Mick Thomas

Division Administrator – Minerals, Public Trust, and Oil & Gas

Secretary to the Oil & Gas Conservation Commission

This update was sent to the Commission on Saturday, June 27.

Current Items:
Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission Virtual Summer Meeting
Class II Application
Monthly Reports
Commissioner Vacancy Update
News Article(s) of Interest
Current Prices

Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission Virtual Summer Meeting
As a result of the nationwide COVID-19 response and compliance with physical distancing, the IOGCC spring business meeting has been moved to a virtual format with meetings scheduled from June 29th to July 21st. . Attendance is free to the public, but registration is required.
In fall of 2018 I was appointed to chair the Counsel of Regulatory Officials which consist of all member state directors. I’ve worked closely with IOGCC staff in the planning and development of this online format and encourage each of you to sign up and participate in those meetings you are interested in. Please reach out to Jeanna Rui at 405-522-8383 or email Jeanna at jeanna.rui@iogcc.state.ok.us

Class II Application
Snake River Oil and Gas and the EPA have been in regular communication regarding the Class II Application – specifically the Aquifer Exemption request. The EPA has requested additional information and clarification from SROG by July 24th, 2020. This correspondence is available for your review if desired.

Monthly Reports
The April monthly production and transportation reports have been posted to the Commission website: https://ogcc.idaho.gov/monthly-and-annual-reports/. Production for the month was near zero with no liquids produced or sold and only a small amount of natural gas. This was in line with decreased production nationally from most of the smaller fields.

Commissioner Vacancy Update
The Governor’s office is continuing to develop and review a list of commissioner candidates in light of Renee Loves resignation. With the amount of energy being placed on other issues we are not certain if that appointment will happen before the August OGCC meeting. I’ll continue to keep you updated.

News Article(s) of Interest
Crude refining capacity increases incrementally to new record:
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-refineries-capacity/u-s-crude-oil-refining-capacity-nears-19-million-bpd-u-s-eia-idUSKBN23W09T

Liquified Natural Gas takes major hit as a result of the COVID response:
https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=44196

Natural Gas is the best solution for clean affordable energy as Americans tighten their belts during the COVID response:
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/environment-and-energy/insight-municipal-natural-gas-bans-hurt-american-consumers

State of Oregon and environmental groups appeal court decision in favor of LNG development:
https://www.gjsentinel.com/news/western_colorado/state-of-oregon-others-appeal-jordan-cove-decision-in-court/article_6dfbb9f4-acc7-11ea-9c8c-c3974d5b5d45.html

Current Prices

Utah Sweet Crude	$29.42 bbl. (?)	6/26
WTI	$38.17 bbl. (?)	6/26
Natural Gas	$1.58 mcf. (?)	6/24
NGL	$4.43 mmbtu. (?)	6/24