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, April 3.

Current Items:
New Commissioner
Kauffman Complaint Dismissed
Field Status
News Article(s) of Interest
Current Prices

New Commissioner
The Governor’s office has appointed Ray Hinchcliff as the newest commissioner to the OGCC. I’ve been able to have some great conversations with Ray over the past few weeks and am impressed with his professional accomplishments, as well as his genuine character. Ray is a Wyoming graduate and has experienced a fine career with Conoco Phillips. He lives in Eastern Idaho and has family here in Boise. We are onboarding Ray this month, and he’s eager to join the Commission for our May 5 meeting.

Kauffman Complaint Dismissed
The hearing officer has formally dismissed docket 2017-OGR-01-002, Kauffman vs. Alta Mesa Idaho. As you may recall this case was put on hold while the complainant pursued other avenues against the now bankrupt Alta Mesa Idaho. Additional information can be found on the administrative hearing page:
Docket No. CC-2017-OGR-01-002 – Kauffman Complaint | Oil & Gas Conservation Commission (idaho.gov)

Field Status
Snake River Oil & Gas continues to bring production online to take advantage of more stable commodity prices. A full report will be posted to the Commission website soon. Transportation reports show 1,965 bbls of NGL were sent out via rail in February 2021.

News Article(s) of Interest
13 states urge court to halt Biden’s oil leasing freeze. see E&E 13 states

North Dakota top oil and gas regulator is watching, planning comments for Interior’s review of oil and gas.
https://www.willistonherald.com/news/oil_and_energy/north-dakota-top-oil-and-gas-regulator-is-watching-planning-comments-for-interiors-review-of/article_ac508490-8b57-11eb-95c2-4f251efae37c.html
(Note: Lynn has been and continues to be a big help in steering the direction of Idaho’s O&G regulations. His thoughts on a split estate work around are a solid game plan for all sub-surface estates.)

There’s room for natural gas in a low-carbon world
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-natural-gas-be-part-of-a-low-carbon-future/

Current Prices

Utah Sweet Crude	$49.86 bbl.	03/31/21
WTI	$61.25 bbl.	04/01/21
Natural Gas	$2.49 mmbtu.	03/31/21
NGL	$7.51 mmbtu.	03/31/21

(green indicates prices increase since last update, red indicates decline)