Veteran

A proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) project emerging in its very early stages through the Oregon energy siting process is being backed by a private group of four natural gas industry veterans who expect to have a FERC application filed next year for a relatively small-scale $150 million receiving terminal and peaking generation plant at Coos Bay, OR.

A proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) project emerging in its very early stages through the Oregon energy siting process is being backed by a private group of four natural gas industry veterans who expect to have a FERC application filed next year for a relatively small-scale $150 million receiving terminal and peaking generation plant at Coos Bay, OR.

A proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) project emerging in its very early stages through the Oregon energy siting process is being backed by a private group of four natural gas industry veterans who expect to have a FERC application filed next year for a relatively small-scale $150 million receiving terminal and peaking generation plant at Coos Bay, OR.

Joseph H. Bryant, a 27-year veteran of the oil and gas industry, has been named Unocal Corp.’s president and COO, effective Sept. 1. In his new position, the BP executive will lead the company’s domestic and international exploration and production units, as well as Unocal’s reservoir and production engineering, exploration technology, drilling procurement and logistics, engineering and construction, and corporate information groups.

The California Public Utilities Commission Thursday tapped a veteran state civil service executive as its executive director replacing Bill Ahern who retired suddenly in June. The five-member panel named Steve Larson, currently the executive director at the California Energy Commission, to take on its chief operating officer role, effective July 15. With more than 35 years of state service in agencies and the state legislature, Larson is viewed as very knowledgeable about the workings of state government and the legislature. Prior to his energy commission position as that body’s CFO, Larson spent many years in the finance department and before that, 17 years as the chief consultant on the state Senate Budget Committee. Larson hold a bachelor’s degree in philosophy/psychology and a master’s in history — all from San Jose State University, and he served two years in the Peace Corps in Guyana. CPUC President Michael Peevey said Larson has an “impressive work history,” along with “proven leadership skills.” He expects Larson to help the CPUC set and meet its goals. Larson said he is very aware of the issues the CPUC is facing and is ready to put his experience to use at a new state assignment.

Chairman Pat Wood announced the appointment of FERC veteran staffer Susan Court to a newly-created position as the Commission’s chief of staff. Only a couple of chairmen in the past have designated a chief of staff. Court’s primary job will be to ensure coordination among the Commission’s nine main offices and auxiliary offices to achieve its strategic plan. Since March 2001, Court has served as associate general counsel for general and administrative law and as the Designated Agency Ethics Official (DAEO). She will continue to perform those functions until the end of July. Previously, Court served as deputy solicitor, associate general counsel for gas and oil, assistant to a commissioner, and executive assistant to an acting chairman. She started her career at the Commission in the Office of General Counsel’s rulemaking section in 1982. Among her accomplishments during her 22 years at the Commission, Court was in charge of the legal staff responsible for implementing Order No. 436 and drafting Order No 636 — the landmark rules intended to introduce greater competition in U.S. natural gas markets. She also led the team that successfully defended Order No. 636 in the federal courts.

Royal Dutch/Shell Group last week appointed Peter Voser, a former company veteran, to the post of CFO, a move considered key to rebuilding the London-based major’s tarnished image. The announcement precedes the annual general meeting on Monday (June 28), when executives are expected to answer more questions about the energy reserves scandal, which first surfaced in January.

Royal Dutch/Shell Group on Thursday appointed Peter Voser, a former company veteran, to the key post of CFO, a move considered key to rebuilding the London-based major’s tarnished image. The announcement precedes the annual general meeting on June 28, when executives are expected to answer more questions about the energy reserves scandal, which first surfaced in January.

Targa Resources Inc., whose veteran energy team is building a portfolio of natural gas gathering, processing and pipeline assets throughout the United States with partner Warburg Pincus, said Thursday it will buy two integrated gas systems in Texas and Louisiana from ConocoPhillips for an undisclosed amount.