The Plan

For many years, the IOGCC has used its unique capabilities as a compact of states to address both national and regional issues impacting the production of onshore, domestic oil and natural gas. Beginning in early 2009, the commission will begin the process of examining up to three oil and gas basins in the United States in order to determine the best strategies for development, taking into consideration critical factors such as market assessments, state and federal regulations, the economy, and the environment.

Step 1: Research & Strategy Development

The IOGCC Chairman’s Select Committee will provide strategic direction and broadly oversee the work of expert subgroups that will focus on specific basins. To a great degree, these work groups will be composed of employees of state oil and gas regulatory commissions, state economic development offices, state geologists and governors’ staff members.

Each work group will conduct an analysis of information on underdeveloped basins in order to compile a basin-wide view of development possibilities. The IOGCC has found in previous efforts that such reports have been extremely effective cornerstones in the technology transfer activities that are vital to spur development.

Step 2: Technology Transfer & Strategy Implementation

A key element in this initiative is ensuring the information compiled is presented effectively to key constituencies. This is crucial because regional resource development will likely require the mobilization of a number of constituencies. Therefore, the development and execution of a technology transfer – or outreach – plan is vital to the goal of generating additional oil and natural gas for delivery to the marketplace.

In addition, the commission understands that a cooperative effort is necessary to bring these resources to market in a responsible manner and will work with states, the federal government, industry and special interest groups to facilitate the strategy implementation.