IADC Responds to U.S. Senate Hearing on BSEE Well Control Rule, Arctic Rule; Urges Further Collaboration

Houston, Texas (1 December 2015) – In response to today’s U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing on both the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement’s (BSEE) well control rule and the Arctic rule, the International Association of Drilling Contractors commented:

“At IADC, we welcome any opportunity to work collaboratively and constructively with BSEE and Director Salerno, as we believe in the need for better, more efficient regulation. That is regulation that is fair, fit for purpose, practically implementable and affordable for our industry. That is why we, along with our industry partners, have requested more collaboration with BSEE to ensure that this rule does result in the safety improvements intended, because as currently drafted, the rule could result in unintended consequences which lead to less safe drilling. These issues can be addressed and we hope BSEE will make the changes needed,” said Elizabeth Craddock, IADC Vice President, Policy and Government Affairs. “In addition, IADC appreciates Director Salerno’s comments that drilling in the Arctic can be done safely. As the agency moves forward with the final version of the Arctic rule, IADC encourages BSEE to put forth a rule that enables Arctic development.”

“Oil and gas will continue to fuel our economy and the world’s economy for decades to come. IADC’s mission is to partner with regulators to craft common sense regulations that protect workers and the environment, while also enabling robust development offshore. These goals are not mutually exclusive.”

“IADC thanks Senator Murkowski for holding the hearing and Senators Cassidy (LA), Gardner (CO), Barrasso (WY) and Hoeven (ND) for their participation and support of safe offshore drilling.”

About IADC

Since 1940, the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) has exclusively represented the worldwide oil and gas drilling industry. IADC’s mission is to catalyze improved performance for the drilling industry by enhancing operational integrity and championing better regulation to facilitate safer, cleaner and more efficient drilling operations worldwide. For more information, visit the IADC website at www.iadc.org.