Williams Director of Pipeline Safety and Asset Integrity, Amy Shank, presented the final report of the National Petroleum Council’s (NPC) study on U.S. Oil and Natural Gas Transportation Infrastructure on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019.

If you’re thinking, “another report, another study, another committee,” you’re wrong. Williams is leading the industry in fact-based, practical and executable programs for reducing greenhouse gas emissions; that’s why Alan Armstrong, President and CEO, was selected to chair this study, and Amy was selected to chair the coordinating subcommittee.

Approximately half of the NPC Study Committee members were leaders from the oil and gas industry. The other half was made up of representatives from government agencies, academic institutions, NGOs, other non-oil & gas industries, and more. The study’s composition is critical to developing non-biased results that aren’t self-serving to our industry.

After 18 months of work, the report is complete, and results are clear – there is still a need for oil and gas infrastructure into 2040, even in low-carbon supply and demand scenarios.

“One finding from this study has been the need to streamline the permitting process,” Armstrong said. “Our current system has been resilient and reliable, but to meet growing supply and demand for the future, we must increase our infrastructure to accommodate it. A streamlined NEPA process will allow us to meet this demand, serving our customers, and ultimately families, that need to heat homes and cook meals.” 

The report also includes recommendations to remove barriers experienced during infrastructure siting and construction, as well as to speed the adoption of new technologies that will assist in safety, reliability and environmental performance.

“It has been a valuable experience to collaborate with such a diverse and dedicated group as was involved in the study. I am especially thankful for the other Williams employees who contributed greatly including Mark Gebbia, who led the Permitting, Siting and Social License to Operate Task Group, and Kristen Drew, who acted as my assistant throughout the study,” Shank said. “Because we’ve been able to bring together so many organizations with very diverse views, the study’s findings are now leading us to ask Congress to address the concern over greenhouse gases.”

The Council voted to approve the study at the conclusion of Amy’s presentation. To watch a replay or view the full study document, visit npc.org.