RDC NEWS DIGEST

RDC opposes proposed rule to regulate carbon emissions under Clean Air Act

RDC submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) opposing proposed rulemaking on regulation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under the Clean Air Act (CAA). RDC said separate legislation should be pursued in Congress that addresses greenhouse gases directly, rather than using the CAA.

“Using the CAA to regulate carbon dioxide is much like using the Endangered Species Act listing of polar bears to regulate climate change,” RDC noted. “Neither is appropriate.”

RDC said GHG emission legislation should be based on sound environmental and economic principles within the context of U.S. energy needs and the national economy. Such legislation should be coordinated with other emitting nations to ensure this problem is addressed on a global scale and does not put American business at a competitive disadvantage. Otherwise, new regulations would likely result in unintended consequences, including a shift in emissions, and possibly production capacity, from the U.S. to other countries. This could result in a net increase in global emissions.

RDC urged EPA to conduct a comprehensive discussion of the impacts and costs of the program envisioned under the rulemaking. RDC said EPA must explain in clear terms the costs and benefits of the U.S. using the CAA to regulate greenhouse gases.

As currently proposed, the new regulations pose significant and untimely impacts to a weak domestic economy and will likely result in higher prices for energy, food, manufactured goods and transportation.

RDC supports proposed rule on interagency cooperation under ESA

In a letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, RDC expressed its support for a proposed rule on interagency cooperation under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

The proposed regulations are partly in response to a Gvoernment Accountability Office report in 2004 which found that despite improvements, the ESA consultation process “remained contentious between Services and action agencies.” The report noted that the consultation process remained “burdensome.”

The proposed rule would reduce the number of unnecessary consultations and maximize limited agency resources. Such action would improve the efficiency and the effectiveness of interagency consultations.

RDC agreed with the Service that “there is no requirement to consult on greenhouse gas emissions’ contribution to global warming and its associated impacts on list species,” including polar bears. The proposed regulations clarify that the ESA consultation process is not required for every federal action that may have greenhouse gas emissions. RDC said such a requirement goes far beyond the intent of the ESA and would have far-reaching implications for America’s economy and industries, ranging from oil and gas to agriculture and transportation. RDC noted it would result in far more consultations than current agency resources could sustain. Ultimately, such a requirement would impact the standard of living for most Americans, RDC said.

RDC comments on NPDES seafood permit

New regulations drafted in the proposed General Permit for offshore processors imposed stringent and overly burdensome requirements and monitoring regimes for the industry. In concurrence with the At-Sea Processors Association, RDC submitted a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency opposing the need for multiple discharge permits and excessive reporting requirements. RDC also addressed concerns regarding vessel safety and fishing strategy of this important industry. To view RDC’s complete comment letter, visit akrdc.org.

Big reserves of gas hydrates on North Slope

A new U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) assessment estimates that there are 85.4 trillion cubic feet (tcf ) of undiscovered, technically recoverable gas from natural gas hydrates on the North Slope. This would be enough to heat more than 100 million homes for 10 years. However, further research, including long-term production tests, is still needed to demonstrate gas hydrates as an economically producible resource.

The USGS estimates that the 85.4 tcf of gas accounts for 11.5 percent of the volume of gas within all other undiscovered, technically recoverable gas resources onshore and offshore the U.S. The North Slope is believed to contain 119 tcf of technically recoverable conventional natural gas, of which 75 tcf is believed to exist within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.

Pioneer Alaska receives award

On November 17 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) recognized Pioneer Natural Resources’ Oooguruk Development Project with the 2008 Chairman’s Stewardship Award in the Small Company category.

Since 2001, the IOGCC Chairman’s Stewardship Awards have represented one of the industry’s highest honors for exemplary efforts in environmental stewardship. The Alaska Oil & Gas Association nominated Oooguruk for IOGCC recognition.

Pioneer Alaska President Ken Sheffield, who accepted the award, said, “The Chairman’s Stewardship award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Pioneer team and to the focus Pioneer places on environmental responsibility. We are very proud to be recognized for our achievements in this area.”

With first production in June 2008, Oooguruk became the first field operated by an independent company on Alaska’s North Slope.

AMEREF: Moving forward in 2009

AMEREF is moving forward from successful fundraising at the Alaska Miners Association Convention in November with materials and training development in 2009. The addition, Education Director Delenora Grey will help grow the program and continue to provide Alaska’s students with the knowledge to make informed decisions relating to mineral, energy and forestry resources. Thank you to all the generous new and continuing sponsors of this program. For more information, visit ameref.org.

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