KTUU Television.  Oil production in Alaska increased … during the last 12 months, the first year-over-year production increase the state has seen since 2002.


See Alberta Job Losses, Bottom, Column Right


From the Anchorage Office of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) we received this note over the weekend from Michael Haller:

Good Afternoon Dave:

I haven’t seen you in a while, but wanted to pass personal thanks for getting our info up on the NGP website for all to see and be aware of. These are important meetings and opportunities for our fellow Alaskans to come and take part in.

As you referenced the formats of the meetings – the urban meetings are changing to align somewhat with what is being used in lower-48 cities – opportunities for individuals and groups to come and provide their input through the use of www.regulations.gov via computers at the meeting sites (including, Fairbanks and Anchorage meetings).  The other meetings we’ve held (or will hold, for the Kenai Peninsula in Ninilchik), are modified for smaller settings and communities, including Kaktovik, Nuiqsut, Barrow, Wainwright, Point Lay, Point Hope, and Kotzebue. We remain very fortunate to be able to engage the way we do for Alaska – both in terms of the far-reaching travel and the ability to be more widely inclusive.

For our fellow Alaskans that are not in or nearby one of the aforementioned communities, or are unable to otherwise attend, they may make their comments through www.regulations.gov (searching for docket BOEM-2016-0003) from their home or wherever they may be traveling (so long as they can reach the internet). If they’re unable to otherwise use the website, then they’re welcome to mail their comments, to:

Jill K. Lewandowski

Attn: 5-Year Program Draft Programmatic EIS

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

45600 Woodland Road VAM-OEP

Sterling, VA    20166

Comments must be received by May 2, 2016.  Additional information can be found, at:http://boemoceaninfo.com/

As you referenced the formats of the meetings – the urban meetings are changing to align with the model being used in the several lower-48 cities – providing opportunities for individuals and groups to share their input through the use of www.regulations.gov via computers at the meeting sites (including, Fairbanks, Monday, April 4th from 7pm to 10pm; and Anchorage, Tuesday, April 5th from 3pm to 7pm).

The other meetings we’ve held, including Kaktovik, Nuiqsut, Barrow, Wainwright, Point Lay, Point Hope, and Kotzebue (or will hold, for the Kenai Peninsula inNinilchik, Wednesday, April 6th, from 7pm to 10pm), are adjusted for smaller settings and communities. We are grateful we’re able to travel and meet with community members in these far-reaching parts of our State.

Interestingly, there is also a unique, first of its kind ‘BOEM Alaska Summary – Alaska OCS. As the 5-Year Program is national in scope, this summary brings focus for the Alaska portions of the 5-Year Program Draft Programmatic EIS.  It’s at-a-glance design provides a quick study for readers.

Again, I appreciate the many hours and much effort you put into keeping all of us informed about energy and environment matters across the North. Thank you, sir.

Respectfully,

Michael 

Michael Haller

Tribal & Community Liaison

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management – Alaska Region

3801 Centerpoint Drive, Suite 500

Anchorage, AK 99503-5823

Email  Michael.Haller@boem.gov

Office  907.334.5276

Cell      907.602.4053

Today (See Column-Left), readers have a personal note from BOEM regarding the seriousness with which the Department of Interior agency views the national, 2017-2022 Federal Lease Sale Plan — and the Alaska component.

AOGA President, Kara oriarty

AOGA President, Kara Moriarty

Alaska Oil & Gas Association President Kara Moriarty (NGP Photo) said last month that, “It is good news that DOI’s proposal includes the same three sales offshore of Alaska (Beaufort, Chukchi, and Cook Inlet) that were in the draft plan. These proposed sales retain future opportunities, and reflect a rejection of demands that DOI prohibit OCS oil and gas development adjacent to Alaska and in the Arctic. Nevertheless, we are receiving mixed messages from the federal government….

Last week, we provided a call to action by the Alaska Chapter of Consumer Energy Alliance.

We also link readers to the Resource Development Council for Alaska web page dealing with the hearings before us, which seek comments on the draft, programmatic environmental impact statement.

The Alaska Support Industry Alliance urges Alaskans to, “…make sure the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) doesn’t remove Alaska’s Outer Continental Shelf from development opportunities like they have done to other regions. Show your support for the industry and Alaska at the hearings on the 5 year lease plan.”

The Alaska State Chamber of Commerce places a priority on Federal land and OCS access to resource development: “The Alaska Chamber strongly supports oil and gas exploration and production in Alaska’s federal areas; including the Beaufort Sea, Chukchi Sea, NPRA, Cook Inlet, and the 10-02 area of ANWR.”

(We believe that among the Alliance, RDC, State Chamber, Consumer Energy Alliance and the Alaska State Chamber are represented the overwhelming majority of private sector companies and employees who support both themselves, public sector services and non-profit organization activities.  Accordingly, every Alaskan should pay close attention to the counsel offered by these critical organizations.  -dh)


 


 

More Job Losses In Alberta….

Calgary Herald by Jeremy van Loon (Bloomberg).

After almost two years of sinking oil prices and at least 40,000 job cuts, Canada’s petroleum industry still isn’t finished tackling its bloated operations.

The next round of layoffs has already begun with Cenovus Energy Inc. and Murphy Oil Corp. announcing workforce reductions last week. Ongoing cuts by Suncor Energy Inc., Encana Corp. and others will likely result in thousands more jobs lost by the end of the year as the Canadian industry shaves billions worth of spending in order to continue operating in one of the world’s most expensive oil-producing regions.

“It will probably take another six months before some of the bloated staffing levels are tackled,” said Todd Hirsch, chief economist at ATB Financial in Calgary. “Many of these companies are getting employment levels down to the bare bones and over the spring and summer there will be more layoffs.”

Crude that averaged about $90 US a barrel over five years before starting to collapse in June 2014 supercharged oilsands investment in northern Alberta, where the break-even costs from existing operations are the highest in the world, according to consultancy Rystad Energy. Some companies including Encana will have reduced their workforces to about half their peak levels when they’re done.

Spending Cuts

The largest 27 Canadian producers are set to spend 32 per cent less on average….  (more)