In this Issue

	Register Today for the 2008 IOGCC Annual Meeting
	IOGCC to Provide NEPA Training Program
	Chairman's Stewardship Awards Due Soon
	On The Hill
	Briefs

In Other News

Annual Meeting Special Events

Sunday, Nov. 16,  Governor's Roundtable.

Sunday, Nov. 16,  Welcome Reception

Monday, Nov. 17, Guest Program

Monday, Nov. 17,  Luncheon

Tuesday, Nov. 18, Experience Santa Fe Reception

Register Today for the 2008 IOGCC Annual Meeting

Meet us in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Nov. 16 - 18, 2008, for the IOGCC Annual Meeting. A Governors’ Roundtable will be held Sunday, Nov. 16 to officially kickoff the meeting. The roundtable will provide a forum for governors and their representatives to receive accurate and timely information regarding unconventional oil and natural gas opportunities and challenges.

Register by Oct. 14, 2008, for a Discounted Rate 
IOGCC Governors and Committee Members - $295
Non Member - $395
Guest(s) - $100

Visit www.iogcc.state.ok.us/santa-fe to register today.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Click here for more information. 

IOGCC to Provide NEPA Training Program

In an effort to communicate pertinent information to key stakeholders regarding the  National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, IOGCC will host a seminar Wednesday, Nov. 19, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The educational event will bring together a cross-section of the orgainzations involved in the NEPA oil and natural gas leasing and development process for the purposes of dialogue and future planning.

This free program, entitled "Navigating NEPA," will provide junior level practitioners with limited NEPA experience, with a broad overview of the NEPA process as it applies to onshore oil and gas exploration and production activities, address NEPA document preparation and address "categorical exclusions."

More information and registration coming soon.

Chairman's Stewardship Awards Due Soon

Chairman's Stewardship Awards entries are still being accepted int the categories of Energy Education, Enviromental Partnership, Large Company and Small Company.

Nominations will be accepted after Sept. 1, but must be  postmarked by Sept. 2, 2008.

Download your entry form today. 

On The Hill

By Kevin Bliss

When Congress reconvenes from its August recess in early September, energy promises to be on the top of the agenda in both the House and Senate. That’s a pretty easy prognostication given that energy’s been a top item on the agenda for a while now. Indeed it is one of the hottest political issues this year, with gasoline and other energy prices apparently having changed public opinion and driving politicians to appear responsive.

Of interest, since adjournment for the recess, House Republicans have continued to speak daily on the House floor demanding that Speaker Pelosi bring the House back into session for a vote on “American energy”. That isn’t going to happen of course, but Speaker Pelosi has apparently indicated that she will allow the House to vote on offshore drilling after Congress reconvenes in September – something she and congressional leadership have heretofore been unwilling to do. This is an apparent accommodation with Senator Obama’s announcement that he could support limited offshore drilling as part of a compromise package to advance a broad range of energy initiatives. It is less clear what Majority Leader Reid will be willing to do in the Senate. 

Click here to read more.

Briefs

• The North American Coalbed Methane Forum, Inc. will hold its Fall Session on Oct. 21 - 22, 2008, at the Lakeview Conference Center, near Morgantown, West Virginia.For information, contact: Ihor Havryluk at 412-445-5803 or havryluk@zoominternet.net or Dr. Kashi Aminian at 304-293-7682 ext. 3406 or khashayar.aminian@mail.wvu.edu.