Feds outline plan for selling offshore drilling leases
A leading House Republican today insisted the Obama administration was on track to blow a July 1 deadline to finish a plan for selling offshore drilling leases over the next five years. But administration officials said the five-year schedule of drilling leases would be issued by July 1, with a first auction scheduled this year. More »
Hispanic group: Latinos back Keystone XL pipeline
Supporters of the controversial Keystone XL pipeline are now billing it as a top political issue for Hispanic voters — the latest bid to spur the administration’s approval of the project. More »
GE shows off powerful pipe-cutting blowout preventer rams at OTC
After a blowout preventer failed to successfully shear drill pipe and seal off BP’s Macondo well, companies that make the emergency devices have been looking for new ways to boost their performance. At OTC this week, GE Oil & Gas unveiled new blind shear rams the company says can slash through thick tool joints and seal off the well hole. More »
Company pitches landers to new audience at OTC
For years, marine scientists have used ocean landers that can take readings from the sea floor to conduct research. But Aanderaa Data Instruments is hoping to convince a new audience to buy the equipment. More »
OTC adds some politics to the technical conversation
Trade show talk shifted to politics at the Offshore Technology Conference on Wednesday, as energy industry leaders and a Republican congressional ally complained that administration regulatory policies are thwarting domestic energy development. More »
Familiar message to friendly OTC crowd: Washington blocks U.S. energy potential
Federal regulations are inhibiting domestic energy production, a first-term Texas lawmaker said at the Offshore Technology Conference today. More »
At one OTC booth, this artist is a real draw
Exhibitors at the Offshore Technology Conference at Houston have all sorts of gimmicks for luring potential customers to their booths, including contests and scantily clad models. Now you can add magicians and caricature artists to the list. More »
At OTC, some companies aren’t selling drilling equipment
Houston’s night clubs are pitching their wares to the hungry, mostly male audience at OTC. More »
Feds reviewing Shell’s 10 Arctic drilling permit proposals
Federal regulators are vetting Shell’s plans to drill 10 wells in Arctic waters near Alaska ahead of planned testing of oil spill response equipment later this year. Shell still has to convince regulators that it can contain oil and gas in case of a blown out well in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas. More »
Offshore drilling regulator lays out agenda for OTC
The nation’s top offshore drilling regulator today laid out an ambitious agenda for his agency, including plans to issue new mandates for emergency equipment and update decades-old regulations governing oil and gas production safety systems. More »
Feds will move faster to update safety equipment rules
The Obama administration will get on a faster track in imposing new rules that aim to boost the reliability of crucial emergency equipment used at offshore oil and gas wells, a top federal regulator is set to announce Tuesday at the Offshore Technology Conference. More »
Regulator’s philosophy: Safety at all levels all the time
Retired Coast Guard Rear Adm. James Watson became director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement last year, taking over the job from Michael Bromwich.
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