2017iogawvseptembernews

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Independent Since 1959

NEWS

September 2017

Summer Meeting Featured Great Sessions

Nearly 350 members of the Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia (IOGAWV) and their guests enjoyed several days of sporting activities, entertainment and educational sessions the the 42nd Summer Meeting at The Greenbrier in early August.

Our members and their guests enjoyed friendly competition at the trap and skeet tournament, tennis tournament and golf tournament.

Those not participating in athletic activities had a wonderful opportunity to interact with the falcons and other avian residents at The Greenbrier.

Monday’s business and educational sessions included: remarks from Third District Congressman Evan Jenkins (R); an outlook for the oil and natural gas industry from Northeast Natural Energy President Mike John and EnerVest, Ltd. President Ken Mariani; the difficulty of rolling back methane standards with James D. Elliott of Spilman Thomas & Battle; WV Supreme Court decisions impacting oil and natural gas with William M. Herlihy of Spilman Thomas & Battle; and a FERC update from Randy Rich of Pierce Atwood LLP. Tuesday’s sessions included: guest

speaker Attorney General Patrick Morrisey; a legislative update from Senate President Mitch Carmichael, House Speaker Tim Armstead Brett Loflin and our lobbying Vice President and team; and an ApProgram Chair palachian storage hub update with WVU’s Dr. Brian Anderson and Steve Hendricks of MATRIC, Inc. Please see photos on page 3. Our gracious sponsors are listed on pages 18 and 19.

O & G Festival Names 2017 Man of the Year Charlie Burd has been named the 2017 Oil and Gas Man of the Year by the West Virginia Oil & Gas Festival board.

In addition to being recognized during a luncheon on Sat., Sept. 16, Burd will serve as grand marshal of the traditional festival parade that afternoon.

The 49th annual West Virginia Oil & Gas Festival will take place Sept.

14-16 in Sistersville. Attraction include oil and gas exhibits, entertainment, craft booths, demonstrating crafstmen and games.

Growing up in Southeast Ohio, Charlie Burd’s life was one filled with family, baseball and best friends!

Charlie graduated from Warren Local High School in 1971; graduating

as a three-sport letterman. Charlie’s desire was to follow in his father’s footsteps and go to work for the B&O Railroad. But Charlie’s father, Edward, had a different vision for his son. In the fall of 1971, Charlie entered Mountain State College in Parkersburg, WV. His love for numbers and math saw him complete a two-year accounting program in eighteen months.

In March 1973, Charlie was hired as a summer intern at Hope Gas (part of the Consolidated Natural Gas System) in Parkersburg. The job would run from April through July. Perfect!! Charlie planned to attend the University of West Palm Beach where he would earn his accounting degree and try to earn a

spot on a minor league baseball team. But those plans changed later that summer when he accepted a full-time positon with Hope Gas, a decision he never regretted.

Over a stellar career that spanned 28 years, 11 months, Charlie held a variety of positions that included: accounting clerk, gas dispatcher, junior and senior marketing representative, senior commercial marketing specialist, economic development representative, and then finally at the time of his departure in Man of the Year Continued on page 6

INSIDE

Marc Monteleone / 2 Summer Meeting Photos / 3 Charlie Burd / 4 Scott Freshwater / 5 Mark Clark / 7 Industry Events / 8 Ergon / 9 Mark Taylor / 10 Greg Kozera / 11 Sarah Smith / 12 Hugh Byers / 13 Summer Meeting Sponsors / 14 Summer Meeting Sponsors / 15

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Marc Monteleone IOGAWV President

Looking Forward to Even More

As I stated during the Summer Meeting Banquet, I am truly honored to serve as your President for the upcoming year. Currently, our industry faces many challenges.

These challenges include a thirtyyear low in the price of natural gas, coupled with ever increasing gathering and transportation charges. We also are experiencing gridlock at our state and federal capitols that has stifled all attempts to provide essential regulatory reform. More than ever, we need to work with our state and national politicians and help create an environment that allows oil and natural gas to become the catalyst that moves our state and country toward energy independence, while creating tens of thousands of good paying jobs.

Our industry is the future of West Virginia and we will provide the hope and momentum needed to bring West Virginia out of these troubled economic times.

Thirty years ago I met Ike Morris and my career in the oil and natural gas industry began. Ike taught me a great deal about the oil and natural gas industry and he introduced me to many great people associated with our industry. In 2010, he asked me to get more involved in IOGAWV and the experience has been very rewarding. During my first stint on the Board, I learned just how active IOGAWV is and how dedicated the individuals that serve on the Board are to our industry. Each Board member devotes a substantial amount of time to the issues facing our industry and each takes this responsibility very seriously.

I am confident this year’s Board is up to the challenge and we are going to build on the great things accomplished by Scott Freshwater and the past Board. Below is your leadership team for 2018: Officers: President: Marc Monteleone Vice-President : Brett Loflin Sec/Treasurer: Jim Pritt Past President: Scott Freshwater Committees: Finance & Tax: Don Nestor Government Affairs: Brett Loflin and Kevin Ellis Commerce: Jim Pritt and Jim Crews Communication & Education: Mike McCown Environmental: Doug Malcolm and Bob Radabaugh Safety: Jim Rode Program: Brett Loflin Membership: Charlie Burd and Sarah Smith Producer Issues: Sam McKown and Rick Toothman GO PAC: Scott Freshwater Scott worked very hard to bring our association back to its mission. That mission is very simple.

IOGAWV IS THE PRODUCERS’ ASSOCIATION. That statement speaks volumes and IOGAWV represents all producers, big and small, conventional and unconventional. We have an aggressive agenda for 2018, and we will focus our efforts on issues facing all producers. Our legislative agenda will focus on passing co-tenancy, and other tax and regulatory reforms. You will hear more about the specifics as we get closer to the start of the 2018 Regular Legislative Session, January 10, 2018, but

rest assured that your Board will be vigilant in protecting the interests of all producers.

I am looking forward to working very hard over the next year to help our association provide tangible benefits to every member.

We have much to do and many motivated folks to help us get the work done. If you would like to be Even More Continued on page 8

2017-2018 OFFICERS BOARD MEMBERS Marc Monteleone President Brett Loflin VP/Program, Govt. Affairs Chair Jim Pritt Secretary-Treasurer/Commerce Co-chair Scott Freshwater Immediate Past President James W. Crews Director, Commerce Co-chair J. Kevin Ellis Director, Governmental Affairs Co-chair Doug Malcom Director, Environmental Chair Mike McCown Director, Comm. & Educ. Chair Sam McKown Director, Producers Issues Co-chair James Rode Director, Safety Chair Sarah Smith Director, Membership Vice Chair Rick Toothman Director, Producers Issues Co-chair

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Summer Meeting Photos

Above, as his last official duty, IOGAWV Immediate Past President Jon Hildreth (right), presented President Scott Freshwater with his president’s plaque.

Above right, producers gathered to discuss issues pertinent to them.

Below, IOGAWV’s chief lobbyist, Phil Reale, was joined by First District Congressman David McKinley, P.E. (R) and his wife, Mary, on Sunday evening for the welcome reception and member dinner.

At left, Senate President Mitch Carmichael and House Speaker Tim Armstead joined IOGAWV President Scott Freshwater and Executive Director during the Summer Meeting. Burd and the legislators, in addition to Phil Reale, provided a legislative update, while Freshwater spoke following both business sessions.

Below, members and their guests gathered Monday and Tuesday afternoons for business and educational sessions introduced by IOGAWV Vice President and Program Chair Ben Sullivan. They heard from guest speakers Third District Congressman Evan Jenkins (R) and Attorney General Patrick Morrisey. Senate President Mitch Carmichael and House Speaker Tim Armstead provided a state legislative update and other industry topics were discussed by IOGAWV members.

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Charlie Burd Executive Director, IOGAWV

From the Burd’s Nest: No Longer Suffering in Doldrums of Despair In 1976, A. James Manchin (uncle to US Senator Joe Manchin) was elected as the West Virginia Secretary of State. He won re-election in 1980 – with 71% of the vote. At the time of that second election, I was very busy raising my then four-yearold son Charlie, and building my career took precedence over state and national politics.

Nonetheless, all West Virginians knew of “A. James.” Wikipedia describes him as “a colorful and controversial figure,” and I agree!! Most will remember him as the man Gov. Arch Moore appointed in 1973 to direct the Rehabilitation Environmental Action Program (REAP). Under his guidance and leadership, REAP was very a successful effort which rid the State of more than 100,000 junked cars as well as numerous trashed appliances. The image of him standing on top of junk vehicles still resonates in my mind.

As Secretary of State, all will remember him as a man who loved and staunchly defended West Virginia and those who lived here with all his heart, soul and being. To hear him speak about West Virginia was akin to a pep rally – no, a revival meeting!

As I struggle to recall the exact details, (and as I grow older I find that ability increasingly more difficult) in the early 1980’s, there was an article or comment from a national figure or publication that referred to West Virginia as the “Doldrums of Despair.” As some of you may recall, at that time the nation was in the midst of a depression attributed to the 1979 Iranian Revolution that sent oil prices skyrocketing; inflation that was running amuck; a series of

sharp interest rate increases by the Federal Reserve designed to snap inflation; and home sales that had fallen off the table. Many Midwest industrial “Rust Belt” states were hit with job losses and the nationwide unemployment rate rose to nearly 10 percent in 1982.

If I remember correctly, “A. James” demanded the “Doldrums of Despair” reference directed at his beloved West Virginia be retracted and an apology be issued to the good people of West Virginia.

And, while the exact outcome of his plea for restoration of the State’s residents eludes me some 35 years later, if only “A. James” could be here to see the economic changes: • Rust belt states like West Virginia are being rescued by millennials seeking universities with world-class centers of research, high tech parks filled with opportunities that engage their minds and affordable housing.

• The State of West Virginia has achieved great prosperity from its extractive industries and particularly from oil and natural gas.

• West Virginia natural gas production in 1982 was 137.3 Billion cubic feet (Bcf). In 2016, due to the tremendous advancements in drilling and completion techniques, production has grown to 1.35 Trillion cubic feet (Tcf) or by a factor of nearly 10 times more.

• Severance tax contributions from natural gas and oil since 2008 total nearly $900 million; add to that another $250 million in special production tax assessments to retire the unfunded workers’ comp debt.

•

Property tax contributions from oil and natural gas since 2008 total over $860 million.

• Price Waterhouse Coopers recently released a report identifying that the West Virginia oil and natural gas industry supported 70,900 jobs and added $8 billion to the state economy in 2015.

• West Virginia’s unemployment rate in July 2017 was 4.7%, slightly above the national average of 4.3%, compared to the 1982 national average of 9.7%.

• West Virginia is second only to Texas in gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

The “Doldrums of Despair” reference equates to tragedy and brokenness. As unhealed brokenness builds up, it can lead to darkness and despair in a person, a family, a village, a state, or even a country. Darkness and despair obliterates hope.

If “A. James” were with us now, there is little to no doubt he would be squarely at the center of the great news on the horizon. There are immense opportunities for West Virginia, particularly within our industry. The continued development of the Marcellus and Utica shales and their infrastructure has and will continue to give West Virginia and its residents tremendous HOPE.

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Scott Freshwater Past President

It Has Been an Honor I am a firm believer of a couple things. First, you must never stop learning (and I learned so much over the last year). Second, you don’t get the right to complain about things unless you are willing to do something about it. Over the last year, IOGAWV (your association) and everyone involved have worked their tails off to provide a return on investment to its many members – big and small. Over the last year, I have met some of the finest people one could ever meet, pushed myself to new personal limits (i.e., TV, radio and newspaper interviews; in the words of Past President Xander….UGH!!!), and done my best to represent ALL oil and gas producers and the Association as I believe IOGAWV’s founders, long-time stewards and members would like to see it represented. When I agreed to take on the role of IOGAWV President, I went into it with two personal goals – do my very best and leave nothing in the tank. One year later, I can look each of you in the eye and state I tried my best and I strongly believe our association is well positioned for the long term.

Before I go, I need to thank several people.

•

I would like to thank the Board of Directors (including the Executive Committee) for all your time and tremendous efforts.

For those that haven’t had the privilege of sitting in a BOD meeting, you would be amazed with the open dialogue, the knowledge base, the sharing of differing opinions and ultimately the development of the best path forward.

• Hugh Byers and Jim Pritt leading the way in discussions with DGP, Core and others.

• Doug Malcolm for his rewarding work on AST’s (saving WV producers conservatively ~ $33 million).

• Rick Toothman and Sam McKown for kicking off what in my opinion is one of the most important committees we now have.. the Producers Issues Committee.

• Jeff Isner, Brett Loflin, Mike McCown, Greg Smith and more.

I sincerely thank each of you for your leadership. In addition, I welcome and thank the new Board members for accepting the challenge.

• I also need to recognize staff…

Charlie, Lori, Tammy and Dee. The membership of IOGAWV

is very fortunate to have such a strong and dedicated staff.

Each of you go above and beyond the call of duty and proved that to me on many an occasion. I sincerely thank each of you.

There are many others involved with the IOGAWV team like George Patterson, Phil Reale, Jimmy Fealy, Doug Douglass, Mark Clark, Randy Rich, Diane Slaughter, Susan Lavenski, Joe Vanzant and a slew of others I have probably missed. To each of you named and those not named that had a part in achieving our goals, I thank you.

Lastly, I must thank each and every member of this great Association. The last few years have been tough on all of us and I recognize it’s been harder than ever to part with monies to pay dues, sponsor events, etc.. I hope each of you can look back at the past year and say that your investment in IOGAWV was a wise one.

With that said, IOGAWV’s work is not done (and probably never will be) and our new President Marc Monteleone is hitting the ground running. He is prepared, he is knowledgeable of our industry and he will keep IOGAWV on course.

It has truly been an honor to be your President for the last year. I would like to end my newsletter submittals (as I did my presidency) with a toast I gave at the banquet of our recent Summer Meeting: To the oilmen of the past We salute you.

To the oilmen and oil women of the present and future May the booms be frequent and the busts short lived.

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Man of the Year Continued from page 1 February 2002, Manager of Economic Development.

During this same time, he completed his Associate Degree in Higher Accounting at Mountain State College (’76), earned his Regents BA Degree from Glenville State College (’82), graduated from the University Of Oklahoma’s “Economic Development Institute,” and earned the national distinction as a “Certified Economic Developer.” He also served as the Economic Development Director of the Wood County (WV) Development Authority for three years as a loaned executive from Hope Gas. Charlie is also a 2001 graduate of Leadership West Virginia.

Dominion Resources purchased CNG and its LDC’s which included Hope Gas, Inc., in late 2000. Charlie was eventually swept up in a restructuring/workforce reduction move that included nearly the entire marketing department. Charlie departed Hope Gas on February 28, 2002.

But when one door closes, better doors open and, on March 1, Charlie went to work part-time for the Mason County (WV) Economic Development Authority and was working in that capacity in May 2002 when Denny Harton, a local producer and friend, called to tell him the Independent Oil and Gas Association (IOGAWV) was looking for a new Executive Director and he insisted Charlie apply. Two interviews and several phone calls later, Charlie was chosen from over 120 other candidates to lead IOGAWV. His second career started on July 1, 2002.

Since that time, Charlie has led IOGAWV through tremendous growth in membership, the transition from vertical to horizontal drilling and an extensive public outreach program associated with this transition. In addition to his day to day duties, Charlie also serves on the

Industry Advisory Committee for WVU’s College of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, WVU’s Advisory Committee for the Energy and Land Management Program and WVU’s Advisory Committee for the West Virginia Manufacturing Extension Partnership. In addition, he is active with the Independent Petroleum Association of America; the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce; the Polymer Alliance Zone of West Virginia; the West Virginia Manufacturers Association and serves as the Governor’s official West Virginia state representative to

the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission.

Charlie and Leone, his wife of 24 years, reside in Vienna, WV, with their 18-year-old son Nathan. His older son Charlie, age 41, lives in upstate New York. Charlie, Leone and Nathan are members of Saint Francis Xavier Church in Parkersburg where Leone coordinates the Youth Liturgy Program. Leone is retired from the WVU Extension Service, Morgantown. Nathan is a freshman at WVU where he swims and majors in engineering.

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Mark Clark Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC

TENORM Is Back In June 2016 we introduced you to TENORM (technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material) in the context of oil and gas waste disposal in West Virginia solid waste landfills and a registration requirement notice issued by the Bureau of Public Health ("BPH") of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources ("WVDHHR").

As a reminder, in early May 2016, the BPH's Office of Environmental Health Services (“OEHS”) sent letters titled “Notice of Required Registration” (“Notice Letters”) to a number of oil and gas operators in West Virginia, including IOGA members. The Notice Letters asserted that the recipient “generates TENORM during the hydraulic fracturing completion process” and that if the recipient does so it must submit an “Application For Registration of TENORM Waste Generation or Storage” and pay an annual registration fee of $12,500. The basis for the Notice Letters was 64 C.S.R. 23, “Radiological Health Rule,” and for the annual registration fee was 64 C.S.R. 51, “Fees for Services.” In September 2016, IOGA sent a letter to BPH arguing that the registration demand was not supported by the Radiological Health Rule and that the annual registration fee of $12,500 should not apply. However, IOGA did not receive a written response to its letter objecting to the BPH's demand for registration of TENORM waste generation and storage.

Fast forward to June 27, 2017, when BPH published its 15-page proposed legislative rule titled "Technologically Enhanced Natu-

rally Occurring Radioactive Material," 64 C.S.R. 23A ("Proposed Rule"). The Proposed Rule was open to public comment through July 27, 2017. The Proposed Rule included, among many requirements: (1) TENORM definition includes all radiation levels above 5 pCi/gram; (2) a registration requirement with a $500 registration fee (reduced from the $12,500 fee demanded in May 2016), but with no specified term of the registration; (3) incorporation by reference of the primary radiological health rule, 64 CSR 23; (4) detailed application requirements, including applicant ownership information, however, these requirements do not apply to applicants who have horizontal well permits; (5) radiation safety officer requirements, including related training; and (6) tank inspection requirements based on AST Rule. The proposed rule represents a significant new and costly regulatory burden on shale gas operators and potentially others if production waste exceeds 5 pCi/gram.

On July 27, 2017, IOGA and the West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association jointly submitted comments to the Proposed Rule.

The main topics of the joint comments included: (a) the proposed rule exceeds the scope of the DHHR's authority; (b) regulation of TENORM from oil and gas activities, if any, should be undertaken by the Office of Oil and Gas of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection; (c) the reports referenced as support for the Proposed Rule do not support the need for the Proposed Rule; (d) the fiscal note preceding the Proposed Rule does not comply with the West

Virginia Administrative Procedures Act and does not acknowledge that the Proposed Rule is an impediment to economic development in West Virginia; (e) the Proposed Rule should exempt wastes from conventional and coalbed methane wells drilled pursuant to articles 6 and 21 of Chapter 22 of the West Virginia Code; (f) the Proposed Rule should be revised to limit incorporation of the Radiological Health Rule to necessary specific provisions; and (g) the Proposed Rule fails to follow the "commensurate with risk" principal and uses a one size fits all regulatory model. The comments also included an additional 10 pages of more detailed suggested language and policy changes.

On Friday, July 28, 2017, just over 24 hours after the public comment period ended, BPH filed its "agency approved" rule. The primary changes to the Proposed Rule were the clarification that the Proposed Rule supplements, but does not supplant, the Radiological Health Rule (which is over 300 pages), and the establishment of a 3 year term on the registration requirement (instead of the 5 year term requested in the IOGA/WVONGA comments). A number of the editorial changes and corrections were accepted by the BPH in its agency approved rule.

Some changes are helpful clarifications but certainly do not constitute significant regulatory relief for oil and gas operators.

The response to comments filed

by BPH reject virtually all of the substantive major comments filed by industry. It is worth noting that no comments were filed in support TENORM Back Continued on page 8

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Strength of Us Continued from page 2 more involved with your association, please contact our office and we will get you involved. Your association is always stronger when our member-

ship is fully engaged.

Remember, as Peter Drucker stated, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.� We are going

to work very hard over the next twelve months to create a future that is better for our association, our industry and our state.

TENORM report that, for example, "there is little potential for exceeding public dose limits from external gamma radiation during the drilling phase of natural gas wells," BPH continues to rely on the Pennsylvania TENORM report as support for the necessity of the Proposed Rule.

The response to comments are simply not satisfactory in addressing the comments submitted by the oil and gas industry.

The next step in the legislative rulemaking process is for the West

Virginia Legislative Rulemaking Review Committee to consider the agency approved rule and make a recommendation, or withhold a recommendation, to the West Virginia Legislature to adopt, modify or reject 64 C.S.R. 23A. IOGA will remain diligently involved in that process to eliminate or mitigate the impact of this Proposed Rule on the oil and gas industry. If you have questions regarding these or other issues please contact Mark Clark (304-340-3876) or David Yaussy (304-340-3829).

TENORM Back Continued from page 8 of the Proposed Rule. Specifically, BPH rejected the request to exclude conventional and coalbed methane wells because they appear to lack an understanding of the references to articles 6 and 21 of chapter 22.

The response to comments repeatedly stated the agency's view that it has adequate authority to regulate TENORM and the referenced Pennsylvania TENORM report provides adequate support for regulating TENORM. Notwithstanding the express language of the Pennsylvania TENORM Back Continued from page 8

Please Join Us For These Industry Events September 14-16, 2017 WV Oil & Gas Festival Sistersvilleorgantown, WV September 21, 2017 SOOGA Fall Trade Show Washington County Fairgrounds Marietta, OH Info: http://sooga.org October 1-3, 2017 IOGCC Annual Conference Station Square Sheraton Pittsburgh, PA Info: http://www.iogcc.state.ok.us/ November 8-10, 2017 IPAA Annual Meeting Ritz-Carlton Hotel Naples, FL January 23-24, 2018 IOGAWV Winter Meeting Marriott Town Center Hotel Charleston, WV Info: www.iogawv.com

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Mark Taylor WeatherBELL Analytics

First Winter Outlook: Season May Be Colder

Image: Preliminary Winter Temperature Anomaly Forecast The last two winters have been on the mild side. The upcoming winter is expected to be colder.

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Greg Kozera Learned Leadership LLC

You Are Better Than You Think

This past week I met with Rhonda Reda of the Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Program (OOGEEP) to brainstorm ideas for National Energy Education month in October that can be used regionally. This year IOGCC has been very involved making it more of a nationwide oil and natural gas initiative. They will kick off National Energy Awareness Month at the IOGCC meeting in Pittsburgh on October 1st. In addition, each association is encouraged to have their own activities.

For years, National Energy Awareness month was focused on renewables. Only recently did our industry get involved. This is a great opportunity to let the public know how important oil and natural gas are to their lives. Our thoughts are to focus on all the things people use in their everyday lives that come from oil and natural gas. I learned last year that I couldn’t even take my dog for a walk in the woods without oil and natural gas. My clothes, my shoes, her collar and leash were all made from petrochemicals from oil and natural gas.

People love natural gas and all of the products from petrochemicals, even if they don’t know where petrochemicals come from. Some people don’t like our industry or pipelines or “fracked gas.” I have had to explain, even to people in our industry, that practically all natural gas is fracked gas. A couple of years ago, an elected official from the Midwest called and wanted to know what would happen if they banned fracked natural gas. I said, “That is easy. Your people will have NO natural gas.” Obviously disappointed he said, “None?” “Yes, none,” I

responded. They decided against the ban. Most people, when they learn the truth, are very supportive of us.

This makes National Energy Awareness Month a great opportunity to educate the public.

But do YOU realize ALL that the oil and natural gas industry has done? We do far more than create energy. We are true environmentalists. Can you recall anything the EPA or other environmental groups have done to improve the planet in the last eight years? I do recall that the EPA polluted the Colorado River with heavy metals. I also know the pipeline protesters out west (who claim to be environmentalists) left behind an environmental disaster that cost taxpayers over $1 million to clean up. Our air is cleaner today thanks to natural gas. CO2 levels are down 12% in the USA thanks to natural gas. My pastor, who is from India, told me, “The air is cleaner in New Delhi today because of natural gas.” He didn’t know it came from the USA. The EPA, the groups who call themselves environmentalists and even churches didn’t lift a finger to help the children of New Delhi that were getting COPD from the dirty air. It is the American oil and natural gas industry that is helping these children.

A surprise came from my brainstorming session with Rhonda.

We realized our industry is a major tool in fighting the war on drugs.

People, especially young people in the region, haven’t had a lot of hope in recent years for a bright future with our declining economy.

Because of cheap, abundant natural gas and the NGLs we are producing, industry and high wage permanent

jobs are coming back to the USA and our region. Along with them comes HOPE. Leadership expert John Maxwell says, “When there is hope in the future there is power in the present.” I can look my Pierpont Community College students in the eye and tell them, “There are high wage jobs waiting for you if you can stay off drugs and graduate from here.” Our industry is creating high wage jobs and helping to create manufacturing and petrochemical jobs that will transform this region and give thousands of people the hope they need to stay off drugs.

One of the best things we can do for people is to give them an opportunity for a good job. We have been doing that for years in our industry. By taking advantage of our abundant and now cheap natural gas, manufacturing and the petrochemical industry can be brought back to this region and provide permanent high wage jobs. A recent study said a build-out could bring over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs to this region. That is huge. As a bonus, every plant that is built in the USA under our environmental laws instead of overseas, where there are few if any environmental rules, is a win for the environment of the planet.

You are making a difference: • By ending the energy crisis and providing cheap, abundant energy for America. You are helping working families and seniors on fixed incomes. Al Gore, Yoko and Matt Damon can afford $5 gasoline and they can fly south when there are no lights and heat. These folks don’t know or don’t care that solar panels don’t You Are Better Continued on page 13

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Sarah Smith Membership Vice Chair

IOGAWV Board Approved Three New Members in August Please welcome these new members approved in August: Advantage Aerial ALL Solutions LLC Gordon Lane, Jr. 1504 Kanawha Blvd., W. Charleston, WV 25389 Phone: (304) 206-8835 www.advant.com glane @aasdromes.com

Anode System Company ALL Hans Schmoldt 124 N. 22nd Ct. Grand Junction, CO 81501 Phone: (970) 243-4349 Cell: (970) 260-4563 Fax: (970) 260-7295 www.anodesystems.com hans@anodesystems.com

Lane & Young PRO Gordon Lane, Sr. 1538 Kanawha Blvd, E. Charleston, WV 25311 Phone: (304) 345-6000 Cell: (304) 546-9825 glane@laneyounglaw.com Don’t forget about the new membership recruitment incentive available to you! Any time a current member or member company officially sponsors and signs up a new member, after those dues are paid, that sponsoring member will receive ten percent (10%) of that new member’s dues as a credit directly against their dues up to 100% of their total 2016-17 membership dues.

Application and member classification forms can also be accessed on the IOGAWV website at: https://iogawv.com/wp-content/ uploads/2015/06/2-11-16-IOGAMembership-Application.pdf.

Simply sign up a new member and get rewarded for your efforts.

Save the Date!

IOGAWV Tax Seminar Tuesday, Nov. 14 Charleston Marriott

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Hugh Byers Direct Energy

Nymex Natural Gas Futures Contract 12-Month Forward Strip Average Prices Through 8/28/2017

Remember to recommend a member today.

You Are Better Cont. from pg. 11 work at night.

• By improving the environment of the planet.

• By creating jobs inside and outside of the oil and natural gas industry.

• By creating tax revenues not just from the oil and natural gas industry but from the companies and jobs created here by natural gas and NGLs. • By creating hope for people in a brighter future and giving people a reason to stay off drugs.

And you thought all you did was produce oil and natural gas for energy. That is a great start, but you do a lot more than that. Thoughts to ponder. Happy Energy Awareness Month!

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Summer Meeting Sponsors

Thanks to Our Summer Meeting Sponsors 2017 Summer Meeting Diamond Sponsors

INSURANCE PROGRAM

2017 Summer Meeting Platinum Sponsors

2017 Summer Meeting Gold Sponsors

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Summer Meeting Sponsors

Thanks to Our Summer Meeting Sponsors 2017 Summer Meeting Silver Sponsors

Homestead Communications

2017 Summer Meeting Bronze Sponsors

Bob Bickel

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

Presort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Charleston, WV 25312 Permit No. 110