As questions regarding domestic supply adequacy continue to swirl around the marketplace, new questions about a lack of manpower in the sector are beginning to be asked. Called upon by Congress to help lead the way in addressing the issue, North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven said a lack of manpower within the oil and gas industry is jeopardizing the country’s energy security.

Hoeven testified before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Energy and Minerals Resources that an on-going, adequate pool of qualified individuals is essential to any plan to increase supplies of domestic oil and natural gas. The governor testified on behalf of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC), a government organization representing the governors of 37 oil and natural gas producing states.

“There is a growing shortage of qualified workers in the industry today and that dilemma will require the combined efforts of the public and private sectors to address,” Hoeven said. “Many jobs in today’s petroleum industry are on the cutting edge of technology, innovation and vitality. The perception that the domestic industry is dying a slow, low-tech death must be countered by the reality of its vibrancy and growth as a technology- rich industry.”

Hoeven pointed to a study produced by an IOGCC blue ribbon task force that developed action plans for implementation by states, the federal government and industry. The 11-point federal plan called for a variety of educational and policy changes that could help improve the employment climate within industry and government. The publication entitled “The Petroleum Pros,” also documented the falling number of petroleum-specific degrees being awarded by U.S. colleges and universities.

The governor vowed to stay involved in the issue, and stressed that there was a role for each entity in the process. “It is clear that addressing the manpower issue is an opportunity for states, the federal government and industry to each contribute to a long term solution,” he said. “Those contributions may come in the form of legislative initiatives, which states are prepared to discuss, or any other opportunities for further fashion policy and help secure our energy supply.”

The IOGCC said it wants to promote the full development of the nation’s oil and natural gas reserves to minimize wasteful, premature abandonment while ensuring the protection of the environment. For more information on “The Petroleum Pros,” contact Alesha Riggle at alesha.riggle@iogcc.state.ok.us.

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