Energy Workforce President Tim Tarpley kicked off the week at the 2026 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, TX. First, Tarpley along with Gavin Dillingham with SLB, met with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) officials, Kyle Haustevit, Assistant Secretary for Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office (HGEO), and Ryan Peay, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Resource Sustainability.
The group discussed potential collaboration with DOE’s National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) on advancing energy technology development, including joint research initiative in geothermal energy and next-generation drilling and completion techniques. NETL’s role as a leading applied research center was highlighted as a key opportunity to accelerate commercialization and deployment of emerging technologies.
Discussions also explored collaboration in workover technology aimed at improving efficiency and reducing costs for well-servicing companies, as well as leveraging NETL’s expertise in oil and gas systems. In addition, the group identified potential pathways for EWTC companies to expand their presence in international markets, particularly in Venezuela, where opportunities may exist to apply advanced recovery techniques, modernize existing infrastructure, and support energy sector redevelopment through technology transfer and strategic partnerships.
Continuing the day at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), Tarpley met with Bradley McKinney, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Commercial Service – Global Markets, International Trade Administration, alongside industry leaders Cobie Loper with NOV and Chris Olsen with Weatherford. The group provided ITA with an overview of their U.S.-based manufacturing footprint, emphasizing domestic job creation, supply chain resilience, and continued investment in advanced energy technologies. They also outlined the global scope of their operations abroad, and discussed the regulatory, logistical, and financing challenges associated with exporting complex energy systems and services. Participants explored how ITA can help support the exporting of energy technology and US expertise around the world.
Following the meeting, Danny Lazourievsky, Dasha Maksymiak, and Eugene Michurin with RigER, along with Mike Hogan and Brian Mizell with Oil States International, hosted Bradley McKinney at their booths on the OTC exhibition floor. During these discussions, the company representatives shared firsthand perspectives on how the ITA and U.S. Commercial Service have served as valuable partners in advancing their global business objectives. Both companies expressed strong appreciation for the Commercial Service’s continued engagement over the years, noting that the collaboration has helped with trade policy advocacy, identification of qualified international partners, and assistance navigating complex and evolving foreign markets. They emphasized that continued support for U.S. energy exports not only strengthens the competitiveness of American companies, but also contributes to broader national priorities, including economic growth, job creation, and enhanced energy and economic security.
Jessica Santos, Director Government Affairs, writes about industry-specific policies for the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
