ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE  JOINT MEETING  HOUSE RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE  HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON OIL AND GAS  February 9, 2004 1:05 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT  HOUSE RESOURCES Representative Nancy Dahlstrom, Co-Chair Representative Beverly Masek, Co-Chair Representative Bob Lynn Representative Nick Stepovich Representative Beth Kerttula HOUSE OIL AND GAS Representative Vic Kohring, Chair Representative Beth Kerttula MEMBERS ABSENT  HOUSE RESOURCES Representative Cheryll Heinze, Vice Chair Representative Carl Gatto Representative Kelly Wolf Representative David Guttenberg HOUSE OIL AND GAS Representative Cheryll Heinze Representative Jim Holm Representative Lesil McGuire Representative Norman Rokeberg Representative Harry Crawford COMMITTEE CALENDAR  ^BRIEFING FROM OIL PRODUCERS/NORTH SLOPE DRILLING ACTIVITIES TAPES    04-3, SIDE(S) A & B [HOUSE RES TAPE] SUMMARY OF INFORMATION  CO-CHAIR BEVERLY MASEK convened the joint meeting of the House Resources Standing Committee and the House Special Committee on Oil and Gas at 1:05 p.m. Present from the House Resources Committee were Representatives Dahlstrom, Masek, Lynn, Stepovich, and Kerttula. Present from the House Special Committee on Oil and Gas were Representatives Kohring and Kerttula. JAMES RUUD, Land Manager, ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc., gave a presentation on oil exploration and production in Alaska. He used a color-coded map to illustrate the locations of current exploration operations and joint ventures. He talked about the cost and production of the ice roads used for reaching drilling sites; highlighted the company's efforts to attract new entrants to the state for oil exploration and production; described the challenges facing the oil industry in Alaska; and emphasized the need for fiscal certainty and stability in the state. JACK BERGERON JR., P.E., Alaska Manager, Total E&P USA, Inc., provided information about the company's role in oil exploration and production in Alaska and around the world. He used a map to illustrate current exploration areas in the state, and said the company is in the process of drilling its first well in Alaska. Mr. Bergeron explained that the company takes environmental concerns seriously and has strict environmental policies. He emphasized the importance of logistics, and he highlighted the need for fiscal certainty in the state. DAVID CHRISTIAN, Vice President, Land and Negotiations, Kerr- McGee Oil and Gas Corporation, explained that the company is a new entrant for oil and gas development in Alaska. He talked about the company's ventures in Alaska and around the world. Mr. Christian said the company is proud of its safety and environmental standards, for which it has won several related awards. He relayed the importance of a stable economy and fiscal regime in the state. There was a question-and-answer session in which members asked questions with regard to access, road development, and ways in which the state could facilitate further oil and gas exploration and development. ANNOUNCEMENTS  There were no announcements.   COMMITTEE ACTION  The committees took no action. ADJOURNMENT  There being no further business before the committees, the joint meeting between the House Resources Standing Committee and the House Special Committee on Oil and Gas was adjourned at 2:36 p.m. NOTE: The meeting was recorded and handwritten log notes were taken. A copy of the tape(s) and log notes may be obtained by contacting the House Records Office at State Capitol, Room 3, Juneau, Alaska 99801 (mailing address), (907) 465-2214, and after adjournment of the second session of the Twenty-Third Alaska State Legislature this information may be obtained by contacting the Legislative Reference Library at (907) 465-3808.