The State Perspective

The IOGCC -- Collectively Representing the States

In 1935, six states took advantage of a constitutional right to “compact,” or agree to work together, to resolve common issues. Faced with unregulated petroleum overproduction and the resulting waste, the states endorsed and Congress ratified a compact to take control of the issues. The result was a unique multi-state government agency now known as the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission. Because each state has its own challenges, the Commission, which currently represents 38 oil and gas producing states, continues to focus on the development of model legislation that states are able to adapt according to their requirements.

IOGCC member states have a well-established history of successful regulation resulting in sound environmental practices. Issues vary from state to state, and experienced regulators across the nation have shown great leadership in protecting the environment. Many times, federal regulations offer a “one size fits all” approach, which does not effectively regulate the oil and natural gas industry. The IOGCC plays an active role in Washington, D.C., serving as the states’ voice on oil and natural gas issues and advocating states’ rights to govern the resources found within their borders. It is imperative that states maintain this right, because our nation’s energy future depends on it.

Testimonies

IOGCC Members Testify in Senate Hearing on Hydraulic Fracturing (2011)

April 13, 2011. Published in The Oklahoman, by Chris Casteel. Senate committee holds hearing on fracking.  WASHINGTON - States have stepped up their oversight of hydraulic fracturing as the natural gas drilling boom in several regions of the United States has raised citizen concerns that drinking water may be endangered, officials told a Senate committee on Tuesday.

State Reviews

Independent Review Completed of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Program Regulating Hydraulic Fracturing of Oil & Gas Wells (2010)

September 24, 2010. A targeted review of the Pennsylvania program regulating the hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells has been completed by a multi-stakeholder group, which has concluded that the program is, over all, well-managed, professional and meeting its program objectives.

Independent Review Completed of Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mineral Resources Management Program Regulation (2011)

AKRON, Ohio, Feb 04, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --  A targeted review of the Ohio program regulating the hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells has been completed by a multi-stakeholder group, which has concluded that the program is, over all, well-managed and also made recommendations for improvements in the program.

Independent Review Completed of Oklahoma Corporation Commission Oil and Gas Conservation Division Program Regulating Hydraulic Fracturing of Oil & Gas Wells (2011)

February 23, 2011 A targeted review of the Oklahoma program regulating the hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells has been completed by a multi-stakeholder group, which has concluded that the program is, overall, well-managed, with certain elements deserving special recognition.

Louisiana DNR Receives 2011 STRONGER Review on Hydraulic Fracturing

DNR Receives 2011 STRONGER Review on Hydraulic Fracturing: Report Cites DNR Conservation's Program as Well-Managed, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, March 11, 2011. BATON ROUGE – This week, STRONGER Inc., released a review of the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources' Office of Conservation’s regulation of hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells.  The six-person review team concluded that the Louisiana hydraulic fracturing program is well- managed, professional and meeting its program objectives.

State Fact Sheets

Gasland Correction Document (Colorado 2010)

Gasland Correction Document. Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, October 29, 2010. The documentary Gasland has attracted wide attention. Among other things, it alleges that the hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells has contaminated nearby water wells with methane in a number of states including Colorado. Because an informed public debate requires accurate information, the COGCC has corrected several errors in Gasland''s portrayal of Colorado incidents.

IOGCC Surveys

States Experience with Hydraulic Fracturing (2010)

In July 2002, the IOGCC issued a survey of oil and natural gas producing states to gain an understanding of hydraulic fracturing and its role in the completion of oil and natural gas wells in the United States. The survey was reissued in 2009 and 2010.