Urges

The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), which represents the nation’s independent gas and oil producers, is urging the Interior Department to do away with the current price thresholds that cut off royalty incentives for deepwater gas and oil production when prices get to a certain level.

Jeroen van der Veer, 57, a career-long employee with Royal Dutch/Shell Group, took over the third-largest major last week as president and chairman of the Committee of Managing Directors following the ouster of Sir Philip Watts. Also resigning was Walter van de Vijver, 48, CEO of Shell’s Exploration and Production Business, who was considered at one time to be Watts’ eventual successor.

A day after taking over the top spot at Royal Dutch/Shell Group, CEO Jeroen van der Veer urged staff to focus on their performance to help restore confidence in the London-based company.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) is urging FERC to reject a recently announced settlement between Dynegy Inc. and FERC staff aimed at resolving charges that Dynegy tried to manipulate California’s electricity markets in 2000-2001.

At best, the U.S. electricity industry is operating under an obsolete business model, the CEO of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) told a Houston audience last Wednesday. But instead of the back-to-basics strategy now being advocated, it should transform itself for the future, said Kurt Yeager.

FERC Chairman Pat Wood last week urged the U.S. Commerce Department to override the state of Connecticut’s objections to the proposed Islander East Pipeline. The project, which eventually would carry up to 400 MMcf/d of gas under Long Island Sound to markets on Long Island from pipelines in Connecticut, has been blocked by the state using the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA).

FERC Chairman Pat Wood urged the U.S. Commerce Department to override objections from the state of Connecticut and okay the construction of the Islander East Pipeline to carry up to 400 MMcf/d under water from Connecticut to Long Island, NY.

Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) called on President Bush Thursday to renominate Commissioner William Massey to a third five-year term on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) called on President Bush last Thursday to re-nominate Commissioner William Massey to a third five-year term on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.