Doing it Right

Often, communities or landowners are not opposed to drilling - they simply want to ensure that it is done in a way that minimizes impacts to the environment and their lives. 

The oil and gas industry has the financial and technological ability to "Do it Right."  In some situations, companies will use better practices because it makes economic sense to do so.  In other cases, however, industry is forced to innovate because they are pushed to do so by government regulations (e.g., new regulations may limit the allowable amount of air emissions). 

OGAP's "Doing it Right" work

There are two parts to OGAP's "Doing it RIght" work.  One focuses on available or emerging technologies; the other focuses on regulations.

• Best Practices provides information on technologies and management practices that are being used by industry today.
  
• Our information on  Progressive Oil and Gas Regulations provides examples of what already exists in terms of strong provisions that are already in place, that can provide a template for regulatory reform initiatives in other places.
  
  Governmental and Regulatory Reform highlights proposed or recently passed legislation and regulations that will raise the bar in terms of how development occurs at the municipal, county, state and federal level. 

For More Information

"Doing it Right" Resources

• OGAP links to  "Best Practices" materials related to oil and gas development

Doing It Right Publications

• Doing it Right - Protecting our water, farms and ranches, and communities from irresponsible coal bed methane development.  This guide, written by Northern Plains Resource Council, outlines a strategy for ensuring that coal bed methane is developed responsibly in Montana.
  
• Agenda and Abstracts (pdf - 104 KB) for Doing it Right for Wildlife and People - Coal Bed Methane Development in the West Effects and Mitigation for Wildlife, Fisheries and Recreation. A conference held in Billings, MT. March 1-2, 2003.
  
• Doing it Right:  Best Oil and Gas Development Practices for New Mexico. This fact sheet includes a framework for protecting surface owner rights, soil air and water, and wildlife habitat; and responsible energy development in New Mexico.