Issuu

NEWS

The Voice of the Gas and Oil Industry

June 2021

2020 O&G Reclamation Award winners named The Gas and Oil Association of WV (GO-WV), in conjunction with the West Virginia DEP Office of Oil and Gas, is pleased to congratulate the winners of the Reclamation Awards for oil and natural gas wells that were drilled between December 1, 2019, and November 30, 2020. Due to ongoing pandemic issues, these will be awarded during the GO-WV 2022 Winter Meeting. Winners were divided into four categories based on the number of wells drilled during the time period. Category One (30 permits or greater with a mandatory score of 87-99) 1st Place - Tug Hill Operating, LLC 2nd Place - SWN Production Company, LLC 3rd Place - Antero Resources Corporation Category Two (15 to 29 permits with a mandatory score of 90-99)

1st Place - Northeast Natural Energy LLC 2nd Place - Jay-Bee Oil & Gas, Inc. Category Three (six to 14 permits with a mandatory score of 92-99) 1st Place - Chevron Appalachia, LLC 2nd Place - Chesapeake Bob Radabaugh Appalachia, LLC Chair, Safety & 3rd Place -HG Energy II ApEnvironmental palachia, LLC Committee 4th Place - XTO Energy Inc. Category Four (one to five permits with a mandatory score of 95-99) 1st Place - CNX Gas Company LLC 2nd Place - HG Energy, LLC 3rd Place - Triad Hunter, LLC

Bring the family and join your friends for the 2021 GO-WV Summer Meeting at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. You won’t want to miss the excellent lineup of speakers during the industry presentations on Monday and Tuesday. The fun of GO-WV’s Annual Summer Meeting takes place August 1-3 and you won’t want to miss the good times awaiting you! Sporting events begin Sunday and just keep going! Golf tee times are available Sunday morning from 11:06 a.m. to 12:06 p.m. on the Greenbrier Course and Monday on the Meadows Course from 11:17 a.m. to 12:07 p.m. The shotgun-start golf tournament will take place on the Old White course Tuesday, August 3, beginning at 12:30 p.m. To sign up for the tournament, please contact Hill Herrick at (304) 536-4909 or hill_herrick@greenbrier.com.

INSIDE

2 Thomas Westfall 3 Mark Clark 4 Charlie Burd 5 Michael Forbes 6 Time Bigler 7 Greg Kozera 8 Thomas Downs 9 GO-WV license plate application 10 Kathy Hill 11 Industry Events 12 Stacie Miller 18-19 Summer Meeting forms

Monday begins with the men’s and women’s doubles tennis tournament from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Tennis Club. The mixed doubles tennis tournament takes place from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday afternoon. The Trap & Skeet Tournament will take place at The Maribeth Anderson Greenbrier Gun Club on Co-Vice President Kate’s Mountain. Shooting and Program Chair times are available Monday has 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Practice times will be available on Sunday. Please call (800) 624-6070 to make practice and tournament reservations. Summer Meeting Continued on page 17

Thomas Westfall GO-WV Co-President

West Virginia: Taking its place as the energy leader West Virginia is wonderful state. It is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, admired for its majestic mountain beauty, sought after for it unmatched recreational amenities, and home to the most friendly and genuine people in the country. With all these wonderful qualities and attributes, why is it that what we most frequently hear about are those things that shed a negative light on doing business or 2021 OFFICERS living here? We can acknowledge there are some natural constraints and things that make it difficult for some businesses. These include Presidents: our hilly terrain, our many rivers and streams, our low population Ben Sullivan/Thomas Westfall density, and such things as limited access to venture capital or Angel Vice Presidents: Funds to assist new or existing businesses. Maribeth Anderson/Jeff Isner However, in many cases the things that make it more difficult to Secretary: live and do business in West Virginia can actually be advantages and Jason Harshbarger make us more immune to problems faced by other parts of the counTreasurers: try. Kelly Moss/Jim Pritt • We have seen a great and very positive response to Covid and lower overall impacts due to the low population density. BOARD MEMBERS • We have a varied terrain and that reduces our catastrophic climate John Bane, EQT Corp. impacts. Jim Crews, MPLX • We also have a very diverse set of infrastructure with many sysCarrie Crumpton, CNX Resources tems linked, but not completely dependent on large transmission Ryan Cunningham, Cunningham systems, electric grids, specific generators, transportation issues, Energy etc. Doug Douglass, ConServ Inc. • We have a very diverse work force and independent citizens who Kevin Ellis, Antero Resources give our state resilience and strength that many areas simply do Jon Farmer, Arsenal Resources not have. Michael Forbes, Greylock Energy Marc Halbritter, Blue Racer Midstream • Our geography puts us very close to most of the country’s popuDavid Haney, E&H Manufacturing lation and provides us the with opportunity to be a manufacturing Holly Hannold, XTO and distribution hub without the congestion and downside of large Jon Hildreth, Roy G. Hildreth & Son metropolitan areas. Paul Hunter, Williams • And our geology places us directly on top of the two most prolific Brittany LaPorta, TC Energy natural gas shale formations in the world. Rhett Metz, Energy Transfer Given the recent issues that the Midwest has encountered with Christine Mitchell, Dominion Energy weather impacts and compromised energy grids, as well as the impact Michael Poole, Highlands Drilling that the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack has had on large markets, it may Bob Radabaugh, S&R Gas Ventures be time to focus on the diversity that our state offers. The focus on Mark Veltri, Crestwood Mistream energy infrastructure should be placed on improving its security and Eric Vir, Northeast Natural Energy independence. Chris Weikle, SWN Things that have challenged the state and its business and commerce Member Emeritus: in the past may very well become some of its bestselling points in the Ben Hardesty, Alta Energy future. As business leaders and citizens of West Virginia we need to Lloyd Jackson, Jackson Management explore how these things can now been seen as advantages and deBob Orndorff, Dominion Energy Energy leader Continued on page 13

Mark Clark Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC

CWA Section 404 reissuance of Nationwide Permit 12 under fire As reported in the November 2020 issue of IOGA News, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ("Corps") proposed to reissue its existing Nationwide Permits ("NWPs") which authorize certain activities under §404 of the Clean Water Act and §10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. The Corps did reissue 16 NWPs on January 13, 2021, just days before the Trump Administration term concluded on Inauguration Day. Those reissued NWPs became effective on March 15, 2021. NWP 12 was one of the reissued NWPs which is very helpful to oil and gas operators, particularly in the context of pipeline construction projects. The NWPs allow projects to proceed more quickly and at less cost than if an individual 404 permit is required. The Corps explained that one rationale for reissuing NWP 12 was to address the problems identified by the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana in Northern Plains Resource Council et al. v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, No. 4:19-cv-00044 (D. Mont.), appeal pending, No. 20-35412 (9th Cir.) where the Court ruled that the Corps violated the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by failing to undertake programmatic ESA Section 7 consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to consider the cumulative adverse environmental effects of discharges on protected species and their critical habitat. The Court concluded NWP 12 to be unlawful and remanded it to the Corps for compliance with the ESA. A stay of that decision to prohibit the use of NWP 12, except for its application to the Keystone XL pipeline, was issued by the U.S. Supreme Court on July 6, 2020. Not surprisingly, on May 3, 2021, the Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club, Montana Environmental Information Center, Friends of the Earth and Waterkeeper Alliance, Inc. (collectively the "Plaintiffs"), filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana challenging the legality of NWP 12. The Plaintiffs assert that "NWP 12 provides a streamlined pro-

cess to permit oil and gas pipelines to cross rivers, streams, and wetlands. Projects using NWP 12 may proceed without undergoing the comprehensive environmental review ordinarily required by Section 404(a) of the Clean Water Act, and there is no opportunity for public involvement when projects are approved under NWP 12." The Plaintiffs argue that by reissuing NWP 12, the "Corps allows oil and gas pipelines to use NWP 12 repeatedly for each water crossing along a project’s length, with no limit to the number of times a pipeline can use NWP 12 or the total number of acres of wetlands that a project can impact. NWP 12 thereby allows the Corps to artificially treat large interstate pipeline projects as hundreds or even thousands of separate 'single and complete projects' to avoid the more transparent and thorough individual permit process required by Section 404, which includes public notice and comment and an analysis of the project’s overall impacts and alternatives pursuant to NEPA and the CWA. This use of NWP 12 causes more than minimal direct and cumulative adverse environmental effects in violation of CWA Section 404(e)." The Plaintiffs go on to site the use of NWP 12 in major projects such as the Keystone XL pipeline, the Mountain Valley pipeline, the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (referred to as "now defunct") and the Dakota Access pipeline in support of its argument that NWP 12 will be used thousands of times to construct pipelines in waterbodies across the country, resulting in harm to rivers, streams, wetlands, and the wildlife and communities that rely on those waters. In contrast to the prior four years when the Trump Administration would vigorously defend its rulemaking, it is not clear whether the Biden Administration will defend the reissuance of NWP 12 at all. The Biden Administration has made its Section 404 under fire Continued on page 13

Charlie Burd GO-WV Executive Director

From the Burd’s Nest: For granted, or with gratitude “When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” Once spoken by the English writer and philosopher, Gilbert Chesterton (b. May 1874, d. June 1936), how prophetic are these words today, some eighteen months or more onto a global pandemic that has reeked inconceivable horror, both medically and economically? On Tuesday, February 19, 2020, then-IOGA held its regular in-person monthly Board of Director meeting at the Holiday Inn-Morgantown, hosted by Jon Farmer, Arsenal Resources. Under my watch as executive director, this was my 212th such meeting. It came and went with little fanfare. The Board formed its Nominating Committee, we were one month and 41 applications into our newly awarded industry license plate application process, we were anxiously planning our STEM Teachers event, two CPR and first aid training courses in collaboration with WVONGA and the West Virginia Manufacturing Association and defensive driving safety seminars through the WVU Safety Extension Service. Things were moving forward as if nothing was amiss. As we most always do, we were taking all aspects of our lives for granted--the March in-person meeting would be in Charleston. By the time IOGA’s March 18, 2020 Board meeting rolled around, the world was becoming a much different and scarier place. The March meeting was held via conference call, the staff would begin working remotely effective March 20 as a precaution following the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and IOGA initiated its first office safety protocols in compliance with CDC and Gubernatorial executive orders. Though remotely, we were grateful that we could still meet. In the spring of 2020, our world changed. Little did we know then just how these initial inconveniences would become our long-term game plan. At the IOGA office, we had to make it work, while at the same time protecting ourselves. We implemented the recommended safety protocols

and accepted the obligation to the keep the office open and the Association functional. Each employee agreed to work one day a week in the office. We learned the world of ZOOM and remote work. It was odd at first, but got better over time and we were able to avoid a workforce reduction. At this same time, we discovered there were many things we took for granted that could no longer be considered a guarantee. There were shortages of hundreds of the most common of household commodities and dramatic shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the U.S. and around the world. With the inability to access everything from toilet paper to masks, and ventilators to care for the sick, we found out just how much we had become reliant on others to produce the things most needed, wanted or crucial to our survival. We took those commodities for granted. In fact, in September 2020, Forbes magazine reported that China accounted for more than 85% of all U.S. imports in the category dominated by N-95 respirators, disposable and non-disposable face masks, surgical drapes and surgical towels. America struggled to meet its needs. As an industry, we can all take great pride in the fact that we kept the natural gas and oil flowing. What we do is also very much taken for granted. Through it all, and in the worst of times, our work, and our energy sources allowed millions to awake to a warm house, hit that switch on the wall to turn night into day, get a hot shower, get dressed, cook meals, grab a home-brewed coffee, and then head out the door to work--in a vehicle reliant upon motor fuels made from petroleum. As I reflect, it seems a bit apparent that we live in a world where people have become so accustomed to the comforts provided through the modern development and distribution of oil and natural gas, that many no longer associate them with being a fossil fuel energy source. They are both taken for granted and with unknowing gratBurd’s Nest

Continued on page 14

Michael Forbes Membership Chair

GO-WV Board welcomes five new members in May Please join the GO-WV Board of Directors in welcoming these members approved in May: Clark, Fred D. Fred Clark 1439 First Avenue, South Nitro, WV 25143 Phone: (304) 768-4307 Cell: (304) 483-5310 Fax: (304) 768-5596 fred.clark@ivsgroup.com

What makes us different is what makes you better. Specialists in a broad array of

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Charleston New Castle Bridgeport Pittsburgh Buckhannon Meadville ohio actcpas.com Morgantown Columbus 800.924.0729

oil and gas tax, assurance, accounting, revenue, and consulting services.

Arnett Carbis Toothman

RET

Iconic Air Kyle Gillis 2156 University Avenue Morgantown, WV 26505 Phone: (304) 780-2391 Cell: (304) 780-2391 Kyle@iconicair.io

PRO

J F Deem Oil and Gas LLC Ronald Nutt 4541 Emerson Ave., Apt. 1 Parkersburg, WV 26104 Phone: (304) 428-0005 Cell: (304) 588-2610 Fax: (304) 428-1081 jfdeemoilandgas@zoominternet.net

POP

Mountaineer Infrastructure, LLC Matt Evans 150 Excavation Lane Dryfork, WV 26263 Phone: (304) 866-4953 Cell: (304) 704-0138 Fax: (304) 866-4329 sonym@mountaineerinfrastructure.com

ISP

Three Point Strategies, LLC Ben Beakes PO Box 7058 Charleston, WV 25356 Phone: (304) 993-8917 Cell: (304) 993-8917 ben@3pswv.com www.3pswv.com

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Greg Kozera Learned Leadership LLC

All about the money? Not for our volunteers! We’ve been through another flood within the last few months. My heart goes out to people impacted. Cleaning up after one of these events is daunting. Having a house full of mud and water is unimaginable. In the middle of this tragedy we see some of the best in Americans, people stepping up to help their neighbors and total strangers in their time of need. Some risked their own lives in water rescues. Others helped with the cleanup or stepped up with hot meals and donations. Americans volunteered their time, talent and money to help those in need. After the 2016 floods our high school soccer team volunteered as part of the clean-up, distribution of food and cleaning supplies to those impacted. People drove hundreds of miles to help. They showed up at the distribution center and reported to the State Policewoman in charge with the question, “Where can we help?” She put them to work. Trucks showed up from out of state full of much needed donated supplies. Our church was near the flood area and became a place for volunteers to stay. Parishioners made sure they were well fed. Churches from hundreds of miles away sent needed supplies to our church not knowing where else to send them. We were able to redirect them to other churches in the flood area for distribution. Volunteers were working long hours to help those in need. That is what Americans do. Growing up, our parents taught us the importance of giving. Both my parents came from large families. When one of our relatives was moving, everyone showed up to help. Our pay was fellowship and good food when we finished. My dad was a carpenter and did a lot of work for people in poor neighborhoods who couldn’t afford to pay. They were always grateful and fed us well. The tradition of giving continues in our family today. When Lynnda and I bought out first house, it needed a roof. My five brothers drove from Pittsburgh to Michigan to put it on. They were the brains since most are in construction. I

was a laborer. All of our children grew up with the mindset of service to others. They continue to volunteer and are an example to their children and others. From my experience in the oil and industry, volunteerism is the norm even from field people who work long hours. Helping others is the right thing to do. Companies give money and time to the communities they are in, not for publicity because there was little. Many times, only the people directly involved know. When I was the Virginia Oil & Gas Association (VOGA) President things like volunteer hours and projects took some effort to assemble. We had several companies working together to bring elk back to southwest Virginia. This was a major project that, as VOGA President, I just happened to hear about at one of our meetings. The individuals involved didn’t think it was a big deal. For them it was just the right thing to do. They weren’t worried about publicity. There is now a large and thriving herd of elk on a reclaimed coal strip mine of over 2000 acres full of producing natural gas wells that were all “fracked.” This was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up to show the public a different side of our industry. I have toured the property. Elk wasn’t the only animal thriving; so were deer and other wildlife including birds. Audubon Society folks are now seeing a variety of birds they haven’t seen in this area for years. The project has won a number of conservation awards. I worked in the Columbia Gas Building in Charleston on a project for several years. I learned early on you didn’t want to be coming into the building at 4:30 p.m. because everyone was rushing out. I assumed they were in a hurry to get home. What I learned was many were hurrying to their volunteer work. They were Junior Achievement volunteers, helping children to read, coaching sports teams and many other things. They didn’t get paid. They did it because they had Not about the money Continued on page 13

Thomas Downs WeatherBELL Analytics

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Our Summer 2021 forecast calls for warmer than normal conditions throughout most of the U.S., though it could be a little cooler than shown in the gray area if thunderstorms go over the same areas. June is likely to start off cool in Texas and the areas that have gotten so much rain in recent weeks. Typically, those places reverse for July into August, but there is no guarantee because of the active tropical season we are expecting. Areas along the East Coast that have been dry may fry for a time, but a tropical moisture plume can get entrained at any time later in the summer. The greatest chances for above normal temperatures and the warmest departures from normal are in the High Plains.

GO-WV License Plate Application DMV-54-GO Rev 05/21

West Virginia Department of Transportation

Division of Motor Vehicles

1-800-642-9066 dmv.wv.gov

Application for a Gas & Oil Association of WV License Plate PLATE SAMPLE

A) Applicant/Owner(s) Information ·

Use Name(s) of Owner(s) as shown exactly on current registration card that you wish to register the license plate.

Applicant’s Name Name(s) on Registration Street Address STATE

CITY

ZIP

B) B) Vehicle Vehicle Information Information Year

Make

Title No. Current Plate No.

VIN No.

C) Insurance Information

Effective Dates of Policy From:

To:

Policy No.

Insurance Company NAIC Number

Insurance Agent

D) Applicant Certification I certify that all information on this application is true and correct and if I cease to be in good standing with the above organization, I will immediately return the special license plate to the Division of Motor Vehicles.

(X) SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT

DATE

Phone No. (

)

E) Application Information 1. Anyone is eligible to apply for a Gas & Oil Association of WV license plate. 2. A vehicle must be Class A and have a West Virginia title and license plate in the name of the applicant before a special plate can be issued. 3. The current license plate must be returned to the Division of Motor Vehicles after the special plate is received. After issuance of the special plate, the exchanged plate is canceled and cannot be transferred to another vehicle. There are no refunds. 4. A $91.50 fee will cover the cost of the license plate for the 1st year or a portion of the 1st year. This is a flat fee for all applicants and is not prorated. This plate will expire on July 1st every year and have a renewal fee of $66.50. 5. Send the application and the $91.50 check or money order payable to Gas & Oil Association of WV at the address listed below. Please include your personal property tax receipt or an affidavit from the assessor if your registartion is expiring within 60 days of your application. Gas & Oil Association of WV c/o Charlie Burd 300 Summers St. Suite 820 Charleston, WV 25301 *** OFFICE USE ONLY BELOW THIS LINE OFFICE STAFF INSTRUCTIONS: Insert the plate numbers on the plate diagram to the left and submit this form to the WV DMV for recording and processing. Be sure to retain a copy for your records.

Kathy Hill Ergon

Monthly Appalachian Basin crude oil prices

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Industry Events

Various upcoming events planned for 2021 June 7, 2021 GO-WV Spring Swing Golf Outing Berry Hills Country Club Charleston, WV Info: www.gowv.com June 7, 2021 Ted Cranmer Memorial Golf Outing/Steak Fry Wanango Country Club Reno, PA Info: www.PIOGA.org > Events June 7-8, 2021 WVMA: MMDC Waterfront Place, Morgantown, WV Info: www.wvma.org June 9, 2021 WV Land & Mineral Owners Assoc. Spring Meeting Adventures on the Gorge Fayetteville WV Info: www.wvlmoa.com/ June 21-23, 2021 OOGA Spring Meeting Columbus, OH Info: www.ooga.org August 1-3, 2021 GO-WV Summer Meeting The Greenbrier White Sulphur Springs, WV Info: www.gowv.com August 19, 2021 24th Annual Divot Diggers Golf Outing Tam O’Shanter Golf Club Hermitage, PA Info: www.PIOGA.org > Events September 1-3, 2021 WV Chamber Summit The Greenbrier White Sulphur Springs, WV Info: www.wvchamber.com

September 15-16, 2021 2021 PIOGA Annual Meeting/Sports Outing Locaation TBA Info: www.PIOGA.org > Events September 17-18, 2021 GO-WV Sports Weekend Bridgeport Country Club/Mountaineer Field Bridgeport, WV/Morgantown, WV Info: www.gowv.com September 20, 2021 BHE GT&S Annual Charity Golf Outing Pete Dye Golf Course Clarksburg, WV Info: gina.m.palmer@dominionenergy.com September 23, 2021 SOOGA Fall Trade Show ESB Community Building Marietta, OH Info: www.sooga.org September 28-30, 2021 Shale Insight Conference Bayfront Convention Center Erie, PA Info: https://marcelluscoalition.org/shale-insight/

Register NOW! GO-WV Summer Meeting August 1-3, 2021 The Greenbrier Room reservations are open, and they’re going fast. Make your reservation TODAY by calling 855-453-4858, Option 2

Staci Miller WVU Industrial Extension

GO-WV continues positive collaboration with WVU-IE to help industry reach full potential The WVU Industrial Extension (WVUIE) is West Virginia’s official representative of the NIST/MEP National Network, a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions to U.S. manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing. WVU Industrial Extension, also known as the WV Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), helps WV manufacturers reach their full potential by providing the insight and education they need to stay profitable in global markets, expand and grow their business, and retain WV talent to strengthen the state’s economy. WVUIE functions as a unit of the Mining and Industrial Extension Service within the West Virginia University Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources with a central office located at the University in Morgantown, West Virginia. WVU Industrial Extension (WVUIE) is one of fifty-one centers nationwide fulfilling this mission to sustain, grow, and build a stronger manufacturing community. They work closely with other MEP centers to connect suppliers and manufacturers, benchmark and share lessons learned, and support one another across state lines when needed. Through a long-standing partnership with GOWV, the WVUIE proudly supports the oil and gas producers in WV to promote and sustain the industry. The relationship with GO-WV is so important that Executive Director, Charlie Burd, serves on the Industrial Extension’s Advisory Board to ensure that the link between both organizations remains strong. With a small team of skilled professionals, WVUIE provides hands-on consulting services to small and medium sized manufactures statewide. Consultants are located in remote offices around the state, have a combined 120+ years of industry experience, and work directly with customers. In addition to utilization of a strong consulting team, WVUIE partners with the WV Development

Office, economic development associations, and other industry agencies who share the mission of attracting, growing and serving the manufacturing economy of the state. Consulting services are customized and developed for clients so that needs are met with a practical application that fits their business and leadership models. Services can be delivered on site to provide the most personal and customized service as possible. If the client does not have available space or resources, they can arrange facilities off site to accommodate the client.

Consulting support is offered in five key areas: Occupational Health & Safety; Management Systems; Continuous Improvement; Workforce & Leadership; and Innovation & Growth. Occupational health and safety services include education and training to support regulatory programs to reduce risk, injury, and illness; maintain compliance; and avoid fines and penalties. Support is provided for common challenges such as confusion over regulatory obligations, missing or obsolete programs, insufficient training programs and understanding noise and air exposure limits. Training can be delivered for every general labor OSHA requirement including fire extinguisher training, hazard communication, recordkeeping, etc. WVUIE can customize written safety programs, are certified to conduct OSHA-10 Hour GO-WV WVUIE collaborating Cont. on page 16 • • • • •

Not about the money

Continued from page 7

talents and time they were willing to share. You may not be aware of the oil and gas companies in our region who at Christmas last year donated money to the less fortunate. Their employees also donated money they normally would have spent on Christmas parties so others could have meals. Whenever there was a public hearing on an oil and gas issue the “antis” would show up in force. One of their standard lines was, “It’s all about the money.” I would laugh because they had no clue. Oil and gas is not alone. American industry is learning what the workers who are out volunteering always knew. We need to take care of people and the communities where we work and live. We don’t always hear about the good things people and companies do. There are far more people volunteering and helping others than are stealing or committing violent crimes. We know the lead story on the news is rarely about volunteerism. The pandemic has been with us for over a year now. We have heard only a few of the many stories of people helping others. Young people delivered groceries and medications to older people who couldn’t get out. Others donated and delivered groceries to people in need. Some people led on-line programs during the lockdowns to give people joy, entertainment and social interaction. We can all probably think of many acts of kindness and giving during the pandemic. People are voluntarily donating their time, talent and money to help others. I am privileged to work with a giving group of successful business and community leaders at Shale Crescent USA. They volunteer countless hours to the mission of bringing high wage jobs back to our region and raising the standard of living for the people who live here. They all are leaders on their “day jobs” that demand their attention. Somehow, they find a way to do both. They are passionate about the mission of Shale Crescent USA. Lynnda, my wife, says it best, “You are consumed by (the mission of) Shale Crescent.” Maybe that is why we are seeing success. We have a generational opportunity to change people’s lives in a very positive way. In these challenging times it is easy to think of all that is wrong. It is easy to overlook all that is right with America, the gas and oil industry

and communities. Americans are giving, caring people. Our communities are full of people who willingly volunteer their time and talents. They don’t get paid. Many give their own money to the causes they volunteer for. Most don’t look for or want recognition. They do what they do because they can and it is the right thing to do. We are blessed to be surrounded by giving people. They deserve our appreciation. Thank a volunteer today. For them it’s not about the money.

Energy leader

Continued from page 2

veloped into opportunities. We need to maximize our local manufacturing and utilization of our vast natural resources and be the leaders of clean and responsible energy for all manufacturing. Not only do we have the opportunity to grow West Virginia’s energy infrastructure, but also to control its vulnerability, to the benefit of its citizens and surrounding markets.

Section 404 under fire Continued from page 3 position on environmental protection quite clear and is likely to support more expansive consultation between agencies. The result would be to slow the process of pipeline project approval and significantly increase the cost of obtaining the necessary permit authorizations. This challenge to NWP 12 and the Biden Administration response to that challenge is just a portion of the ongoing difficulties for the oil and gas industry with the transition from the Trump Administration to the Biden Administration. We will continue to watch this lawsuit and other regulatory developments and keep you advised. If you questions regarding the challenge to NWP 12, please contact Mark Clark at MClark@Spilmanlaw.com, Joseph Unger at JUnger@Spilmanlaw. com, or Dave Yaussy at DYaussy@Spilmanlaw. com.

Burd’s Nest

Continued from page 4

itude. It’s only when they are not available that they become conspicuous by their absence. So just as we are recovering from the worst pandemic in modern history, we are presented with the additional challenge of the apparent and systematic elimination of oil and natural gas. But please consider this: the development of natural gas and petroleum brought us out of the dark ages and into and through the industrial revolution. Natural gas fuels power generation, hundreds of differing industrial applications and thousands of various everyday products including all plastics, synthetics, processed metals, furniture, food, medicines, sanitation products, cosmetics, antibiotics, automobiles and auto parts. The proposed elimination of fossil fuels takes us backwards 200 years. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, more than 90 percent of the energy we use comes from fossil fuels and nuclear power. So maybe before we embrace public policies and campaigns that could eliminate 90 percent of our energy, perhaps we should consider that solar panels and wind turbines only make one thing: electricity, then only on a part-time basis! Moreover, while the construction and use of solar panels and wind turbines is reliant upon natural gas and oil, they also rely on an array of rare earth

minerals for not only wind turbine magnets, but also solar cells, smartphone components and cells used in electric vehicles. Here is the part most troubling: according to the U.S. Geological Survey, in 2019, China was responsible for 80% of rare earths imports to the U.S. In addition, just as in PPE shortages encountered with the COVID-19 crisis, the chances of embargoes related to rare earth metal reserves and supply chains also exist. And finally, the recycling of rare earth materials is challenging because once embedded in devices, they are difficult to take out and landfilling is considered an environmental hazard. My point is this: In a very tragic kind of way, it seems sometimes things must become scarce or even disappear before their value is fully realized and appreciated. Maybe it is because we’ve been blessed with so much affordable and reliant energy from oil and natural gas for so long that we think little about it. Sadly, like what happened in the mid-1970’s, it may take us awaking to dramatic shortages and much higher prices to make us grateful for what we now have: energy independence as a nation, and that is something that should never be taken for granted!

SAVE the DATE! GO-WV Summer Meeting August 1-3, 2021

GO-WV WVUIE collaborating Continued from page 12

and 30 Hour General Industry Training, conduct mock OSHA inspections and help with emergency response programs. Management system services include development of systems for managing people and processes to support quality, environmental, cyber or business in general. Support includes the development of a new system, upgrading to changing standards, conducting internal audits and assessments, delivering auditor team training with root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies, on-boarding new leadership, and improvement of risk and opportunity processes. WVUIE has capabilities in ISO 9001; IATF 16949; and ISO 14001. Workforce and leadership includes development of business processes to grow leaders, retain employees and mature organizational culture. To overcome challenges such as ineffective leadership, poor communication, high employee turnover, and need for improved training, in-house and third-party resources are used to support clients. Training and technical assistance includes leadership training and development, leadership on-boarding, culture surveys, personnel assessments, succession planning, career path development, and strategic planning. Workforce also includes development of standard operating procedures job instruction training. Continuous improvement services include the identification and implementation of opportunities for increased productivity and improved performance. Through process assessments, value stream mapping, key performance indicator development and awareness training the lean principles are introduced. Additional services include time studies and process evaluations, 5S and workplace organization, plant layout review, maintenance systems support, failure mode effect analysis and Six Sigma Greenbelt training. Innovation and growth services include assistance with the development of formal processes and identification of tangible solutions to grow a customer’s business either through product development or marketing. Innovation and growth services include product development and product design, computer aided drafting, 3D modeling and a suite of Industry 4.0 services including process simulation, additive manufacturing, automation

and robotics, augmented reality, and big data and analytics. It also includes strategic planning and marketing analysis. Projects completed by WVUIE are surveyed through an independent third-party firm that is managed by the Federal Department of Commerce (NIST – National Institute for Standards & Technology) who provides the cooperative agreement with the nationwide MEP centers. The impacts from project work are used to determine the success of the MEP and to compare impacts across the national network. These surveys are critical to ensuring that the funding provided to the national network is used to create positive changes in manufacturing. WVUIE focuses on the aspects of projects that can improve and retain sales, identify new markets through innovative products and services and identify opportunities to streamline processes to save costs. WVUIE prides itself on providing personalized customer service that promote healthy manufacturing operations, educating and developing leaders, creating opportunities for greater success, and reducing operational risk. By bringing solutions to manufacturers, they are committed to building an even greater economy for WV. To the WVUIE, it’s not just business. It’s personal.

Summer Meeting

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Industry presentations and business sessions will take place on Monday and Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Eisenhower Room. Guest speakers will include leaders from both industry and government. For those not golfing, learn about the sport of croquet or play along with other experts on The Greenbrier’s beautiful croquet courts with views of the mountains and the spectacular Greenbrier landscape. For your convenience, boxed lunches will be provided to all croquet enthusiasts. Enjoy your meal at your leisure at the croquet venue, as well as an assortment wines and beers for your enjoyment! We will meet at 11:00 a.m. at the Croquet Court (across from the Chapel). You will return to the rest of your day’s activities by 1:00 p.m. The fee for this special event is $150 per person. Our social events will be spectacular, beginning with the Sunday evening western-themed welcome reception and banquet atop Kate’s Mountain. Come enjoy our traditional buffet of lobster and filet mignon. The Josh Stewart Band will be providing entertainment for this popular comfortable and casual event. Monday evening features dinner on your own. Following dinner, wear your GO-WV badge and head to the casino for our After Dinner Reception at 8:30 p.m. The Casino Night fun will feature a private GO-WV bar and the opportunity to enjoy an evening of your favorite casino games. Music and dancing are also available. Your Summer Meeting adventure concludes Tuesday evening with an awards reception at the Outdoor Pool from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Caribbean dinner will follow the awards reception, also at the Outdoor Pool, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. This special evening will conclude with music and dancing! GO-WV will be adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines as shared by the CDC, the State of West Virginia and The Greenbrier relatings to wearing masks and practicing social distancing. Please call Jessica Dowdy at (304) 536-1110 ext. 4943 or jessica.dowdy@greenbrier.com to make your room reservation by June 25. Summer Meeting registration is open online at www.gowv.com. You can also use the forms on pages 18 and 19. See you there!

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GO-WV Summer Meeting Sponsor Form

2021 GO-WV Summer Meeting Sponsorship Form

August 1-3, 2021 | The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV

_________________________________________________________________________________________ Company Name Contact Person ____________________________________________________________________________________ Address City State Zip _______________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone Email

Sponsorship opportunities:

______ Elite Event Sponsor above $5,000 (call for availability) • Banner hung at sponsored event • Specific signage at sponsored event • Listing on Elite Sponsor board • Logo and name listed in event PowerPoint presentation • Logo listed in event program, web site page and newsletter ______ Diamond Event Sponsor $5,000 • Banner hung at sponsored event • Specific signage at sponsored event • Listing on Diamond Sponsor board • Logo and name listed in event PowerPoint presentation • Logo listed in event program, web site page and newsletter ______ Platinum Sponsor $3,000 • Listing on Platinum Sponsor board • Logo and name listed in event PowerPoint presentation • Logo listed in event program, web site page and newsletter ______ Gold Sponsor $2,000 • Listing on Gold Sponsor board • Logo and name listed in event PowerPoint presentation • Logo listed in event program, web site page and newsletter ______ Silver Sponsor $1,000 • Listing on Silver Sponsor board • Logo and name listed in event PowerPoint presentation • Logo listed in event program, web site page and newsletter ______ Bronze Sponsor $500 • Listing on Bronze Sponsor board • Logo and name listed in event PowerPoint presentation • Logo listed in event program, web site page and newsletter Please return this form to GO-WV, address below, by July 12, 2021. Be sure to email a high resolution (300dpi minimum) version of your company’s color logo and a link to your web site to lmillersmith@gowv.com.

Thank you for your continued support!

GO-WV Summer Meeting Registration Form

2021 GO-WV Summer Meeting Registration Form

August 1-3, 2021 | The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV Please complete and return this form, along with your check, by July 12, 2021. Please type or print the information as you would like your badge to read.

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Name on Room Registration ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Company Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip, Telephone Early-bird Registration Fees (before July 12, 2021) A) Member (per person) $ 375.00 B) Member’s Spouse $ 225.00 C) Children Under 21 (if attending GO-WV events) $ 100.00 D) Children Over 21 $ 225.00

E) Kate’s Mountain Only F) Kate’s Mtn. Only, < 21 G) Non-Member (per person) H) Non-Member’s Spouse

$ 200.00 $ 100.00 $ 600.00 $ 350.00

Individuals with special needs (mobility, access, medical diet, etc.) should indicate specific needs in a letter attached to your registration form. Name as it should appear on badge

Circle one

Fee

____________________________________________

A B C D E F G H

$_________

____________________________________________

A B C D E F G H

$_________

____________________________________________

A B C D E F G H

$_________

____________________________________________

A B C D E F G H

$_________

____________________________________________

A B C D E F G H

$_________

Wicket Croquet Experience (for non-golfers)

$150

$_________

TOTAL

$_________

GO-WV • 300 Summer Street, Suite 820 • Charleston, WV 25301 Phone: 304-344-9867 • Fax: 304-344-5836 NO REFUNDS AFTER JULY 12, 2021 Golf Tee Times should be made directly with Hill Herrick: email hill_herrick@greenbrier.com or call 304-536-4909.

300 Summers Street, Suite 820 Charleston, WV 25301 Phone (304) 344-9867 Fax (304) 344-5836

GO-WV Members As USI Insurance Services, we bring over 25 years of industry experience, a proprietary risk analysis process and a local team all supported by the expertise of more than 4,500 professionals nationwide. Let us show you how the right plan and the right partner can help protect your company's people and physical assets.

Pete Thackston, Senior Vice President USI Insurance Services 418 8th Street, Suite 301, Huntington, WV 25701 304-638-7281 I Pete.Thackston@usi.comIwww.usi.com

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