb. 25, 2016) (the “Proposed Planning Rule”). Many of API’s and IPAA’s member companies have a direct interest in how BLM plans to manage public lands. These companies hold valid existing leases and are interested in future oil and natural gas leasing, exploration, and production activities in areas that will be directly affected by BLM’s management decisions. These companies are also dedicated to meeting environmental requirements, while economically developing and supplying affordable energy to consumers. Issues raised by the Proposed Planning Rule will have a direct impact on the future viability of oil and natural gas development on public lands throughout the United States.

Testimony Jun 29, 2014

IPAA submitted testimony for the record in support of S. 2440, the “BLM Permit Processing Improvement Act of 2014” at the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources oversight hearing on “Breaking the Logjam at BLM: Examining Ways to More Efficiently Process Permits for Energy Production on Federal Lands.”

Testimony Jun 10, 2014

The Waters Advocacy Coalition, of which IPAA is a member, submitted a statement for the record outlining its concerns on the proposed “Waters of the United States” rule before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment hearing on the rule.

Testimony May 20, 2014

Testimony Of Dan Naatz, Vice President of Federal Resources & Regulatory Affairs for the Independent Petroleum Association of America to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans & Insular Affairs Oversight Hearing on “Oil and Gas Activities Within the Nation’s Wildlife Refuge System.”