American Oil and Gas Reporter - September 2016 - 34

Public relations also has spun off to
assist downstream initiatives such as hosting
alternative fuel vehicle "cruises" in which
we partner with members and local dealerships to educate the public by bringing
vehicles-both commercial fleet and consumer-that run on an alternative fuel. Outreach efforts include media relations and
grass-roots campaigns to educate community stakeholders and local officials.
We also work in concert with PIOGA's
Legislative and Manufacturing subcommittees on legislation targeted to increase
the use of natural gas and incentives for
natural gas consumption and development.
Pennsylvania's environment offers evidence of the benefits of using this clean,
abundant, locally-produced resource to
heat and cool our homes. Pennsylvania
has evolved from emitting roughly 1,300
pounds of carbon dioxide a megawatthour to 910 pounds of CO2 a mwh, a 30
percent reduction largely attributed to
the state's 18 gigawatts of natural gasfired capacity.
The Gas-Electric Coordination Subcommittee identifies how natural gas will
meet the electric grid's future reliability
by discussing market rules as well as operational issues such as rate structure and
firm capacity.
Pennsylvania is taking what the PUC
calls a "glide path" approach. Although
the U.S. Supreme Court issued a stay on
the Environmental Protection Agency's
Clean Power Plan on Feb. 6, the Pennsylvania PUC and Governor Tom Wolf's
administration chose to continue to abide
by its guidelines.
Meanwhile, something that may reach
further than Pennsylvania is the curtailment
priority of generation behind the city gate.
The PIOGA Gas-Electric Subcommittee

has met with the Pennsylvania PUC chairman and commissioners regarding concerns
with outdated regulations and tariff emergency curtailment procedures.
A Worthy Effort
Often referred to as the "low-hanging
fruit" sector is the Compressed and Liquefied Natural Gas Refueling and Infrastructure Subcommittee. Every state has
incentives to launch alternative-fuel markets. While college campuses and retail
stores offer electric charging stations,
few consumers are aware that natural gas
can be used as vehicle fuel. This subcommittee discusses issues affecting consumer and fleet adoption, education, and
state legislative support for infrastructure
incentives.
The number of Pennsylvania public refueling stations has more than doubled in
the past two years, leaving "chicken and
egg" discussions in the past. Funding for
projects is generated by the Marcellus Shale
Impact Fee, commonly referred to as Act
13. This year, $7 million in grant money is
available through the Alternative Fueling
Incentive Grant Program administered by
the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Additional funding is
available in a broad range of public improvement areas under the state's Commonwealth Financing Authority, as well as
through various county programs that include
both grants and low interest loans.
Networking opportunities and plant
tours are a great way for our members to
experience projects firsthand. Over the
years, a number of member and nonmember companies have hosted us so
that we can hear not only about successes
of project development, but also any hurdles. We have toured natural gas processing

plants, natural gas generators, and wholesale electric grid operations.
Evolving from a natural gas net importing region to a net exporting region
is no easy task. With a peak demand of
roughly 8.5 billion cubic feet a day and
natural gas production more than double
that, my role at PIOGA is definitely a
challenge, yet with our members' support,
I also feel it is well within reach.
❒

JOYCE
TURKALY

Joyce Turkaly is director of natural
gas market development for the Pennsylvania Independent Oil & Gas Association, where she leads the effort to
engage members of PIOGA's Pipeline
and Gas Market Development Committee by staying appraised of federal,
state, and county issues with potential
to aid energy infrastructure development
or hinder market development. Her
duties include evaluating and prioritizing opportunities in the downstream
sector by collaborating with regional
and national stakeholders in areas critical to maximizing economic growth
and future partnerships for PIOGA.
She has 26 years of industry experience
for a number of energy companies,
with roles and responsibilities in the
mid- and downstream sectors.

RRC Launches Oil Field Relief Initiative
AUSTIN, TX.-At an open conference
Aug. 9, the Texas Railroad Commission
took the first steps toward implementing
the Texas Oil Field Relief Initiative introduced by Commissioner Christi Craddick. The initiative is intended to improve
efficiencies at the agency while reducing
unnecessary regulatory burdens for oil
and gas operators, according to an RRC
announcement.
"This initiative is an extension of our
commitment to best serve Texas with innovative regulatory practices, yet calls
for a more thorough review in a time of
industry slowdown when we should find
ways to save time and money for the
state and those doing business with the
agency," Craddick remarks.
34 THE AMERICAN OIL & GAS REPORTER

Two producer associations immediately
praised the RRC's action. "The Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association applauds Commissioner Craddick's
leadership in developing an initiative that
will provide necessary and timely improvements to the efficiency of RRC procedures
and practices," applauds President Ed Longanecker. "These reforms will provide much
needed relief to operators across the state."
Adds John Tintera, executive vice
president of the Texas Alliance of Energy
Producers, "The commissioner's dedication to agency efficiency and responsiveness to the industry exemplifies strong
leadership and good government. This
initiative undoubtedly will help keep the
doors open at many oil and gas businesses,

bring jobs back to the oil field, and most
importantly, provide regulatory stability
through solid, common-sense regulation."
Tintera says the Alliance wholeheartedly
supports the initiative "and appreciates the
time, effort and thought the commissioner
and staff have devoted to it. This initiative
is especially timely and significant given
the market downturn and its resounding
impact on Texas' independent producers."
Initiative Recommendations
At its Aug. 9 conference, TIPRO notes,
the RRC moved to enact the first two of
the initiatives outlined in the Oil Field
Relief program by approving publication
of amended production requirements for
marginal wells under Statewide Rule 15,

American Oil and Gas Reporter - September 2016

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of American Oil and Gas Reporter - September 2016