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IADC responds to US Senate hearing on BSEE Well Control Rule and Arctic Rule, urges further collaboration
On 1 December, IADC commented on the US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing with respect to discussions on both the well control rule and the Arctic rule from the US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE).
“At IADC, we welcome any opportunity to work collaboratively and constructively with BSEE and Director Brian Salerno, as we believe in the need for better, more efficient regulation. That is regulation that is fair, fit for purpose, practically implementable and affordable for our industry,” said Elizabeth Craddock, IADC Vice President, Policy and Government Affairs. “That is why we, along with our industry partners, have requested more collaboration with BSEE to ensure that this rule does result in the safety improvements intended, because as currently drafted, the rule could result in unintended consequences that lead to less safe drilling. These issues can be addressed, and we hope BSEE will make the changes needed.
“In addition, IADC appreciates Director Salerno’s comments that drilling in the Arctic can be done safely,” Ms Craddock continued. “As the agency moves forward with the final version of the Arctic rule, IADC encourages BSEE to put forth a rule that enables Arctic development.
“Oil and gas will continue to fuel our economy and the world’s economy for decades to come. IADC’s mission is to partner with regulators to craft common-sense regulations that protect workers and the environment, while also enabling robust development offshore. These goals are not mutually exclusive.”
“IADC thanks Sen. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) for holding the hearing and Sen. Bill Cassidy (La.), Cory Gardner (Colo.), John Barrasso (Wyo.) and John Hoeven (N.D.) for their participation and support of safe offshore drilling.”
IADC staff, members continue to advocate for clarifications to Texas Statewide Rule 13
IADC staff and a select team of contractor technical experts from Independence Contract Drilling, Patterson-UTI Drilling and Precision Drilling have continued to meet with Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) representatives in an ongoing effort to clarify certain provisions of RRC Statewide Rule 13.
Statewide Rule 13 is related to well control equipment used by onshore drilling rigs operating in the state of Texas.
The most recent deliberations were completed in early December, with the RRC agreeing to further examine clarifications applicable for onshore contractor compliance.
If accepted, the clarifications are estimated to be posted to the RRC website Rule 13 FAQ page early this year, with a similar posting in IADC media and publications.
