Today, we continue to mourn our loss of Bill Noll (Story Below) and take strength from his soldier training to, "Never Give Up".  In his case, he applied that credo to mostly energy activity in later years, wanting to help his fellow Alaskans continue to  survive and prosper in a challenging climate.  Adieu, friend; see you soon.  -dh

Eileen Sobeck, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Department of the Interior, co-chair of the National Ocean Council Ocean Resource Management Interagency Policy CommitteeWe recall last Friday night’s Ocean Policy meeting reluctantly, because it so symbolized the state of leadership in America today.  Your author testified as a former regulator and, as a service to our readers, we will at least provide a sketch here.  (more coming….)

On a lighter and more pleasant note, we recall meeting with friends,Congressman Don Young by Dave Harbour Friday night at Mary Ann Pease’s hillside home.  The food was delicious, the view spectacular and the company pleasant.  Congressman Don Young (NGP Photo) was the center of attention after hosting another favorite Congressman — Doc Hastings of Eastern Washington — on another tour of the state.  (more coming…)

Oil & Gas Journal: Groups seek ways for Cuba to gain access to US spill technology.  With a semisubmersible rig en route in a few more weeks to drill one of the first deepwater exploratory wells in Cuban waters sometime this fall, questions are being raised there and in the US whether trade embargo restrictions will deny Cuba and companies working there access to US spill control technology if an accident similar to the Macondo blowout occurs off Cuba.