(Juneau) – House Bill 300 unanimously passed the Oil & Gas Committee this week, and now moves to the House Resources Committee for consideration. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Vic Kohring (R-Wasilla/Mat-Su) requires that the public seat on the three member Oil & Gas Conservation Commission be filled by one with demonstrated experience in the oil and gas industry.

Currently, demonstrated experience applies only to the two technical seats, the geologist and engineer. "It's critical all members of the Commission have a fundamental understanding of the industry they regulate, and this legislation helps accomplish that," said Kohring. He added that with the increased highly technical nature of the industry, it further underscores to need to have experienced and knowledgeable appointees on the Commission.

HB 300 requires the public member to possess training or experience in the field, demonstrating a clear, essential knowledge of the state's oil and gas operations.

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