Those local to the Calgary area are likely familiar with this quote from the movie FUBAR that was filmed in and around the city back in 2002. Deaner, the quoted actor, remains somewhat a local celebrity to this day for this quote (and several others from the original movie and its sequel). Anyone who has seen the movie is likely wondering where this is going. I borrow the quote here in response to critics of the Canadian oil and gas closure sector.
This past week, I had the opportunity to attend the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) conference, which brought together regulators from states and provinces across North America. This marked my fourth year attending the conference. Over these four years, conference discussions have increasingly focused on the management of orphan and marginal production wells.
States across North America are in various stages of addressing these challenges and are making significant progress – buoyed by roughly $5 billion in federal funding allocated for these initiatives. Notably, Canadian jurisdictions have a jump start in addressing these challenges with robust frameworks already in place though that narrative is often overlooked or perhaps even misrepresented in Canadian media rhetoric. Oil and gas producers in Canada, and the regulatory bodies in place, are very clearly setting the standard for responsible lifecycle development and closure.
Stacked on top of a media narrative with a mostly negative bias in their publications, new Canadian legislation, Bill C-59, has introduced additional challenges when it comes to countering the narrative with facts. Companies are now reluctant to share the commitments and results made in their environmental and climate initiatives out of concern that it may violate the amendments to the Competition Act which, despite recent attempts for clarification, remain extremely unclear.
It was encouraging to see the Alberta Energy Regulator offer a glimpse of a solution at this week’s conference. During the conference, the AER previewed dashboards they are developing which aim to enhance transparency by providing unbiased, data-driven insights which highlight the great work operators are doing in the closure space. These tools mark a positive step, showcasing industry’s progress through verified data rather than subjective sources that always seem keen to share a negative quote for the media.
More than ever, there’s a need for Canadians and industry groups to advocate for a responsible energy sector and highlight the progress we have made and the results of the great work we are doing. Transparency remains essential, and the new AER tools could serve as an important resource in demonstrating our commitment to environmental responsibility in a time where the restrictions of Bill C-59 make that an even bigger challenge.
Turn up the good, Turn down the suck!
Thanks for reading,
Mark
About the Author
Mark Ashton, President
Mark is a graduate of the University of Alberta and has 13 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. Prior to founding 360 in 2015, Mark spent time in both field and office-based roles for a major oilfield services company where he developed a reputation for visionary leadership and an aptitude for improving operational efficiencies. As a leader, Mark epitomizes integrity, energy, hard work, and attention to detail; qualities which permeate the company’s culture. His example promotes an environment focused on innovative thought, continual improvement and celebrating achievements. Outside of the office, Mark is an Institute of Corporate Directors Certified Director and sits as a director on the board for The Balance Foundation and Co-Chairs the board of The Calgary Downtown Association.
