Aug 12, 2019 IPAA comments on Railroad Commission (RRC) informal draft of revised pipeline safety regulations for oil and natural gas pipelines
The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) submits the following comments in response to the Railroad Commission (RRC) informal draft of revised pipeline safety regulations for oil and natural gas pipelines. IPAA is a national upstream trade association representing thousands of independent oil and natural gas producers and service companies across the United States. Independent producers develop 91 percent of the nation’s oil and natural gas wells. These companies account for 83 percent of America’s oil production, 90 percent of its natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL) production, and support over 4.5 million American jobs.
While IPAA focuses its advocacy efforts at the federal level, IPAA works closely with state associations representing America’s oil and natural gas producers. The RRC draft has significant implications for how oil and natural gas is produced and transported in Texas. However, given the preeminent role that Texas oil and natural gas producers play in our country’s prominence in energy production, the RRC draft would have effects nationwide, in terms of increased costs, potential reduced production, and likely precedential effects for other state oil and natural gas regulators. IPAA appreciates the significance of the RRC’s role—in its stewardship of natural resources and the environment; its concern for personal and community safety; and its support of enhanced development and economic vitality for the benefit of Texans. IPAA focuses these brief comments on ensuring that the safe production and transport of oil and natural gas is accomplished with the appropriate balance between managing risk and compliance costs.
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