American Oil and Gas Reporter - March 2021 - 21

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Bipartisan Relationships
Remain An Integral Aspect
Of Successful Advocacy
With a small Democratic majority in the House of Representatives and an evenly split Senate, President Biden's climate
agenda has little margin for error. Working with Democrats in
both chambers has been a priority for the Independent Petroleum
Association of America's government relations staff and IPAA's
relationship with state associations, such as the Gas and Oil Association of WV (GO-WV), give independent producers a
strong voice at the local and federal levels.
In February, IPAA joined GO-WV to participate in a virtual
meeting with Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Chairman Joe Manchin, D-W.V., to discuss many issues facing
independent producers.
Manchin's remarks focused on his support for an " All of the
above " energy strategy that includes a robust domestic oil and
natural gas industry. The chairman further remarked that technology and innovation would be the keys to cleaner air, reduced
emissions and a thriving economy. It is also important, Manchin
stressed, to gather data to give policymakers and stakeholders a
clearer understanding of global emissions. After all, he said,
" It's not called North American climate change. It's called
global climate change. "
IPAA President and Chief Executive Officer Barry Russell
and GO-WV Executive Director Charlie Burd participated in the
wide-ranging conversation that also covered issue areas such as
industry tax treatments, federal lands policy, jobs and community
investment by independent producers. As chairman of the Senate
committee with the most impact on the industry and one of the
key swing votes on any Senate legislation, Manchin sits at the
center of energy policy and his vision for America's role in
global energy production as well as our national economy will
shape the debate on global energy for the next two years. Manchin
is keenly focused on identifying equitable solutions to benefit the
environment as well as the economy.
Manchin showcased his willingness to push on these issues
in the confirmation hearing for Biden's Department of Interior
Secretary nominee Representative Deb Haaland, D-N.M. In addition to asking questions about the administration's 60-day
leasing and permitting pause, and subsequent indefinite freeze
on federal lands leasing, Manchin highlighted the need to
improve current pipeline permitting processes to help reduce
methane emissions from public lands.
" The main thing is that we are going to need help on the permitting process, and I am asking you to work with us on that.
We need to make sure that we are not venting or flaring methane.
I think that will be tremendously helpful to our environment, "
Manchin told Haaland.
IPAA appreciates Senator Manchin and his staff taking the
time not only to discuss these issues, but also demonstrating
their ongoing willingness to work with independent producers
to identify real solutions that address environmental challenges
while continuing to provide good paying jobs to America's
energy workers.
We have a long history of working with both political parties

" It is also important, Manchin stressed, to
gather data to give policymakers and
stakeholders a clearer understanding of
global emissions. After all, he said, 'It's not
called North American climate change. It's
called global climate change.'

and searching for solutions to address issues facing our industry.
The IPAA Government Relations staff is meeting with Democrats
in both the House and Senate from oil producing states, including
New Mexico, Texas, Colorado and Montana, but also from
other states, such as Arizona. IPAA Vice President of Government
Relations Ryan Ullman has been working with the office of
Senator Kyrsten Sinema, D-Az., for several years and has
forged a good working relationship.
Our team met with the Biden transition team to discuss
methane regulation, highlighting that IPAA recognizes the need
for environmentally sound, cost-effective regulations to manage
industry emissions. We also requested a meeting with White
House National Climate Adviser Gina McCarthy and hope to
meet with her soon.
Meanwhile, IPAA continues to team with labor unions, including
North America's Building Trades Unions and Laborers' International
Union of North America to convey the negative impact of the administration's recent actions on workers and jobs.
We have much work to do in Congress and with regulatory
agencies, and no particular outcome is guaranteed. Importantly,
IPAA remains a trusted resource on both sides of the aisle to accurately inform the debate on climate, energy and the economy.
This places the association and its members at the center of the
debate on the issues facing the industry, and it gives IPAA the
reach to move quickly to respond to the numerous anti-industry
attacks launched in the initial weeks of the 117th Congress. We
expect there are more to come.
❒

JENNIFER PETT MARSTELLER

is senior director of public affairs
and communications for the Independent Petroleum Association of
America, and works closely with
IPAA's team to craft material on
issues affecting oil and gas producers. Prior to joining IPAA,
Pett served on the staff of Congressman Lamar Smith, R-Tx.
MARCH 2021 21

American Oil and Gas Reporter - March 2021

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