PESA’s Government Affairs Committee, led by Advisory Members and Chair Todd Ennenga, Halliburton, held a townhall discussing various federal and state updates on a May 22 webinar. U.S. Representatives Brian Babin (TX-36) and Lizzie Fletcher (TX-7) joined to inform members of their priorities during upcoming sessions and hear directly from constituents.
Tim Tarpley, Vice President Government Affairs, PESA, opened with an overview of several proposals being considered by the federal government that could affect the oil and gas industry. Tarpley updated the group on royalty relief currently used in Utah to bring down rates to 2.5% compared to previous rates of 12.5%. Though the U.S. Department of Treasury has not explicitly published rules for a lending program to the oil and gas industry, the group also discussed various options being considered in Washington. Tarpley’s updates also included discussing a tax provision in the CARES Act used by various oil and gas companies.
CONGRESSIONAL UPDATES
Rep. Babin’s district is composed of areas southeast of Houston, including Baytown, La Porte and Liberty where refining, distribution activities dominate. He discussed the importance of widening the Houston ship channel as part of keeping the city’s port system updated and competitive. Rep. Babin said he does not think an additional economic relief package will be passed soon but if one does, he is advocating for the need of infrastructure improvements to be included.
Rep. Fletcher emphasized wanting to hear from constituents and companies in her district. She is focused on re-opening Texas safely and getting people back to work, especially in the energy industry. Rep. Fletcher informed attendees that she is working on a $3 billion purchase of domestic oil for the strategic petroleum reserve, an infrastructure bill from the transportation committee and supporting private investment and construction.
PESA Government Affairs Committee Members Julia Price-Madison, Baker Hughes, and Charlie Weakly, TechnipFMC, gave updates on how their respective companies were approaching COVID-19, working from home, maintaining worker safety and implementing return to work.
Each week, PESA publishes its state news updates, which cover re-openings, governor orders, congressional coverage and industry related numbers. This week, it included North Dakota declining mandates, oil production cuts and new setback rules in Colorado. To date, Texas, Oklahoma and North Dakota’s states regulators declined mandating producers to cut productions after a series of hearings and testimonies. In Louisiana, oil and gas production could face potential legal challenges with a series of senate bills addressing lawsuits between parishes and producers. Lastly, in Colorado, additional setbacks have been imposed in Bloomfield.
If you would like to join the Government Affairs Committee, contact Vice President Government Affairs Tim Tarpley. Another Government Affairs Townhall will be held June 5.
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