IADC Disappointed in House Committee Vote Regarding ANWR

Houston (1 May 2019) – In response to today’s vote in the House Natural Resources Committee, IADC President Jason McFarland issued the following statement regarding oil and gas exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR):

“Opening a portion of ANWR to oil and gas development and production has been a goal of IADC’s since the 1980s as it represents an extraordinary opportunity to responsibly develop the vast resources that the area is believed to contain. Therefore, IADC is disappointed by today’s vote in the House Natural Resources Committee that attempts to block future development of ANWR. According to the Congressional Budget Office, opening this area will create jobs and raise $1.1 billion in revenue over the next ten years.   In addition, opening ANWR keeps the U.S. on the path of energy dominance, allowing the country to develop more of its own natural resources, which will be needed for decades to come. Based on their experience drilling thousands of wells in the U.S. and internationally, IADC members have no doubt that oil and gas operations can be conducted in ANWR without harm to the area’s wildlife and in a manner that is compatible with the sensitive arctic environment. IADC and its members remain committed to supporting legislation that encourages environmentally sensitive and responsible drilling activities both in the U.S. and internationally.”

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 IADC at www.iadc.org and www.DrillingContractor.org.