NEWS
The Voice of the Gas and Oil Industry
September 2021
Register now to attend 2021 Sports Weekend
Register now to join the fun at the 2021 GOWV Sports Weekend beginning on Friday, September 17, at Bridgeport Country Club. Activities begin at 8:00 a.m. with registration and breakfast at Bridgeport Country Club, sponsored by SLS Land & Energy Development. All registered participants will receive a GO-WV vest, sponsored by Apex Pipeline Services, Inc. The four-person scramble golf tournament features a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. at the Bridgeport Country Club course. The foursome fee, including registration, is $700 for members and $800 for nonmembers. Hole sponsorships are available for $1,000 and include registration, your foursome fee, signage at your hole and your logo on gowv.
com and in GO-WV News. Sporting clay arrangements have been made at “A Mountain Clays,” 1900 Meadowbrook Road, Bridgeport, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Your $175 per person fee includes registration and 100 rounds of sporting clays. Should you have any questions, please call Jeff Isner Lori Miller Smith directly at Co-Vice President (304) 344-9867. and Program Chair Lunch will be served following golf and sporting clays at the Bridgeport Sports Weekend Continued on page 22
O&G Festival Names 2021 Person of the Year Marc Halbritter has been named the 2021 Oil and Gas Person of the Year by the West Virginia Oil & Gas Festival board. In addition to being recognized during a luncheon on Saturday, September 18, Halbritter will serve as grand marshal of the traditional festival parade that afternoon. The 53rd annual West Virginia Oil & Gas Festival will take place September 16-18 in Sistersville. Attractions include oil and gas exhibits, entertainment, craft booths, demonstrating craftspeople and games. Marc Halbritter retired from Caiman Energy/ Blue Racer Midstream in March 2019 after serving for six years in a variety of roles including Senior Vice President of Business Development, Chief Marketing Officer and General Counsel. Prior to joining Blue Racer, he worked for several Dominion Energy subsidiaries in a number of different capacities. Upon his retirement, he formed Hydrocarbon Consulting and provides consulting services to a variety of clients and serves as of part of the RBN Energy Network. Marc holds
BS and law degrees from West Virginia University and has been conferred with a Doctorate of Humane Letters by West Virginia Wesleyan College. Marc is also a certified public accountant. He has served as director or chair of boards including those of the Mason Dixon Football Official’s Association, Medbrook Children’s Charity, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Christ Church Episcopal, Energize WV, WVONGA, WV Wesleyan College and GO-WV.
INSIDE
2 Ben Sullivan 3 Association News 4 Charlie Burd 5 Michael Forbes 6 Robert Stonestreet 7 Member News 8 Kathy Hill 9 Industry events 10 Association news 11 Greg Kozera 12 Thomas Downs 13 Maribeth Anderson 14 Summer Meeting photographs 20 Summer Meeting Sponsors 23 GO-WV license plate application 24 Sports Weekend registration form 25 Sports Weekend Sponsor Form
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Ben Sullivan GO-WV Co-President
GO-WV members are responsible natural resource stewards in WV One of the things I’m most impressed with as it relates to our industry is the unanimous commitment we all share to being good and responsible stewards of West Virginia’s natural resources. And by natural resources, I’m referring to the gas and oil we produce as well as the lands and environment from which we harvest these minerals. On the production side, our industry is focused on managing and reducing emissions, detecting and repairing leaks, preventing spills, conserving water, and reclaiming the land upon which we operate. These aren’t industry talking points - they are targeted objectives we all strive to meet. As one recent example, EQT announced targets to achieve net-zero emissions by or before 2025, reducing greenhouse gas emissions intensity by approximately 70% and methane emissions intensity by approximately 65%. These targets are industry-leading, and position EQT to be one of the first major producers globally to achieve net zero. Another top priority of our industry here in the Mountain State has been to identify adequate funding for plugging orphaned and abandoned gas and oil wells. In 2020, with the industry’s urging and support, policy makers passed legislation allowing for expedited oil and gas well permitting upon payment of applicable fees. These fees support a special fund that pays for well reclamation projects throughout the state. This legislation is a success I’m personally very proud of, as it directly relates to a portion of Diversified Energy’s own business model that is also focused on well retirement and reclamation. In direct support of these initiatives, our company’s well retirement program reflects our commitment to a healthy environment, the community and its citizens, and state regulatory authorities. We work closely and cooperatively with the landowners, communities, and state regulatory agencies to meet or exceed all expectations when retiring wells and restoring the well sites. Our retirement process involves carefully planned steps, completed by our experienced team who are partnered at times with appropriate experts, and reviewed by state regulators who ultimately approve the work. During 2020, we safely and permanently retired nearly 100 wells, exceeding our collective state commitments in our primary operating areas. Like many others, we continually challenge ourselves to be innovative in every aspect of our well retirement program, and we are committed to environmental stewardship to protect the natural resources we all enjoy. Part of that commitment also includes working with the landowners to plant trees on the restored well sites, or to donate funds Responsible stewards Continued on page 22
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2021 OFFICERS
Presidents: Ben Sullivan/Thomas Westfall Vice Presidents: Maribeth Anderson/Jeff Isner Secretary: Jason Harshbarger Treasurers: Kelly Moss BOARD MEMBERS
John Bane, EQT Corp. Jim Crews, MPLX Carrie Crumpton, CNX Resources Ryan Cunningham, Cunningham Energy Doug Douglass, ConServ Inc. Kevin Ellis, Antero Resources Jon Farmer, Arsenal Resources Michael Forbes, Greylock Energy Marc Halbritter, Blue Racer Midstream David Haney, E&H Manufacturing Holly Hannold, XTO Jon Hildreth, Roy G. Hildreth & Son Brittany LaPorta, TC Energy Brett Loflin, Northeast Natural Energy Rhett Metz, Energy Transfer Christine Mitchell, Dominion Energy Michael Poole, Highlands Drilling Jim Pritt, Union Oil & Gas Bob Radabaugh, S&R Gas Ventures Mollie Schall, Crestwood Mistream Chris Weikle, SWN Members Emeritus: Ben Hardesty, Alta Energy Lloyd Jackson, Jackson Management Bob Orndorff, Dominion Energy
Association News
Gov. Justice unveils gas and oil industry specialty state license plate design The Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia (GO-WV) – a nearly 600-member trade association of oil and natural gas producers and those businesses that serve them – has unveiled its West Virginia license plate design. The plate features a natural gas icon atop a background featuring a river and rolling hills. “Natural Gas – Leading Our Future” sits along the bottom. Four numbers follow “GO” as the license number. “Natural gas is a cornerstone for our state’s economy, and lots of West Virginians take pride in that,” said GO-WV Co-President Ben Sullivan. “This is one way to show that pride.” Any West Virginia driver can order the specialty issue plate for a Class A car or truck. They can find the application form online at www.transportation.wv.gov. A West Virginia title and license in the applicant’s name are required. A $91.50 fee covers the cost of the plate for the first year. The annual renewal fee is $66.50. “The design and approval process for the plate took about two years, which was complicated by the pandemic, so it’s wonderful to finally see the plate on vehicles,” GO-WV Executive Director Charlie Burd said. “It’s on my car, of course, but more and more, I’m spotting it on other vehicles. The natural gas industry is going to continue to be an integral part of West Virginia’s energy future, so we expect the plate to be a more prevalent fixture as time goes by.”
Governor Justice, above center, holds a sample of the new industry license plate. Joining him at the unveiling were, from left: Lisa Eskew, WV Dept. of Motor Vehicles; Jesse Corlis, WV Dept. of Motor Vehicles; Lori Miller Smith, GO-WV; Greg Hoyer, Diversified Energy; Maribeth Anderson, Antero Resources; Governor Jim Justice; Charlie Burd, GO-WV; Katie McCracken, GOWV; Logan Wooddell, GO-WV; and Mike Forbes, Greylock Energy.
See page 17 for a license plate application. Get yours TODAY! 3
Charlie Burd GO-WV Executive Director
From the Burd’s Nest: A day remembered - revisited The following article was published in the September 2001 IOGA News. On the 20th anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks, I offer a revisit and additional thoughts. A day remembered. It was any other Tuesday. I left home about 7:15 a.m., with our three-year-old, Nathan, in tow. Off to the sitter’s and on to work by about 7:45. There was an eight o’clock project meeting about ten miles from the office. I met my work associate in the parking lot and off we went. We would be early, as planned. Thirty minutes later we were on our way back to the office. As I neared my office, I could hear my phone ringing, so I ran the last few steps to prevent that damned voice mailbox from kicking on. What I was about to be told has forever changed us all. It was my wife, Leone, calling from her cell phone and there was an urgency in her voice. She was home that morning finishing a work-related project on our home computer. My older son, Charlie, was on the home phone calling her from New York City. A small plane had just crashed into the World Trade Centers. Charlie was safe, nearly five miles away. He could not see the towers, but no one could miss the smoke bellowing into the sky. He wondered if he should try to go to work; the subway system would be a nightmare. He decided to walk! I told Leone to keep Charlie on the phone and I would try to get to a TV and call her back. As I turned to leave my office, I could hear coworkers in the building scrambling to tell others the same news I had just heard. The only TV in our offices was in the conference room, which was in use to an outside organization. I interrupted them with the news and a promise to keep them informed. With no cable and just a “rabbit ears antenna” to rely on, we attempted to make out what was happening. We could barely see the picture and used a radio for the voice because the TV audio was equally as bad as the picture. Rumors were already spreading. It was terror-
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ists. It was horrifying. How could this happen? Then it happened, right in front of our eyes: a second plane banked into and struck the second tower. The United States was under attack. No more rumors! I reached for a nearby phone and dialed Leone’s cell phone. She answered on the first ring. Had I just seen what happened? Yes, I had! She and Charlie had been talking when it happened. It was too horrible to watch, but too frightful not to! Minutes later, the world watched as the Pentagon was attached. Then the rumor circulated that another plane was heading for Washington, D.C. A short time later, Flight 93 crashed into the ground in rural Pennsylvania, not far from where, a year later, nine coal miners would survive a nightmarish brush with death. But the worst of it came as we watched in total and absolute horror as both the WTC towers collapsed into the ground killing thousands of people. I worked through lunch that day listening to the radio and attempting to catch a glimpse of the happenings on a TV with reception right out of the 1950’s. Everyone was numb with shock and anger. It would be after 10:00 p.m. before we heard from Charlie again. Telephone communications were nonexistent in or out of New York City. What a relief to hear his voice!! Leone and I were expecting an overnight guest (Jim Strawn, Leadership WV classmate and great friend) that night to join us for dinner. We would be heading out for Wheeling early the next morning for a Leadership WV event. The events of the day had caused him to be running late. Soon after his arrival, we glued ourselves to the television. The events of the day were now crystal clear and in living color. Over and over again I watched as if expecting something to change. It didn’t. Not knowing what to expect, we went out at about 11:00 p.m. to top off our gasoline tanks for the upcoming trip to Wheeling. Many others were Burd’s Nest Continued on page 24
Michael Forbes Membership Chair
GO-WV Board welcomes four new members in August Please join the GO-WV Board of Directors in welcoming these members approved in August: John R. Davis 5113 Glenbrook Dr. Vienna, WV 26105 Cell: (304) 588-3007 davisathletics1@gmail.com
ROY
Douglas Pipeline Company Ronald P. McGlade 901 Castle Shannon Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15234 Phone: (412) 302-9103 Cell: (412) 302-9103 rmcglade@douglaspipeline.com www.douglaspipelne.com
ISP
iLease and Rentals LLC Zach Davis PO Box 848 Bridgeport, WV 26330 Phone: (304) 848-0888 Cell: (304) 841-4822 Fax: (304) 848-0889 zdavis@ileaseandrentals.com www.ileaseandrentals.com Lightening Energy Services Charles Hamrick PO Box 580 104 Heliport Loop Rd. Bridgeport, WV 26330 Phone: (304) 933-3544 Cell: (724) 991-8888 Fax: (304) 933-3416
ISP
ISP
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Robert Stonestreet Babst Calland
Endangered or Threatened Species Act listing expected to expand Since enactment of the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1973, a total of 1,666 species in the U.S. have been listed as either “threatened” or “endangered” as of late April, 2021.¹ The Service has designated nearly 112,000,000 acres of territory as “critical habitat” for conservation of listed species.² Those numbers are slated to potentially grow at a rapid pace in the near future. According to a “workplan” published by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Service) in May of 2019, nearly 250 species will be reviewed for potential listing in the next five years.³ For the 2021 fiscal year alone, 150 candidate species are under some phase of listing review.⁴ Approximately 2,200,000 additional acres of territory are currently proposed for critical habitat designation.⁵ The Service can designate an area as critical habitat for a listed species even in the physical absence of that species so long as the area is capable of supporting the species.⁶ While the Service is required to consider public comments on proposed critical habitat designations, nothing prevents the Service from designating an area as critical habitat over the objection of a landowner or lessee of the area at issue. “The ESA prohibits a federal agency from taking action, such as issuing permits, that would adversely modify areas designated as critical habitat.” 8 Listing decisions and critical habitat designations both have broad implications for activities that receive federal funding or require any form of permit, license, or other approval by an agency of the federal government. When this “federal nexus” exists, the government agency(s) involved are required to at least coordinate, if not formally consult, with the Service to evaluate any potential impact of the proposed activity on listed species and critical habitat, and to establish any necessary conditions to minimize or avoid adverse impacts.⁷ Critical Habitat Designation Can Create Additional Regulatory Hurdles A critical habitat designation does not techni-
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cally prohibit future development of a designated area, but it certainly creates many additional regulatory hurdles to clear. The ESA prohibits a federal agency from taking action, such as issuing permits, that would adversely modify areas designated as critical habitat.⁸ In light of the broad reach of federal regulatory programs, most land development activity will at some stage involve a facet of the federal government. Once that regulatory hook takes hold, a landowner or project developer will be required to coordinate with the Service and potentially face imposition of conditions that could jeopardize the feasibility of a proposed project.
Many of the pending and final decisions on listing and critical habitat designations are the result of petitions filed by individuals or organizations. Since 1973, over 2,500 listing petitions have been filed with the Service.⁹ Well over onethird of those petitions are still considered active and await some form of action by the agency.¹⁰ In some cases, the Service was unable to act on the petitions during the timeframes set forth in the ESA, which resulted in litigation. According to a report published by the federal Government Accountability Office in 2017, 141 lawsuits were filed against the Service during the years 2005 – 2015 alleging failure by the agency to timely act on listing petitions.¹¹ Several more “failure to list” suits have been filed in the ensuing six years. List may expand Continued on page 23
Member News
Philip Reale wins first, Steve Fox completed his 54th, and final, WV Amateur Championship Editor’s Note: Phillip Reale is employed by the Law Offices of Phillip A. Reale and Steve Fox has a long been involved in the oil and gas industry and the Fox family sponsors the Fox Family Scholarship through GO-WV. West Virginia’s gas and oil industry was very well represented at the West Virginia Golf Association’s 2021 WV Amateur Championship by three different men. The tournament took place at The Greenbrier on the same days as GO-WV’s Summer Meeting. Steve Fox: “I feel like I’ve been there all my life.” That’s how Steve Fox began reminiscing about his time at the West Virginia Amateur as he prepared to play his 54th and last at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs. Fox isn’t far off, having participated in his first State Amateur at age 13 the late 1960s. All told, Fox has been a part of the Amateur in seven different decades, with a pair of wins (1988 and 1994) on his ledger. He even met his wife there. “In 1974 I met my wife who was up there watching [her brother] Harold Payne play in the Amateur,” Fox recalled. “So that’s probably the most important state tournament I ever played in. I happened to run into her in the parking lot and she needed help getting into her vehicle, so I helped her out. Forty-seven years later, we’re still together.” There are certainly moments that stand out, but Fox also admitted that the years have gone by in a blur. While the victories were certainly highlights, they’re not necessarily what he will remember the most as he and his wife prepare to move to Pinehurst, North Carolina, in October to be closer to their children and grandchildren. And as one former champion left the stage, a new champion took the stage. Phillip Reale: Philip Reale of Hurricane became the 102nd West Virginia Amateur Champion this year at The
Greenbrier, joining his brother, Anthony, who won the tournament in 2007, Fox and 37 others to have hoisted The Greenbrier Trophy. Reale claimed victory by nine strokes after entering the final day with a slim one stroke lead. Philip and Anthony’s father, Philip A. Reale of The Law Offices of Philip A. Reale, is a member of GO-WV where he serves as chief lobbyist and is the current president of the West Virginia Golf Association. Fox said, “My father and brother would go up and it was kind of a summer vacation to play in the Amateur. There’s so many great memories of going up there with family and playing in the Am. Steve Fox tees off Continued on page 23
Phil Reale, left, congratulates his son, Philip, for winning the WV Golf Association 2021 WV Amateur Championship. Phil is president of the WVGA and a GO-WV member.
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Kathy Hill
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Industry Events
Upcoming events planned for 2021 September 15-16, 2021 2021 PIOGA Annual Meeting/Sports Outing Locaation TBA Info: www.PIOGA.org > Events September 16-18, 2021 WV Oil and Gas Festival Sistersville, WV
Industry Intelligence. Focused Legal Perspective. HIGH-YIELDING RESULTS.
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
Meet our attorneys at babstcalland.com.
September 28-30, 2021 Shale Insight Conference Bayfront Convention Center Erie, PA Info: https://marcelluscoalition.org/shale-insight/
Whether it’s a state or federal regulatory matter, local land use or zoning challenge, acquisition of title and rights to land, or jointly developing midstream assets, we help solve complex legal problems in ways that favorably impact your business and bring value to your bottom line.
November 7-9, 2021 IOGCC Annual Conference Inn at Loretta Sante Fe, NM Info: https://iogcc.ok.gov November 17, 2021 Oil & Natural Gas Accounting/Tax Seminar Virtual format Info: www.gowv.com
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1/30/20 1:55 PM
Association News
GO-WV’s Burd named to serve on the West Virginia Public Energy Authority On August 7, Governor Jim Justice announced the reactivation of the West Virginia Public Energy Authority (PEA) originally created by Gov. Arch Moore in the late ’80’s. According to state code, the PEA was, among other things, created to promote “reliable and dependable markets for the state’s coal, natural gas and other natural resources…” The PEA is also empowered to finance, build and operate coal and natural gas-fired power plants as well as participate in the construction of natural gas transmission lines. The agency can also develop short- and long-term energy plans; represent the state in regional and nationwide energy forums; and much more. Burd, long-time executive director of IOGAWV, now the Gas & Oil Association of WV, joins three other new appointees, Jeff Allen, senior VP with Pardee Resources; Chris Hamilton, president of the West Virginia Coal Association, and Jeff Herholdt, the now-retired former Director of the West Virginia Division of Energy as the WVPEA’s new members. The seven-member PEA is also served by the secretaries of the WV Department of Commerce (Ed Gaunch), the WV Department of Environmental Protection (Harold Ward) and the WV Secretary of Economic Development (Mitch Carmichael). Appointees serve staggered terms per state code. Burd’s term lasts the longest, ending June 30, 2025. Allen’s term ends June 30, 2024. Hamilton’s term ends June 30, 2023, while Herholdt’s term ends June 30, 2022. “These people are good people,” Justice said. “These are rational thinkers. They’re not one-sided thinking people. The biggest thing we have to absolutely always do in West Virginia is we should be very proud of who we are … we should really be proud of our coal miners and our gas workers in every way. We should try to perpetuate their industry.” Burd reflected that he responded to a very short questionnaire which he completed and submitted
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back in mid-January. Having not heard anything from the Governor’s office since that time, Burd stated he was a bit surprised when the announcement was made by the Governor. When contacted, he stated, “It was an honor to be Charlie Burd considered and a true privilege to be selected. I look forward GO-WV Executive Director to working to keep West Virginia as a leading provider of energy for our Sate, region and nation.” In addition, Burd also stated that completing pipelines that transport natural gas produced in West Virginia throughout the country and resisting pressure from environmentalists who want to end fossil fuel energy use entirely are reasonable actions for the newly revitalized authority to take. “One thing we want to try to ensure is that West Virginia will continue to be an energy powerhouse for the entire world,” Justice said. “In this country today, whether it be coal or gas, our energy industry has been under attack like you can’t imagine. But at the same time there is more and more demand for electricity globally,” he said. House of Delegates Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, said the WVEPA was originally charged with promoting “reliable and dependable markets for the state’s coal, natural gas and other natural resources.” “I applaud the reactivation of the Public Energy Authority and look forward to more input on ways our robust energy supply can be leveraged to support existing business and industry, as well as new investments,” he said. “West Virginia has played a vital role in powering the industrial heart of America for over a century. This renewed focus on the authority will ensure the Mountain State continues doing what it is best known for and what it has done for its entire existence — power the country and the world.”
Greg Kozera Learned Leadership LLC
Take time to control We are in the middle of another COVID wave partly caused by the Delta variant. After what we all have been through, Lynnda and I would just like to see it end like polio and other diseases our country conquered. Sadly, we are hearing about more variants that could come our way. It is depressing at times. This may be like the flu, requiring a shot every year to deal with the current variant. I have seen how lock downs are impacting people’s physical and mental health, not to mention long term economic well-being, especially for young people behind in their education. In my opinion, lock downs are not an option again. We will need to learn to live with this virus and find ways to still hug our grandchildren, go to work, concerts, athletic events and have in-person meetings safely. Lynnda and I are doing a lot of traveling this year. We are now attending mostly in-person events and meetings like the GOWV Summer Meeting and the West Virginia Chamber event. We get to attend church and see our parish family again. We spend quality time with family and friends. Going back to the 2020 restrictions isn’t an option. We already scheduled four vacations into 2022, most with our kids and grandkids including a Disney trip. We plan to do them safely. We can’t control COVID. We can control our actions. The world has changed since Lynnda and I got our polio vaccine in the 1960s. Growing up in the 1950s and 60s, polio killed and crippled people, especially the young. I can still remember Danny, my second-grade friend, who could no longer run like the rest of us because of polio. Some adults lived in iron lungs because they could no longer breathe on their own. When the polio vaccine came out, everyone in our community went to the local grade school to get it. People were grateful. There were no questions or protests. Fortunately, we didn’t have the internet. People didn’t trust politicians, but they did trust doctors and public health officials. Vaccinations and saving lives
wasn’t a political issue. Polio was eliminated. Today it is hard to decide what is true. We can find arguments on both sides of any issue on the internet. Once politics is involved it really becomes difficult. Lynnda and I both have our first two COVID shots. We believed the risk was worth the benefits because we are part of the high-risk group. A lot of people are still afraid to get vaccinated against COVID. We began noticing some vaccinated people getting COVID, particularly those vaccinated in January. We considered getting the COVID booster and did our own research. I have a German friend whose company did research and saw a dramatic decrease in immunity six months after the second shot. My friend, who is much younger than us, got his third shot last month. Israel did a number of studies with results similar to my German friend showing immunity declined significantly after six months. In Israel booster shots are recommended. Checking with my Israeli friends, they all had their third shot. One executive told me his entire company had their third shot. He said the number and type of side effects were similar to the first two doses. The worst side effect was a fever one woman had. We evaluated the information and compared the risks to the benefits. There aren’t many people here who have three shots so we have the risk of blazing the trail. We intend to live a normal life. We want to continue to travel and see family in person. We don’t want to carry the virus to them. We made the decision. This week Lynnda and I got our COVID booster shot. We can’t control the COVID virus. We can control our actions. We can decide what kind of life we want to live and find ways to do it. What happens in the world is out of our control. We can’t control the internet, what the major media reports or how they do it. Most news is negative. We can control our actions, what we read, what we watch and how long we watch it. We Take time to control Continued on page 12
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Thomas Downs WeatherBELL Analytics
WeatherBELL’s winter outlook Our 2021-22 Winter Outlook was released last month. We are expecting a fast start to winter over the East, not too dissimilar to last winter. We investigated how the global pattern since spring has set up the hurricane season and the early part of the winter season. For the winter as a whole, we are expecting variable conditions with the coldest weather centered around the Great Lakes. As for snow, we are anticipating a large area of above normal snowfall centered in the Midwest, with lesser amounts in the West.
For more information about WeatherBELL’s services and to get the hot-off-the-press forecast updates, please visit our website www.weatherbell.com or contact us at sales@weatherbell.com. Take time to control
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choose the people we spend time with. Are they positive and uplifting or negative and depressing? We become what we think about and allow into our brain. We can also speak out and fight back when falsehoods about energy or our industry are promoted as true. We now have hard data showing how banning fossil fuels and moving to the proposed renewable targets will actually create the global environmental disaster they want to prevent. Here is why: • Our imports from China have more than doubled since 2005 to $500 billion a year. • In the same period Chinese emissions more than doubled to 12 GT in 2020 from 5.8 GT in 2005. While U.S. emissions declined from 6.1 GT in 2005 to 5.2 GT in 2020. This doesn’t count emissions to ship Iranian oil over 7,000 miles to China on a tanker burning cheap dirty bunker fuel or the emissions to ship Chinese products over 12,000 miles to the USA on a container ship burning the same dirty fuel.
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• The solution to pollution is to use U.S. natural gas for energy and feedstock to manufacture products in the USA that are used in the USA and avoid shipping. The anti- fossil fuels crowd has nothing that will compare to this. It is time for the public to know. This industry can control its destiny. If our region (WV, PA & OH) were a country, we would be the number three natural gas producer in the world behind the rest of the USA and Russia. We are good at producing and putting gas into a pipeline. We are not so good at marketing gas and getting it to industry where it is needed especially in this region, economically. Delivering gas to industrial users close to the wellhead and minimizing transportation costs can be a win for producers and manufacturers. We have a great product and a large potential local market. We can take control of our destiny with teamwork and creativity. In the process we create a cleaner world than the “antis” ever imagined. You have more control than you think. Choose wisely. Make a difference. All things are possible.
Maribeth Anderson Co-Vice President and Program Chair
Summer Meeting: An explosion of excitement for inaugural event Nearly 350 members of the Gas and Oil Association of WV (GO-WV) and their guests enjoyed several days of sporting activities, entertainment and educational sessions at the inaugural Summer Meeting at The Greenbrier in early August. Our members and their guests enjoyed friendly competition at the trap and skeet tournament, sponsored by Encova Insurance, tennis tournaments, sponsored by USI, and golf tournament, sponsored by Apex Pipeline Sevices, Inc. Those not participating in athletic activities had a wonderful opportunity to enjoy lunch and a special croquet outing. Monday’s business and educational sessions, sponsored by EQT, included: presentation of the 2020 Oil and Gas Person of the Year, Jan Chapman, Key Oil Company; updates from U.S. Congresswoman Carol Miller and U.S. Congressman David McKinley; remarks from WV House Speaker Roger Hanshaw; Ergon, Inc.’s industry outlook from COO Kris Patrick; and an Environmental, Social and Governance Panel featuring moderator Maribeth Anderson and panelists Fireworks, sponsored by Ergon, Inc., at the Caribbean dinner. Toby Rice, CEO, EQT Corporation, Mike John, CEO, Northeast Natural EnMorrisey. Rounding out the morning was a Legergy LLC and Richard Hyde, Executive Director, islative Leaders Panel with moderators GO-WV One Future. These presentations were followed Executive Director Charlie Burd and Philip A. by a talk from The Thrasher Group Chairman Reale, Law Office of Philip A. Reale. Panelists Woody Thrasher on remaining relevant, and a from the West Virginia House of Delegates were discussion of fossil fuels and bank lending by WV Delegates Bill Anderson, Dianna Graves and Eric State Treasurer Riley Moore. Householder and West Virginia Senators Charles Monday night’s after dinner reception and CasiClements, Mike Maroney and Eric Nelson. no Night were sponsored by Diversified Energy. Tuesday’s membership reception was sponsored Tuesday’s industry presentations, sponsored by Steptoe & Johnson, PLLC, with the Caribbean by BHE GT&S, a Berkshire Hathaway Energy dinner sponsored by Southwestern Energy and the Company, featured Governor Jim Justice, Paul spectacular fireworks show sponsored by Ergon, Ruppert of BHE GT&S, a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Energy Company, WV DEP Cabinet Secretary Please see additional photos on page 14 our Harold Ward and WV Attorney General Patrick gracious sponsors listed on pages 20-21.
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Summer Meeting
Summer Meeting scrapbook highlights
Above, Ben and Jeanie Hardesty visit with Amy and Kevin Ellis during the welcome reception sponsored by Antero Resources. Above right, GO-WV members and guests enjoyed the opening buffet sponsored by Halliburton Energy Services. Right, GO-WV Executive Director Charlie Burd presents the 2020 Oil & Gas Person of the Year award to Jan Chapman; his daughter Jamie Chapman accepted the award. Below, members listen to and learn from our speakers.
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Summer Meeting
Summer Meeting scrapbook highlights Congresswoman Carol Miller, right, shared her views on the activities in Washington pertaining to our industry. Below, Senator Joe Manchin discussed infrastructure and other legislation facing Congress. Below right, Kris Patrick of Ergon, Inc., GO-WV Co-Vice President Maribeth Anderson and Congressman David McKinley take a moment to visit following their presentations.
We would like to thank our other Summer Meeting sponsors, including Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc., EQT, USI, Encova Insurance, Diversified Energy, BHE GT&S, a Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company, Apex Pipeline Services, Inc.
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Summer Meeting
Toby Rice of EQT Corporation, Mike John of Northeast Natural Energy LLC and Richard Hyde of One Future comprised the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Panel. Below, Maribeth Anderson (left) and Charlie Burd (right) join Gov. Jim Justice and Paul Ruppert of BHE GT&S, a Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company following their presentations to GO-WV members and guests.
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Summer Meeting
Above, members of our legislative panel were, from left, GO-WV Executive Director Charlie Burd, Senator Mike Maroney, Senator Charles Clements , Delegate Eric Householder, Delegate Dianna Graves, Delegate Bill Anderson, Senator Eric Nelson, GO-WV legislative team members Phil Reale and Daniel Hall. At left, Woody Thrasher of The Thrasher Group was one of our presenters. Other speakers at the meeting included: WV House Speaker Roger Hanshaw; WV State Treasurer Riley Moore; WV DEP Cabinet Secretary Harold Ward; and WV Attorney General Patrick Morrisey. Below, Congresswoman Miller and Charlie Burd join others attending the Summer Meeting.
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Summer Meeting
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Summer Meeting
The closing night featured a membership reception sponsored by Steptoe & Johnson, PLLC, a Caribbean dinner sponsored by Southwestern Energy and ending with fabulous fireworks sponsored by Ergon, Inc. Folks enjoying the evening included (clockwise from top left): GO-WV Co-President Tom Westfall claiming his athletic skill prize; members across the patio enjoying an evening with friends and GO-WV Co-President Ben Sullivan, lower right, making a few announcements. Bottom center finds Marc Halbritter, Kelly Moss, Sharon and Bill Flanery and Ryan King sharing cool beverages on a warm summer evening. Lower left finds Mike McCown, left, Jon Hildreth, right, gathering with family and friends. The folks in the center photo are Robert Stonestreet, Alexandria Lay, Ryan King and Erasmo and Brandi Rizo. All photos courtesy of Rick Smith.
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Summer Meeting Sponsors
Thanks to our Summer Meeting sponsors 2021 Summer Meeting Elite Sponsors
2021 Summer Meeting Diamond Sponsors
2021 Summer Meeting Platinum Sponsors
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Summer Meeting Sponsors
Thanks to our Summer Meeting sponsors 2021 Summer Meeting Gold Sponsors
2021 Summer Meeting Silver Sponsors
2021 Summer Meeting Bronze Sponsors
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Responsible stewards Continued from page 4 to groups actively involved in similar tree planting initiatives, as a means of creating carbon offsets. In that same vein, GO-WV members are actively engaged in stewardship activities that protect and preserve our state’s lands and environment. As one of many great examples, Northeast Natural Energy has been engaged in an effort to clean up Decker’s Creek in Monongalia County. More than a century of coal mining and acid mine drainage had decimated the waterway. Northeast has partnered with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and other organizations to help correct the problems of the past to return this stream to pristine condition. As an industry, we are taking care of our natural resources. We are delivering on our commitment to environmental stewardship while providing the essential energy that powers West Virginia’s and America’s economy. That is something for which we all should be proud. Sports Weekend
“Providing Gas Measurement Services since 1970”
Site Automation Electronic Chart Integration
Meter Sales Gas Analysis
Meter Installations Calibrations & Repairs
NOW SERVING YOU IN 3 LOCATIONS: 125 State Rt. 43 Hartville, OH 44632 330-587-1230
5012 Washington St., W. Charleston, WV 25313 304-776-7740
1205 Buckhannon Pike Nutter Fort, WV 26301 304-969-0033
Continued from page 1
Country Club. Skill prizes will be awarded to the golfers and shooters, plus door prizes galore for all to win! For those who have game tickets, the fun will continue on Saturday, September 18, and you cheer on the Mountaineers in the game against Virginia Tech. GO-WV will not have tickets to the game; you need to make your own arrangements for tickets. The game is currently scheduled to have a noon kick-off. GO-WV’s Sports Weekend attracts the main players and decision makers in our industry in a setting that allows the participants to mix, mingle and network. As a leader in our industry, you recognize the importance of supporting GO-WV, and the benefits of promoting your company’s image. So not only will you want to attend this great event, but you may want to get even more recognition as a sponsor. By becoming a Sports Weekend sponsor at the diamond, hole or bronze level, your company will receive special recognition throughout the industry with coverage during the event, in GO-WV News at gowv.com and on sponsor boards posted throughout the meeting venues. Diamond Event
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R.L. Laughlin & Co., Inc
Sponsors receive a special recognition banner at your sponsored event, including your color logo. A block of rooms has been reserved at Comfort Suites Bridgeport-Clarksburg for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at a rate of $85 (plus tax) per room per night. To make reservations by Thursday, September 9, call (304) 933-6497 and speak to the front desk personnel. In addition, a block of rooms has been reserved at Courtyard by Marriott Bridgeport/Clarksburg for the same nights at a rate of $95 (plus tax) per room per night. To make reservations by Thursday, September 9, call (304) 933-8051. Please register online for the Sports Weekend as an attendee or sponsor no later than Thursday, September 9, or use the forms on pages 24 and 25. GOpac reminds everyone that this is one of two major fundraisers dedicated to support our industry’s state legislative lobbying efforts. To that end, you are strongly encouraged to take the opportunity to contribute to GOpac, which funds our legislative outreach. Other than cash, contributions to GOpac must be made by personal check only. GOpac is a separate and distinct entity from GO-WV.
List may expand
Continued from page 6
In many cases, these lawsuits result in court-imposed deadlines for the Service to complete certain listing-related tasks. Seventeen of the species scheduled for a listing decision during the 2021 fiscal year are governed by a court-ordered deadline.¹² Petitions for listing determinations show no signs of slowing down. Environmental advocacy organizations and others have found the ESA to be an effective tool to challenge a variety of proposed projects. The now-cancelled Atlantic Coast Pipeline faced continual challenges arising from alleged impacts of the pipeline on multiple listed species and their critical habitat.¹³ A federal judge in Montana Steve Fox tees off
struck down on ESA grounds the nationwide 12 permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to govern the impacts of linear projects (pipelines, roads, etc.) on “waters of the United States.” The judge concluded that the Corps failed to adequately coordinate with the Service concerning potential effects of the permit on listed species and their critical habitat.¹⁴ In February 2021, the Center for Biological Diversity threatened to sue the Corps under the ESA on the basis that 16 of the Corps’ nationwide permits were reissued without adequate consideration of potential effects on listed species and critical habitat.¹⁵ Click here for a full list of references.
Continued from page 7
“Really, I was just fortunate enough to be healthy for so many years. I tell everybody, 54 times, all it means is I’ve been healthy and I’m just an old man,” Fox added. Reale echoed that sentiment, saying, “Winning the tournament was unbelievable and it still hasn’t quite set in. It’s awesome to be able to do this in front of the family; just awesome.” However he classifies himself, Fox has certainly filled his 67 years with a lifetime full of golf. A former Marshall University player and longtime member of Guyan Country Club in Huntington, Fox has 29 West Virginia Golf Association championships to his credit, adding titles in the 2014 Senior Open, 2006 Mid-Amateur, 17 combined Four-Ball championships (regular and senior events) and eight combined Senior Match Play and Senior Stroke Play titles. He was inducted into the West Virginia Golf Association Hall of Fame in 2015. “It will be tough for us to see Steve walking off the 18th green of his last WVGA championship, especially since he has won and been a part of them for decades,” WVGA Executive Director Brad Ullman said. “Steve has been the greatest ambassador for amateur golf in West Virginia during his time, not only as a competitor but also as a member of the executive committee of the WVGA, a past president of the WVGA and also an active member at a WVGA club. “It will be fun. I’m looking forward to it. Time passes and I just feel very fortunate and very
blessed to have experienced all of it,” Fox added. Ryan Pritt at ryan.pritt@wvgazettemail.com contributed to this article..
David Haney of E & H Manufacturing, left, congratulates Steve Fox after he teed off at his 54th and final West Virginia Amateur Championship at The Greenbrier.
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Burd’s Nest
Continued from page 4
thinking like us, we waited in line at the pumps for over thirty minutes. It had been a long September 11, 2001. As a youth growing up in southeastern Ohio, in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, there was never a time I felt threatened. I had hard-working, loving parents. Why, we didn’t even lock our front door at night. And, even if we had, everyone in town knew where to look for the extra key hidden on the ledge above the thermometer on the porch, placed there just in case we kids locked ourselves out (which we did on numerous occasions). It was a time when neighbors knew and looked out for each other. It was a time when people were much more trusting of each other. It was a time of prosperity and growth in our country. Then, of course, when we got older, we came to understand the Cold War and its implications. Living in the heart of “chemical row,” that section of land along the Ohio River between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, one soon discovered if things started to happen, it wouldn’t take long for things to start happening right around us. Fortunately for all of us, we never found out what might have happened back then. Unfortunately, with today’s stakes much higher, and with more players in the world power game, we may be on the verge of finding out now. Let’s hope not. Reflections back to a day remembered. As I reread my words from 2001, I reflect back to that day and that time. There was an undeniable and all-encompassing sense of patriotism and unity among all Americans. America was angry and rightfully so as 2,977 people from 93 different nations died that fateful morning. Most all Americans were, in some way, connected to someone who perished that tragic Tuesday. On September 12, the day after the attacks, all but military aircraft were grounded and every commercial airplane in the United States was inspected top to bottom. I remember the sky was a brilliant, cloudless blue. As I was driving to work on Wednesday, September 12, I looked up and saw the contrail from a lone jet that must have been at 50,000 feet in altitude and thinking:
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“Wow, our military is patrolling the skies.” Our military always patrols the skies, but on that day the thought of taking our national safety for granted, as I did as a child, changed forever. Ironically, on 9-11, Leone’s mother was flying in from Omaha, Nebraska, for an extended visit. Nathan’s third birthday was September 23 and Grandma Mollie was not going to miss it. However, very early the morning of 9-11, her flight departure time was moved back to a later time. Within hours, her flight was, as were all flights, cancelled. She did make it to West Virginia three days later on September 14. Since 9-11, security on flights changed forever, and probably for the better. I recall shortly after 9-11, flying to Kansas City for the IOGCC Annual Meeting. Planes were nearly empty. Many individuals had a fear of flying. I did not. In fact, I felt just the opposite. Never before had airlines expended more effort to make passenger safety its paramount consideration. That continues today, even though we like to complain about security procedures and not being able to go to the arriving gate to greet our family and friends. I’ve found meeting them at baggage claim works just fine. The 9-11 attacks also generated a unique political unity that seems almost impossible to achieve today. Just 20 years ago, America was a different place. Everywhere you looked, American flags were flying high, off homes, buildings and fluttering from their car antennas. Police officers, first responders and our military were applauded and revered by all. Congress sang “God Bless America” together on the steps of the U. S. Capitol. We became unified as a country. How quickly things can and have changed. Seemingly, back in 2001, everybody was somehow, in some way, connected to those who bravely forged into the twin towers and ascended those stairs, or those who assisted the injured on the ground or sadly to those who lost their lives. In the end, September 11th impressed upon us all that life is a precious gift—every life has a reason and a purpose. Something we all need to remember just 20 years later.
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.
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GO-WV Sports Weekend Registration Form
2021 GO-WV Sports Weekend Registration Form
September 17-18, 2021 | Bridgeport & Morgantown, WV
_________________________________________________________ Please mail this registration form with payment by Sept. 9, 2021 to: Company Name 300 Summers Street, Suite 820 Charleston, WV 25301
_________________________________________________________ Address No refunds after Sept. 9, 2021 (unless event canceled)
_________________________________________________________ For additional information call City, State, Zip
Lori Miller Smith, (304) 344-9867.
_________________________________________________________ Telephone Contact name for foursome Name
Employer
Member Y/N
Sporting Clays
Registration Fees Only (Does not include golf/sporting clays)
__________ @ $100.00 per member __________ @ $170.00 per non-member
Single Member Golf (includes registration) Single Nonmember Golf (includes registration)
__________ @ $200.00 per member __________ @ $270.00 per non-member
Member Golf Foursome (includes registration)
__________ @ $700.00 per foursome
Nonmember Golf Foursome (includes registration)
__________ @ $900.00 per foursome
Member Sporting Clays (includes registration) Nonmember Sporting Clays (includes registration)
__________ @ $175.00 per person __________ @ $245.00 per person
TOTAL $ __________
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Golf
GO-WV Sports Weekend Sponsor Form
2021 GO-WV Sports Weekend Sponsor Form September 17-18, 2021 | Bridgeport & Morgantown
________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company Name ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Contact Name __________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ City
State
Zip
___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone
Sponsorship opportunities:
Diamond Event Sponsor _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
$5,500 (includes foursome fee, banner at event, logo on signage, on web site and in newsletter) Registration and player gift Breakfast Lunch Snack and beverage cart Door prizes Player awards Entertainment
Hole Sponsor
$1,000 (includes foursome fee, logo on signage at hole, on web site and in newsletter)
Bronze Sponsor
$500 (includes logo on signage, on web site and in newsletter)
_____ Bronze Sponsor Please click here to register and pay online or return this form to GO-WV by Sept. 9, 2021. Be sure to email a high resolution (300-dpi minimum) version of your company’s color logo to lmillersmith@gowv.com.
Thank you for your continued support! 300 Summer Street, Suite 820 | Charleston, WV 25301 | (304) 344-9867
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300 Summers Street, Suite 820 Charleston, WV 25301 Phone (304) 344-9867 Fax (304) 344-5836
h
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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