API hosted its fifteenth hydraulic fracturing workshop on the oil and natural gas industry’s open and transparent process for developing recommended practices, industry standards and guidance documents for hydraulic fracturing, as well as the latest activities in the development of shale energy.
“ Many Americans are already aware that increased domestic oil and natural gas production as a result of hydraulic fracturing is putting hundreds of thousands of people to work, revitalizing local communities, and delivering added billions in revenues to state and federal governments ,” said API President and CEO Jack Gerard . “ This workshop highlights the industry’s commitment to safe and responsible production, and the ANSI-accredited process for developing standards and practices that cover every aspect of industry operations .”
Hydraulic fracturing is seen by many as a game-changing opportunity that can drive the nation’s energy future. It has spurred nationwide economic and energy gains.
“ The shale energy revolution is doing more than helping workers and the economies of several of our states ,” said Gerard. “ It’s also contributing to a tilt in the world’s energy axis towards the Western Hemisphere and toward the United States. This realignment could affect the global energy landscape and economy for the rest of the century .”
Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change Policy Heather Zichal was the conference’s keynote speaker. Also in attendance were numerous officials representing the administration and Congress, as well as state officials.
“ We are grateful that Heather Zichal and other government representatives were able to join us today ,” said Gerard. “ We must make sure that government leaders understand what’s at stake with energy from shale. ”
Since 1924, API has promoted standards and practices throughout the industry. Through these conferences, the organization is reaching out to regulators in Washington and in the many states where shale energy development is occurring to share knowledge and encourage best practices.
[mappress] LNG World News Staff, May 15, 2012