Jun 9, 2011 America’s Independent Oil, Natural Gas Producers Applaud DOI’s Decision to Move Forward with the Responsible Development of Natural Gas in Utah’s Uintah Basin
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Department of Interior (DOI) Secretary Ken Salazar announced the decision to move forward with the Greater Natural Buttes Area Gas Development Project in Utah. This project would include 3,675 wells and has the potential to produce more than 6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas over the next decade. Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) President and CEO Barry Russell issued the following statement in response to the announcement:
“Today’s announcement is a positive step forward and advances efforts to responsibly develop America’s natural gas resources on federal lands in the Intermountain West. This is a good example of how the federal agencies and independent oil and natural gas producers can collaborate to identify the proper solutions to address air quality control and other environmental concerns that arise with the production of natural resources on federal lands.
“This is a win-win situation. Environmental protection is a top priority for independent producers all across the country. Working together on federal lands issues, industry leaders and the federal agencies can develop the best plans to balance the need to protect the environment and health of America’s citizens without halting oil and natural gas activity in the Intermountain West. It also demonstrates the ingenuity of America’s independent producers, who are always looking for better ways to be more efficient and to reduce their footprint during production activities through technological advancements.
“According to estimates by Anadarko, resource development in the Uintah Basin will create 2,500 jobs during the peak construction phase, generate $2.5 billion in federal, tribal and state royalties over the life of the project, and generate $876 million in Utah state and local taxes over the life of the project. Anadarko’s Greater Natural Buttes Area Gas Development Project will promote the development of clean-burning natural gas here at home, creating thousands of high-paying jobs, generating revenue for the local, state and federal governments and ultimately, strengthening our national security.
“We hope that DOI will use this agreement as a blue print to provide a path forward for other oil and natural gas development projects awaiting approval in the Intermountain West. America’s independent oil and natural gas producers stand ready and able to responsibly develop our nation’s natural resources that Americans want and deserve.”
