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PESA Government Affairs Subcommittee Launches a Robust Agenda for 2017

The PESA Government Affairs Subcommittee establishes relationships with elected officials and their staff to expand the reach and influence of the service, supply and manufacturing sector. The committee also convenes members for congressional dialogues and other local/regional events designed to engage and educate policy makers.

Committee members met January 23, 2017 and shared insights on the new Administration and Congress and discussed implications for the oil and gas industry and the service and supply sector in particular.

Committee co-chairmen Kevin Crowley, Forged Products, and Tom Moyers, Cameron, a Schlumberger Company, reviewed plans for the Washington Fly-In which will be held February 26-28, 2017.  More than 20 meetings are scheduled with House and Senate members and staff from both parties.  PESA leaders will highlight the sector’s commitment to the principles of Innovation; Health, Safety, and Environment; Education and Workforce Development; Energy Security; and Jobs. In addition, attendees will gain the insight of energy experts from policy institutes and industry-specific media.  A panel of customer Washington representatives will also discuss their outlook for key legislative and regulatory issues, highlighting areas where PESA members are encouraged to support their efforts. Finally, senior personnel from the International Trade Administration (ITA) at the US Department of Commerce will share goals and objects for the ITA/PESA partnership.  The committee identifies ways to increase member participation as the Fly-In is an important part of PESA’s efforts to elevate the story of the service, supply and manufacturing sector to policymakers.

Additionally, the committee discussed industry’s plans to seek further improvements to the Well Control Rule (WCR).  Since May 2016, when the final rule was issued, industry has been seeking implementation guidance from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) on numerous provisions of the WCR. While progress has been made, there still are provisions of the WCR that must be further refined.  Industry experts are currently identifying provisions of the rule that need to be clarified, modified or eliminated.  Assessments and recommendations are expected to be presented to the Trump Administration in April. The committee agreed that PESA will continue to provide support to the effort which is being led by the American Petroleum Association (API).

The committee also reviewed plans for Texas Energy Day which will occur on March 22, 2017, in Austin. The goal of the event is to showcase the energy industry’s economic and employment contributions to legislators, regulators and other key stakeholders. PESA has joined a coalition of trade associations led by the Texas Oil and Gas Association (TXOGA), in sponsoring the event.  Activities will occur throughout the day and will include engagement with Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Texas State Senators and Representatives. The committee will assess additional involvement in the event once the agenda is finalized.

Finally, the committee discussed plans for 2017 Leadership Dialogue series.  In the recent past, PESA has hosted US Congressional members primarily in Houston for informal dialogues over a group dinner, in a non-fundraising environment. During 2017, the committee will pursue opportunities to host additional similar events in other key states including Pennsylvania, Louisiana and Oklahoma.

Companies involved in the Government Affairs Subcommittee are Forged Products, Cameron (SLB), FairfieldNodal, Galtway Industries, Halliburton, National Oilwell Varco, Rubicon Oilfield International, Schlumberger and Stallion Oilfield Services. If your company is interested in participating, please contact PESA Sr. Director Public Policy Jean Gould at [email protected].

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