Washington, DC - An agreement aimed at improving cooperation and collaboration in the areas of oil and natural gas supply, delivery, and climate change mitigation, has been signed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC).

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) provides a framework for states and DOE to work more closely on "responsible domestic production of oil and natural gas; carbon capture, transport and geologic storage; and other topics of mutual interest." The document was signed by DOE's Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy Dr. James Markowsky and Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry, on behalf of the IOGCC.

The agreement provides the platform for DOE and the IOGCC to jointly: identify issues of mutual interest; champion actions to enhance energy security and environmental protection; facilitate the exchange of information and expertise on technological advancements and national energy programs and policies; enhance communication; and create an ongoing means of consultation.

"DOE partnering with states forges critical linkages necessary for enabling the responsible development of the Nation's oil and natural gas resources and the timely deployment of advanced technologies to capture and permanently store carbon emissions from power plants and other large industrial sources that may contribute to global climate change," Markowsky said.

Through the Office of Fossil Energy, DOE is responsible for managing research and development programs for fossil energy, which includes coal, oil and natural gas; and for advising the Secretary of Energy on fossil energy resource matters, including carbon capture, transport, and storage.

he IOGCC is a 38-state oil and natural gas compact. Its mission is to promote the conservation and efficient recovery of domestic oil and natural gas resources while protecting health, safety, and the environment.

 

 

<p>FECommunications@hq.doe.gov</p><p>&nbsp;</p>