WEBVTT 00:00:05.860 --> 00:00:08.030 Railroad Commission of Texas will come to order 00:00:08.030 --> 00:00:10.340 to consider matters which have been duly posted 00:00:10.340 --> 00:00:13.730 with the Secretary of State for May 22nd, 2018. 00:00:13.730 --> 00:00:15.500 The Commission will consider the items 00:00:15.500 --> 00:00:18.160 on the agenda as posted on the agenda 00:00:18.160 --> 00:00:20.340 and our public participation policy, 00:00:20.340 --> 00:00:22.510 anyone desiring to offer a public testimony 00:00:22.510 --> 00:00:26.090 on any items that are not noticed on today's agenda 00:00:26.090 --> 00:00:28.010 will need to fill out a testimony form 00:00:28.010 --> 00:00:29.240 found in the back of the room 00:00:29.240 --> 00:00:32.310 and submit it to Commission Secretary, Cathy Way, 00:00:32.310 --> 00:00:34.170 who is to my left over here, 00:00:34.170 --> 00:00:36.620 and remember to turn off your cell phones. 00:00:36.620 --> 00:00:37.980 item number one. 00:00:37.980 --> 00:00:39.210 Good morning. 00:00:39.210 --> 00:00:41.441 Can I just turn my ringer off? 00:00:41.441 --> 00:00:43.269 Whatever, as long as it isn't buzzing. 00:00:43.269 --> 00:00:45.970 (laughing) 00:00:45.970 --> 00:00:47.003 Good morning, Sarah. Good morning, 00:00:47.003 --> 00:00:47.836 Chairman and Commissioners. 00:00:47.836 --> 00:00:49.397 For the record, my name is Sara Montoya-Fogelsong, 00:00:49.397 --> 00:00:51.590 and I am representing the Market Oversight Section 00:00:51.590 --> 00:00:54.000 of the Oversight and Safety Division. 00:00:54.000 --> 00:00:56.360 Agenda item number one today is an order 00:00:56.360 --> 00:01:00.260 nunc pro tunc in Gas Utilities Docket Number 10647, 00:01:00.260 --> 00:01:03.090 Application of Comanche Trail Pipeline, LLC, 00:01:03.090 --> 00:01:05.940 pursuant to NGPA, Section 311, for review 00:01:05.940 --> 00:01:08.183 of reasonableness of a transportation rate. 00:01:09.720 --> 00:01:13.010 On April 24th, 2018, the Commission signed an order 00:01:13.010 --> 00:01:16.250 in GUD Number 10647, approving the reasonableness 00:01:16.250 --> 00:01:18.960 of rates for interruptible transportation service, 00:01:18.960 --> 00:01:20.275 firm transportation service, and park and loan service. 00:01:20.275 --> 00:01:22.255 Finding of Fact Number 8, Conclusion of Law Number 5, 00:01:22.255 --> 00:01:26.680 and Ordering Paragraph Number 2 all contained 00:01:26.680 --> 00:01:29.848 a daily demand charge of 20 cents per MMBtu 00:01:29.848 --> 00:01:33.134 for firm transportation service. 00:01:33.134 --> 00:01:36.700 The daily demand charge for firm transportation service 00:01:36.700 --> 00:01:39.910 should have been 15 cents per MMBtu. 00:01:39.910 --> 00:01:42.510 This order nunc pro tunc corrects the daily demand charge 00:01:42.510 --> 00:01:43.950 for firm transportation service, 00:01:43.950 --> 00:01:46.640 and staff recommends that the Commission adopt this order. 00:01:46.640 --> 00:01:47.930 May I answer any questions? 00:01:47.930 --> 00:01:48.763 Thank you, Sarah, 00:01:48.763 --> 00:01:49.596 are there any questions? 00:01:49.596 --> 00:01:50.429 Nope. 00:01:50.429 --> 00:01:52.040 I move we approve the examiner's recommendation. 00:01:52.040 --> 00:01:52.873 Is there a second? 00:01:52.873 --> 00:01:53.706 Second. 00:01:53.706 --> 00:01:55.018 Second current by Commissioner Sitton. 00:01:55.018 --> 00:01:56.274 All in favor say aye. 00:01:56.274 --> 00:01:57.107 Aye. 00:01:57.107 --> 00:01:58.348 Motion passes, items approved. 00:01:58.348 --> 00:01:59.714 Thank you. 00:01:59.714 --> 00:02:01.047 item number two. 00:02:01.986 --> 00:02:03.237 Morning, Frank. 00:02:03.237 --> 00:02:04.070 Morning. 00:02:06.672 --> 00:02:08.089 Madam Chairman, Commissioners, good morning. 00:02:08.089 --> 00:02:10.889 I'm Frank Tomicek with the Oversight and Safety Division. 00:02:10.889 --> 00:02:13.286 This morning's next agenda item is Gas Utilities Docket 00:02:13.286 --> 00:02:17.344 Number 10693, application made by Atmos Pipeline Texas, 00:02:17.344 --> 00:02:20.538 for a Test Year 2017 Annual Interim Adjustment. 00:02:20.538 --> 00:02:21.974 This is the second interim rate adjustment 00:02:21.974 --> 00:02:23.715 since the company's last rate case in 00:02:23.715 --> 00:02:25.699 GUD Number 10580, 00:02:25.699 --> 00:02:27.205 which set the interim rate adjustment factors, 00:02:27.205 --> 00:02:28.685 and, in this filing, Atmos Pipiline 00:02:28.685 --> 00:02:30.879 has also made a voluntary adjustment 00:02:30.879 --> 00:02:34.508 to its IRA request to reflect tax rate of 21% 00:02:34.508 --> 00:02:35.765 in accordance with the Tax Cuts 00:02:35.765 --> 00:02:37.810 and Jobs Act of 2017 00:02:37.810 --> 00:02:40.003 and the resulting proposed IRA rates in this docket, 00:02:40.003 --> 00:02:42.029 additionally incorporate a rate reduction 00:02:42.029 --> 00:02:45.472 approved administratively in GUD 10704, 00:02:45.472 --> 00:02:46.960 which reduced the previous IRA rates 00:02:46.960 --> 00:02:48.300 for changes in the tax rates 00:02:48.300 --> 00:02:49.877 as per the Commissions accounting order 00:02:49.877 --> 00:02:53.417 in GUD 10695 from this past February. 00:02:53.417 --> 00:02:54.635 Using those factors 00:02:54.635 --> 00:02:56.078 and adjustments the companies identified, 00:02:56.078 --> 00:02:57.915 a test year incremental revenue requirement 00:02:57.915 --> 00:03:00.332 of approximately $42,173,277, 00:03:01.919 --> 00:03:03.286 which will be recovered from 00:03:03.286 --> 00:03:05.825 their tariff rate CGS and PT customers 00:03:05.825 --> 00:03:07.872 under the proposed rate adjustment. 00:03:07.872 --> 00:03:08.705 Staff's review of the filing 00:03:08.705 --> 00:03:10.065 has found it to be compliant with 00:03:10.065 --> 00:03:11.774 the provisions of GRIP statutes, 00:03:11.774 --> 00:03:13.264 and staff is recommending approval 00:03:13.264 --> 00:03:15.448 and I can address any questions at this time. 00:03:15.448 --> 00:03:16.281 Thank you, Frank. 00:03:16.281 --> 00:03:17.794 Are there any questions? 00:03:17.794 --> 00:03:19.601 I move we approve the examiner's recommendation, 00:03:19.601 --> 00:03:20.434 is there a second? 00:03:20.434 --> 00:03:21.267 Second. 00:03:21.267 --> 00:03:22.349 Second by Commissioner Christian. 00:03:22.349 --> 00:03:23.724 All in favor say aye. 00:03:23.724 --> 00:03:24.557 Aye. 00:03:24.557 --> 00:03:25.802 Motion passes, items approved. 00:03:25.802 --> 00:03:26.635 Thank you. 00:03:26.635 --> 00:03:27.635 Thank you. 00:03:30.273 --> 00:03:31.106 Good morning John. 00:03:31.106 --> 00:03:31.939 Morning. 00:03:35.170 --> 00:03:37.000 Good morning, Chairman and Commissioners. 00:03:37.000 --> 00:03:39.590 I'm Admnistrative Law Judge, John Dawson, Hearings Division. 00:03:39.590 --> 00:03:43.400 Agenda item three, GUD 10669 consolidated, 00:03:43.400 --> 00:03:45.860 is a Gas Utility rate case filed by CenterPoint 00:03:45.860 --> 00:03:48.340 to increase rates in its South Texas division. 00:03:48.340 --> 00:03:49.550 Three parties intervened, 00:03:49.550 --> 00:03:52.470 Commission staff and two separate coalitions of cities. 00:03:52.470 --> 00:03:53.800 Ultimately the parties reached a settlement 00:03:53.800 --> 00:03:55.260 resolving all issues. 00:03:55.260 --> 00:03:57.300 In the settlement, the parties agreed to a decrease 00:03:57.300 --> 00:03:59.170 of three million dollars from current revenues 00:03:59.170 --> 00:04:01.030 in the South Texas division. 00:04:01.030 --> 00:04:02.610 Prior to settling, CenterPoint requested 00:04:02.610 --> 00:04:05.183 a revenue increase of approximately $500,000. 00:04:06.110 --> 00:04:07.790 A reduction of a corporate income tax rate 00:04:07.790 --> 00:04:12.540 from 35% to 21% due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 00:04:12.540 --> 00:04:15.240 and cost of equity set at 9.8%. 00:04:15.240 --> 00:04:16.740 We recommend approval of the settlement, 00:04:16.740 --> 00:04:19.060 and no parties filed PFT exemptions. 00:04:19.060 --> 00:04:20.530 In addition to the environs, 00:04:20.530 --> 00:04:22.000 the Commission has original jurisdiction 00:04:22.000 --> 00:04:24.450 over the rates in 18 cities 00:04:24.450 --> 00:04:26.570 that ceded jurisdiction to the Commission 00:04:26.570 --> 00:04:27.870 and appellate jurisdiction over rates 00:04:27.870 --> 00:04:29.340 in four cities that took up action 00:04:29.340 --> 00:04:30.620 at the municipal level. 00:04:30.620 --> 00:04:32.520 The deadline for Commission action is June 19th, 00:04:32.520 --> 00:04:34.170 so we're a bit early. 00:04:34.170 --> 00:04:35.950 We're available for questions. 00:04:35.950 --> 00:04:36.783 Thank you. 00:04:36.783 --> 00:04:37.650 Are there any questions? 00:04:37.650 --> 00:04:38.483 Nope. 00:04:38.483 --> 00:04:40.260 I move we approve the examiner's recommendation. 00:04:40.260 --> 00:04:41.093 Is there a second? 00:04:41.093 --> 00:04:41.926 Second. 00:04:41.926 --> 00:04:42.800 Second, Commissioner Sitton. 00:04:42.800 --> 00:04:44.059 All in favor say aye. 00:04:44.059 --> 00:04:44.892 Aye. 00:04:44.892 --> 00:04:46.270 Motion passed with items approved. 00:04:46.270 --> 00:04:47.103 Thank you, John. 00:04:48.290 --> 00:04:50.083 Number four. Morning, Kyle. 00:04:50.083 --> 00:04:51.663 Good morning, Commissioners. 00:04:51.663 --> 00:04:52.496 Kyle Lebby, 00:04:52.496 --> 00:04:54.720 Administrative Law Judge with the Hearings Division. 00:04:54.720 --> 00:04:57.410 Item four is an application by ALCOA USA Corp. 00:04:57.410 --> 00:05:00.360 requesting Phase One, Two, and Three release 00:05:00.360 --> 00:05:03.390 of reclamation obligations for 130 acres 00:05:03.390 --> 00:05:06.025 at the Sandow Mine, Permit Number 1G, 00:05:06.025 --> 00:05:08.760 located in Milam and Lee Counties. 00:05:08.760 --> 00:05:10.850 Acreage requested for release, 00:05:10.850 --> 00:05:13.950 comprised entirely of 130-acre facility, 00:05:13.950 --> 00:05:15.833 referred to as the AX Landfill. 00:05:16.795 --> 00:05:18.840 The facility is authorized by the Texas Commission 00:05:18.840 --> 00:05:21.010 on Environmental Quality for disposal 00:05:21.010 --> 00:05:24.170 of Non-Hazardous Class Two and Three Waste. 00:05:24.170 --> 00:05:26.218 The postmining land use for the subject's acreage 00:05:26.218 --> 00:05:28.780 is industrial/commercial. 00:05:28.780 --> 00:05:30.240 Evidence in the record indicates 00:05:30.240 --> 00:05:32.130 reclamation has been accomplished 00:05:32.130 --> 00:05:34.150 in accordance with the approved permit 00:05:34.150 --> 00:05:35.770 and the regulations. 00:05:35.770 --> 00:05:38.470 After notice, no comments or requests 00:05:38.470 --> 00:05:40.190 for hearings were received. 00:05:40.190 --> 00:05:42.850 Our coaling staff were the only parties to the proceeding, 00:05:42.850 --> 00:05:44.373 and no exceptions were filed. 00:05:45.400 --> 00:05:47.680 No changes to the current bond instruments is requested 00:05:47.680 --> 00:05:49.020 in this docket. 00:05:49.020 --> 00:05:51.310 Full release of the acreage is recommended, 00:05:51.310 --> 00:05:53.330 along with an eligible bond reduction amount 00:05:53.330 --> 00:05:56.510 of $737,022. 00:05:56.510 --> 00:05:57.980 I'm available for questions. 00:05:57.980 --> 00:05:59.430 Thank you, are there any questions? 00:05:59.430 --> 00:06:00.263 Nope. 00:06:00.263 --> 00:06:02.140 I move we approve the examiner's recommendation. 00:06:02.140 --> 00:06:02.973 Is there a second? 00:06:02.973 --> 00:06:03.806 Second. 00:06:03.806 --> 00:06:05.110 Second, Commissioner Christian. 00:06:05.110 --> 00:06:06.450 All in favor, say, "Aye." 00:06:06.450 --> 00:06:07.283 Aye. 00:06:07.283 --> 00:06:08.740 Motion passes, items approved. 00:06:11.240 --> 00:06:12.073 Number five. 00:06:13.700 --> 00:06:14.796 Good morning, Commissioners. 00:06:14.796 --> 00:06:17.130 My name is Steven Leary, Administrative Law Judge 00:06:17.130 --> 00:06:19.100 of the Hearings Division. 00:06:19.100 --> 00:06:21.360 Item five is an application by San Miguel 00:06:21.360 --> 00:06:23.360 Electric Cooperative and incorporated for release 00:06:23.360 --> 00:06:28.360 of phase one reclamation obligations for 484.6 acres 00:06:28.890 --> 00:06:32.330 within the San Miguel sea-area mine, permit 52A, 00:06:32.330 --> 00:06:34.630 located in Atascosa County. 00:06:34.630 --> 00:06:37.140 The approved postmining land use for the subject acreage 00:06:37.140 --> 00:06:38.490 is pasture land. 00:06:38.490 --> 00:06:39.860 There are no permanent structures 00:06:39.860 --> 00:06:42.220 within the proposed released area. 00:06:42.220 --> 00:06:44.530 The evidence shows that the acreage has been back-filled 00:06:44.530 --> 00:06:47.600 and re-graded to the approximate original contour 00:06:47.600 --> 00:06:49.720 and that drainage control has been established 00:06:49.720 --> 00:06:52.020 as required for phase one release. 00:06:52.020 --> 00:06:55.200 Public notice and other required notices were provided. 00:06:55.200 --> 00:06:58.170 No request for a hearing or public comment were filed. 00:06:58.170 --> 00:07:01.400 San Miguel does not request a reduction in the bond amount 00:07:01.400 --> 00:07:02.397 at this time 00:07:02.397 --> 00:07:04.930 and that the approved reclamation cost estimate 00:07:04.930 --> 00:07:08.050 was calculated using the worst-case pit method, 00:07:08.050 --> 00:07:10.300 which assumes that mining and reclamation operations 00:07:10.300 --> 00:07:13.360 are contemporaneous with the reclamation plan. 00:07:13.360 --> 00:07:15.150 San Miguel and staff are the only parties 00:07:15.150 --> 00:07:16.200 to the proceeding. 00:07:16.200 --> 00:07:19.770 No exceptions were filed in response to the proposed order. 00:07:19.770 --> 00:07:21.590 I recommend approval of the proposed order, 00:07:21.590 --> 00:07:23.840 and I'm available to answer questions. 00:07:23.840 --> 00:07:25.897 Thank you, are there any questions? 00:07:25.897 --> 00:07:28.190 I move we approve the examiner's recommendation. 00:07:28.190 --> 00:07:29.080 Is there a second? 00:07:29.080 --> 00:07:29.913 Second. 00:07:29.913 --> 00:07:30.980 Second, Commissioner Sitton. 00:07:30.980 --> 00:07:32.159 All in favor, say "Aye." 00:07:32.159 --> 00:07:32.992 Aye. 00:07:32.992 --> 00:07:34.393 Motion passes, items approved. 00:07:37.400 --> 00:07:38.233 Morning, Jennifer. 00:07:38.233 --> 00:07:39.163 Good morning. 00:07:44.970 --> 00:07:47.560 Items six through nine are MIPA applications, 00:07:47.560 --> 00:07:50.760 heard at the same time and presented together in one PFD 00:07:50.760 --> 00:07:52.150 because they have common facts, 00:07:52.150 --> 00:07:54.350 parties and legal issues. 00:07:54.350 --> 00:07:55.680 I am presenting them together today 00:07:55.680 --> 00:07:57.720 and will provide one order. 00:07:57.720 --> 00:08:00.480 Ammonite Oil and Gas Corporation filed four applications 00:08:00.480 --> 00:08:03.460 under the Mineral Interest Pooling Act, or MIPA, 00:08:03.460 --> 00:08:05.410 three requesting the pool at its least acreage 00:08:05.410 --> 00:08:08.500 into a unit for an already-drilled horizontal well 00:08:08.500 --> 00:08:11.810 on Apache Corporation's Apache Pelican Unit. 00:08:11.810 --> 00:08:14.700 Ammonite's fourth application is for a proposed well 00:08:14.700 --> 00:08:16.660 on the Apache Unit. 00:08:16.660 --> 00:08:19.840 Apache requests the applications be denied. 00:08:19.840 --> 00:08:22.210 Ammonite asserts the proposed pooling will prevent waste 00:08:22.210 --> 00:08:23.940 and protect correlative rights. 00:08:23.940 --> 00:08:26.350 Ammonite claims its leased riverbed tract 00:08:26.350 --> 00:08:28.890 should be pooled such that the Apache unit 00:08:28.890 --> 00:08:33.650 will be divided into five approximately equal portions, 00:08:33.650 --> 00:08:35.480 four to be MIPA units, 00:08:35.480 --> 00:08:37.300 each pooled with the corresponding segment 00:08:37.300 --> 00:08:39.360 of Ammonite's riverbed tract. 00:08:39.360 --> 00:08:41.760 The riverbed tract at issue traces the boundary 00:08:41.760 --> 00:08:44.170 of the Apache unit facing the river. 00:08:44.170 --> 00:08:47.000 It meanders and, consequently, is non-linear. 00:08:47.000 --> 00:08:48.870 Ammonite argues, due to the shape of the tract, 00:08:48.870 --> 00:08:51.230 it is not technically ergonomically feasible 00:08:51.230 --> 00:08:53.920 to drill a well to produce the underlying minerals, 00:08:53.920 --> 00:08:56.540 and the tract must be pooled for its tract, 00:08:56.540 --> 00:08:58.650 its mineral interest owners to obtain their fair share 00:08:58.650 --> 00:09:00.540 of minerals and prevent waste. 00:09:00.540 --> 00:09:02.690 Apache asserts there should be no forced pooling 00:09:02.690 --> 00:09:03.523 in this case. 00:09:03.523 --> 00:09:06.060 Apache claims the drilled wells do not produce minerals 00:09:06.060 --> 00:09:08.060 from Ammonite's riverbed tract. 00:09:08.060 --> 00:09:10.410 There is no drainage, and Ammonite's acreage provides 00:09:10.410 --> 00:09:12.053 no contribution to production. 00:09:14.222 --> 00:09:16.410 Apache claims Ammonite's voluntary pooling offer 00:09:16.410 --> 00:09:18.330 is not fair and reasonable. 00:09:18.330 --> 00:09:19.800 It provided no benefit to Apache. 00:09:19.800 --> 00:09:22.680 It would cause Apache to incur additional costs 00:09:22.680 --> 00:09:24.020 for additional equipment, 00:09:24.020 --> 00:09:26.560 would cause lease line spacing problems, 00:09:26.560 --> 00:09:27.880 and unfairly dilute 00:09:27.880 --> 00:09:31.080 the Apache unit mineral interest owner's portion. 00:09:31.080 --> 00:09:33.390 Apache further asserts pooling will not prevent waste 00:09:33.390 --> 00:09:35.200 or protect correlative rights. 00:09:35.200 --> 00:09:38.270 Pooling will not impact the amount of hydrocarbons produced 00:09:38.270 --> 00:09:40.690 or lost, so waste is not an issue. 00:09:40.690 --> 00:09:43.240 Apache asserts pooling will not protect correlative rights 00:09:43.240 --> 00:09:45.940 because the Ammonite tract minerals are still in place 00:09:45.940 --> 00:09:47.550 beneath the Ammonite tract. 00:09:47.550 --> 00:09:52.040 In fact, Apache asserts pooling will negatively impact 00:09:52.040 --> 00:09:54.560 the Apache unit mineral interest owner's correlative rights 00:09:54.560 --> 00:09:56.100 by taking minerals produced solely 00:09:56.100 --> 00:09:59.730 from under the Apache unit and giving a portion to Ammonite. 00:09:59.730 --> 00:10:02.220 Apache further asserts that the offer 00:10:02.220 --> 00:10:04.130 concerning proposed well is not fair and reasonable 00:10:04.130 --> 00:10:06.620 because it is vague and indefinite, 00:10:06.620 --> 00:10:08.270 and there was no expert testimony 00:10:08.270 --> 00:10:10.070 or substantive information established 00:10:10.070 --> 00:10:11.330 that pooling will prevent waste, 00:10:11.330 --> 00:10:12.370 protect correlative rights, 00:10:12.370 --> 00:10:14.773 or prevent the drilling of unnecessary wells. 00:10:15.660 --> 00:10:17.510 The examiners recommend that the Commission 00:10:17.510 --> 00:10:19.480 find as follows: 00:10:19.480 --> 00:10:20.690 there is insufficient evidence 00:10:20.690 --> 00:10:23.169 a fair and reasonable offer was made. 00:10:23.169 --> 00:10:26.110 Ammonite has failed to demonstrate 00:10:26.110 --> 00:10:28.270 the proposed pooled units will prevent waste, 00:10:28.270 --> 00:10:30.190 protect correlative rights, or prevent the drilling 00:10:30.190 --> 00:10:31.970 of unnecessary wells, 00:10:31.970 --> 00:10:33.610 and there is no sufficient description 00:10:33.610 --> 00:10:36.070 of the proposed units in the record. 00:10:36.070 --> 00:10:37.620 The examiners recommend the Commission 00:10:37.620 --> 00:10:39.963 dismiss and deny the applications. 00:10:42.290 --> 00:10:44.030 Thank you, are there any questions? 00:10:44.030 --> 00:10:45.837 I do have a question. 00:10:47.000 --> 00:10:52.000 Jennifer, in the PFD, you go through a lot of analysis 00:10:52.470 --> 00:10:56.070 on what makes an offer reasonable, fair and reasonable, 00:10:56.070 --> 00:10:58.920 and then also about drilling unnecessary wells. 00:10:58.920 --> 00:11:02.380 One of the issues that I'm afraid we've gotten into 00:11:02.380 --> 00:11:04.020 is this issue of drainage, 00:11:04.020 --> 00:11:05.230 and I wanna talk about that for a second 00:11:05.230 --> 00:11:06.063 and ask you a question. 00:11:06.063 --> 00:11:08.440 So, on page five of the PFD, you list out 00:11:08.440 --> 00:11:11.340 the nine criteria for an applicant to prevail 00:11:11.340 --> 00:11:12.343 on a MIPA case. 00:11:13.950 --> 00:11:15.700 I won't go through them all, 00:11:15.700 --> 00:11:19.490 but none of them specifically mention drainage, 00:11:19.490 --> 00:11:21.020 and as we've talked about in the past, 00:11:21.020 --> 00:11:25.140 one of the considerations in the MIPA statute is that 00:11:26.200 --> 00:11:31.090 it is intended to prompt large tract owners 00:11:31.090 --> 00:11:33.190 to negotiate in good faith with small tract owners 00:11:33.190 --> 00:11:35.510 so we don't leave those stranded. 00:11:35.510 --> 00:11:38.730 So, long story short, I agree with the assessment 00:11:38.730 --> 00:11:39.757 that when we talked about breaking these up 00:11:39.757 --> 00:11:41.390 and the amount of additional equipment 00:11:41.390 --> 00:11:42.603 that Apache would have had to put in place. 00:11:42.603 --> 00:11:44.477 I don't think these make sense to pool, 00:11:44.477 --> 00:11:46.683 but what I have a concern with is that, 00:11:48.110 --> 00:11:51.853 page 17 of the PFD, I think it is. 00:11:53.662 --> 00:11:56.620 17 and 18, you spent quite a bit of time talking about 00:11:57.630 --> 00:11:59.600 lack of drainage? 00:11:59.600 --> 00:12:01.200 Which, if a well has already been drilled, 00:12:01.200 --> 00:12:02.680 then you're not gonna drain those units, 00:12:02.680 --> 00:12:03.740 and I don't think, 00:12:03.740 --> 00:12:07.220 I don't believe that that's required by the MIPA statute, 00:12:07.220 --> 00:12:10.570 so, my question is, why did we discuss drainage so much 00:12:10.570 --> 00:12:14.650 if it's not actually required in one of the nine points 00:12:14.650 --> 00:12:17.000 required for a MIPA applicant to be successful? 00:12:18.804 --> 00:12:20.350 A couple things come to mind. 00:12:20.350 --> 00:12:23.710 One is that it's a factor to consider because it goes 00:12:23.710 --> 00:12:26.640 to whether the tract to be pooled will 00:12:27.680 --> 00:12:31.010 benefit, or bring some benefit, 00:12:31.010 --> 00:12:35.530 and the Broussard case, which is a case that is 00:12:35.530 --> 00:12:37.040 an appellate case. 00:12:37.040 --> 00:12:39.590 They found, my understanding, 00:12:39.590 --> 00:12:42.020 is that they thought the lack of drainage 00:12:42.020 --> 00:12:45.650 and the lack of contributing production 00:12:45.650 --> 00:12:48.930 was an important factor in their mind 00:12:48.930 --> 00:12:51.640 in determining that the offer was fair and reasonable, 00:12:51.640 --> 00:12:56.640 so I did consider it as a factor 00:12:56.830 --> 00:13:00.730 when looking at the MIPA applications in this case, 00:13:00.730 --> 00:13:01.940 and I agree with you, 00:13:01.940 --> 00:13:04.020 the word "drainage" is not in the statute. 00:13:04.020 --> 00:13:07.020 Well, being more specific, if 00:13:07.020 --> 00:13:08.490 lack of drainage, 00:13:08.490 --> 00:13:10.060 in other words, if I go out and drill a well 00:13:10.060 --> 00:13:11.810 and it's not draining anybody else's minerals, 00:13:11.810 --> 00:13:15.020 then I'm not incentivized to negotiate with them 00:13:15.020 --> 00:13:15.853 in good faith, 00:13:15.853 --> 00:13:16.720 because as long as I don't drill a well 00:13:16.720 --> 00:13:18.397 that touches their units, 00:13:18.397 --> 00:13:22.270 they can't force me later to pool with them, 00:13:22.270 --> 00:13:25.760 and I think, in the past, as we looked at prior cases 00:13:25.760 --> 00:13:26.930 that have come before the Railroad Commission 00:13:26.930 --> 00:13:28.130 that hasn't been a requirement, 00:13:28.130 --> 00:13:30.320 so that if someone didn't negotiate in good faith 00:13:30.320 --> 00:13:31.810 went ahead and drilled a well, 00:13:31.810 --> 00:13:33.430 we would force them to pool 00:13:33.430 --> 00:13:35.840 because they didn't negotiate in good faith. 00:13:35.840 --> 00:13:38.270 Now, in this case, as I said, I think that the offer, 00:13:38.270 --> 00:13:40.510 I'm not arguing against the findings in this case, 00:13:40.510 --> 00:13:43.690 I support the fact that these shouldn't be granted because 00:13:43.690 --> 00:13:45.800 there's a separate issue here, 00:13:45.800 --> 00:13:48.180 which is, even during the, 00:13:48.180 --> 00:13:51.740 they talked about the positioning of the tracts 00:13:51.740 --> 00:13:53.730 and that even if they had drilled those wells, 00:13:53.730 --> 00:13:55.380 because they weren't perpendicular 00:13:55.380 --> 00:13:57.300 to the Apache tracts, 00:13:57.300 --> 00:14:00.000 their fractures couldn't have penetrated the Ammonite, 00:14:01.720 --> 00:14:02.840 Ammonite leases, 00:14:02.840 --> 00:14:03.700 so I think, in that case, 00:14:03.700 --> 00:14:05.980 the fact that there was no possible way to get the minerals, 00:14:05.980 --> 00:14:07.050 that's a different thing, 00:14:07.050 --> 00:14:09.180 but if they already drilled the wells, 00:14:09.180 --> 00:14:11.930 and now they're not getting any drainage, 00:14:11.930 --> 00:14:13.800 I don't think that's part of the MIPA statute, 00:14:13.800 --> 00:14:15.180 and I think we have to preserve that. 00:14:15.180 --> 00:14:17.470 Otherwise, we're not incentivizing 00:14:17.470 --> 00:14:19.460 large mineral, large tract owners 00:14:19.460 --> 00:14:20.780 to negotiate with small tract owners. 00:14:20.780 --> 00:14:23.430 That's a pretty important factor 00:14:23.430 --> 00:14:25.290 in how we consider these cases. 00:14:25.290 --> 00:14:28.940 So, long story short, I agree with the findings. 00:14:28.940 --> 00:14:30.740 What I don't agree with is that drainage is part 00:14:30.740 --> 00:14:32.238 of the consideration because I don't think 00:14:32.238 --> 00:14:34.120 that that was considered in the statute, 00:14:34.120 --> 00:14:35.630 and it was specifically left out. 00:14:35.630 --> 00:14:38.160 Once again, if I don't negotiate in good faith, 00:14:38.160 --> 00:14:39.030 I go drill the well, 00:14:39.030 --> 00:14:41.590 yeah, I may not be draining these guys' minerals, 00:14:41.590 --> 00:14:42.710 if there's no penalty, 00:14:42.710 --> 00:14:45.030 there's no ability to come back later and still pool them, 00:14:45.030 --> 00:14:46.717 then I've got no incentive to negotiate in good faith, 00:14:46.717 --> 00:14:48.280 and I think that's a really important part 00:14:48.280 --> 00:14:49.280 of the MIPA statute. 00:14:50.580 --> 00:14:52.330 So, I'll vote for this, 00:14:52.330 --> 00:14:53.460 but I'm thinking that, 00:14:53.460 --> 00:14:57.780 I wanna make sure that we're not raising the bar 00:14:57.780 --> 00:14:59.890 artificially outside of what's in the statute here 00:14:59.890 --> 00:15:01.630 that, no, drainage of actual minerals 00:15:01.630 --> 00:15:02.857 is not required here, 00:15:02.857 --> 00:15:04.550 and if we start to raise that bar, 00:15:04.550 --> 00:15:07.400 then we're going to dis-incentivize good faith negotiations, 00:15:07.400 --> 00:15:08.233 which we don't wanna do. 00:15:08.233 --> 00:15:09.840 That will cause waste in the future. 00:15:13.076 --> 00:15:14.613 Are there any other questions? 00:15:14.613 --> 00:15:15.730 We have a party, 00:15:15.730 --> 00:15:17.347 one of the parties is here if you've got any questions 00:15:17.347 --> 00:15:18.849 for parties. 00:15:18.849 --> 00:15:19.682 I don't. 00:15:19.682 --> 00:15:20.515 Okay. 00:15:20.515 --> 00:15:22.620 Alright, I move we approve the examiner's recommendation 00:15:22.620 --> 00:15:24.200 for six, seven, eight, and nine. 00:15:24.200 --> 00:15:25.033 Is there a second? 00:15:25.033 --> 00:15:25.866 Second. 00:15:25.866 --> 00:15:26.910 Second, Commissioner Christian. 00:15:26.910 --> 00:15:28.153 All those in favor say "Aye." 00:15:28.153 --> 00:15:29.000 Aye. 00:15:29.000 --> 00:15:29.870 Motion passes. 00:15:29.870 --> 00:15:31.401 Those items are approved. 00:15:31.401 --> 00:15:33.240 Thank you, and you had just one order, correct, Jennifer? 00:15:33.240 --> 00:15:34.073 Yes. 00:15:34.073 --> 00:15:35.267 Okay, great. Thanks, Jennifer. 00:15:37.010 --> 00:15:39.350 In item 10, Mike Smith filed a complaint 00:15:39.350 --> 00:15:40.350 requesting the Commission 00:15:40.350 --> 00:15:42.889 order Targa Midstreams Services, LLC, 00:15:42.889 --> 00:15:46.502 and/or ConocoPhillips Company to remediate hydrocarbon 00:15:46.502 --> 00:15:51.470 contamination complainant found on his land near a pond. 00:15:51.470 --> 00:15:53.790 Burlington Resources Oil & Gas Company, LP, 00:15:53.790 --> 00:15:56.450 sought to intervene as the true party in interest 00:15:56.450 --> 00:15:58.010 instead of Conoco. 00:15:58.010 --> 00:16:01.290 Without objection, Burlington was admitted as a party. 00:16:01.290 --> 00:16:03.340 Commission staff participated and requests 00:16:03.340 --> 00:16:05.223 that responsible persons be required to do 00:16:05.223 --> 00:16:07.710 further assessment of the contamination 00:16:07.710 --> 00:16:10.743 and remediate to regulatory standards as necessary. 00:16:11.610 --> 00:16:13.270 Issues in this case include, one, 00:16:13.270 --> 00:16:16.240 which, if any, parties have regulatory responsibility 00:16:16.240 --> 00:16:18.520 to remediate the pond contamination and compliance 00:16:18.520 --> 00:16:20.240 with Commission rules and statutes? 00:16:20.240 --> 00:16:23.210 And two, what, if any, actions such as delineation 00:16:23.210 --> 00:16:26.603 assessment or remediation is required to be performed? 00:16:27.910 --> 00:16:29.550 Burlington has released the mineral rights 00:16:29.550 --> 00:16:31.080 known as the Fox Lease 00:16:31.080 --> 00:16:34.550 and is the operator of several of Fox leased wells 00:16:34.550 --> 00:16:36.140 near the pond site. 00:16:36.140 --> 00:16:38.370 Targa operates the gas gathering lines 00:16:38.370 --> 00:16:40.400 from wells on complainant's property, 00:16:40.400 --> 00:16:42.410 one of which is approximately 100 feet 00:16:42.410 --> 00:16:45.860 from where the hydrocarbons were originally discovered. 00:16:45.860 --> 00:16:48.120 Complainant asserts neither Targa nor Burlington 00:16:48.120 --> 00:16:50.160 has delineated the contamination discovered 00:16:50.160 --> 00:16:52.640 in complainant's bond as required. 00:16:52.640 --> 00:16:54.650 There was and remains an environmental condition 00:16:54.650 --> 00:16:56.370 requiring response action, 00:16:56.370 --> 00:16:58.920 such as further assessment and remediation. 00:16:58.920 --> 00:17:01.030 Complainant argues Targa and/or Burlington 00:17:01.030 --> 00:17:04.080 should have to fund the necessary response actions. 00:17:04.080 --> 00:17:06.130 Staff asserts Targa should be responsible 00:17:06.130 --> 00:17:08.090 for further delineation of the contamination 00:17:08.090 --> 00:17:10.075 and remediation if necessary. 00:17:10.075 --> 00:17:13.140 Targa maintains further remediation is not necessary, 00:17:13.140 --> 00:17:15.780 and if any additional delineation or remediation 00:17:15.780 --> 00:17:18.780 is necessary, then Targa believes it should be performed 00:17:18.780 --> 00:17:21.880 by either Burlington or by the state using state funds. 00:17:21.880 --> 00:17:23.900 Targa asserts there is insufficient evidence 00:17:23.900 --> 00:17:26.690 that Targa caused the contamination. 00:17:26.690 --> 00:17:28.760 Burlington asserts there is no evidence Burlington 00:17:28.760 --> 00:17:30.490 caused the pond contamination, 00:17:30.490 --> 00:17:32.700 and it is not responsible to investigate or remediate 00:17:32.700 --> 00:17:34.333 contamination it did not cause. 00:17:35.720 --> 00:17:37.710 The examiners recommend the Commission conclude 00:17:37.710 --> 00:17:40.270 that it does have discretion to hold Targa and/or Burlington 00:17:40.270 --> 00:17:41.450 responsible for compliance 00:17:41.450 --> 00:17:43.563 with regulatory remediation standards. 00:17:44.880 --> 00:17:48.660 The examiners recommend, based on the evidence in this case, 00:17:48.660 --> 00:17:51.008 that Targa be ordered to assess, and, if necessary, 00:17:51.008 --> 00:17:53.290 remediate contamination in accordance 00:17:53.290 --> 00:17:55.050 with regulatory standards 00:17:55.050 --> 00:17:57.390 under the direction of the Commission staff. 00:17:57.390 --> 00:17:59.560 Exceptions and replies were filed, 00:17:59.560 --> 00:18:01.273 and I am available for questions. 00:18:02.360 --> 00:18:04.970 Thank you, are there any questions? 00:18:04.970 --> 00:18:07.380 We've got all three parties are here 00:18:07.380 --> 00:18:09.500 if you've got any questions for parties. 00:18:09.500 --> 00:18:12.545 Okay, I've got one question and a comment. 00:18:12.545 --> 00:18:16.580 I am concerned that this is pretty open-ended, 00:18:16.580 --> 00:18:18.770 and so while you've put 180 days, 00:18:18.770 --> 00:18:20.340 I'm concerned we don't have a plan, 00:18:20.340 --> 00:18:23.291 and I'd like to remand it back just to let all parties 00:18:23.291 --> 00:18:24.740 comment on the plans 00:18:25.910 --> 00:18:27.013 about how we're gonna clean this up, 00:18:27.013 --> 00:18:29.750 because I think this has sat for long enough, 00:18:29.750 --> 00:18:31.670 and we need to get this cleaned up. 00:18:31.670 --> 00:18:34.940 So, I've got a remand, 00:18:34.940 --> 00:18:36.450 but I've got a time limit, 00:18:36.450 --> 00:18:38.114 and it's for a specific, 00:18:38.114 --> 00:18:38.947 if I can read it Yeah. 00:18:38.947 --> 00:18:40.543 and let y'all comment. 00:18:41.820 --> 00:18:45.120 I move that we remand this case for the limited purpose 00:18:45.120 --> 00:18:47.650 of reopening the hearing to allow the parties, 00:18:47.650 --> 00:18:49.210 including our staff, 00:18:49.210 --> 00:18:53.140 an opportunity to offer specific assessment delineation 00:18:53.140 --> 00:18:54.910 and remediation plans, 00:18:54.910 --> 00:18:57.700 and that any plans be submitted to the examiners 00:18:57.700 --> 00:19:00.310 within 60 days from today, 00:19:00.310 --> 00:19:01.760 and I'll be glad to give you a copy of that 00:19:01.760 --> 00:19:02.595 if you need it. 00:19:02.595 --> 00:19:03.428 Okay, thank you. 00:19:03.428 --> 00:19:05.550 And mainly because I think it's just too open-ended. 00:19:05.550 --> 00:19:07.010 I think you're going the right direction, 00:19:07.010 --> 00:19:08.800 but I think this looks real broad to me, 00:19:08.800 --> 00:19:10.993 and I'd like an end game for this, 00:19:10.993 --> 00:19:13.100 because I've seen problems where we just 00:19:13.100 --> 00:19:14.550 never seem to get things finished, 00:19:14.550 --> 00:19:15.383 and so, 00:19:15.383 --> 00:19:19.843 that's my motion if there's any discussion. 00:19:21.870 --> 00:19:23.120 Just a question. 00:19:25.430 --> 00:19:30.430 So the idea is have staff put together a more specific, 00:19:30.710 --> 00:19:33.530 because in their order it's not do any necessarily 00:19:33.530 --> 00:19:34.363 remediation rights. 00:19:34.363 --> 00:19:36.700 It's just a test right now, assess right now. 00:19:36.700 --> 00:19:39.390 What I'm asking for in my remand is staff and/or 00:19:39.390 --> 00:19:41.280 the parties, all three parties, 00:19:41.280 --> 00:19:43.150 can come in and say, "This is how we think 00:19:43.150 --> 00:19:44.020 it oughta be cleaned up," 00:19:44.020 --> 00:19:46.430 so we have a specific plan going forward. 00:19:46.430 --> 00:19:47.860 None of them have to come in. 00:19:47.860 --> 00:19:48.760 They don't have to, 00:19:48.760 --> 00:19:52.100 but I'd like to see what we're gonna do. 00:19:52.100 --> 00:19:53.350 I'd like some specifics, 00:19:53.350 --> 00:19:56.720 because what you've ordered in your final order, 00:19:56.720 --> 00:20:00.520 it's ordered within 180 days of this order becoming final 00:20:00.520 --> 00:20:03.100 for Targa to assess, delineate, and, if necessary, 00:20:03.100 --> 00:20:05.270 remediate the contamination site. 00:20:05.270 --> 00:20:07.670 I appreciate that, but I think we need a real plan 00:20:07.670 --> 00:20:08.503 going forward. 00:20:10.140 --> 00:20:11.890 I guess my question is, 00:20:11.890 --> 00:20:13.040 part of the assessment, 00:20:16.729 --> 00:20:19.380 I'm thinking about how do we, 00:20:19.380 --> 00:20:22.400 how do we expect them to put together a clean-up plan, 00:20:22.400 --> 00:20:23.260 as you're calling it, 00:20:23.260 --> 00:20:24.860 if they haven't assessed yet? 00:20:24.860 --> 00:20:26.620 Well I think that's part of what they're gonna do 00:20:26.620 --> 00:20:31.360 is assess and give us some real facts and information. 00:20:31.360 --> 00:20:32.620 So how long, what's the timeline? 00:20:32.620 --> 00:20:33.740 60 days. 00:20:33.740 --> 00:20:34.573 So the question is, 00:20:34.573 --> 00:20:36.363 is that long enough to go out and do, 00:20:37.260 --> 00:20:38.750 so I guess we need one order. 00:20:38.750 --> 00:20:41.290 With the understanding you might see other things 00:20:41.290 --> 00:20:42.130 as you get into this, 00:20:42.130 --> 00:20:44.520 but I think part of what you said, 00:20:44.520 --> 00:20:45.700 and I think all parties agree, 00:20:45.700 --> 00:20:49.070 is that we need to delineate this site better, 00:20:49.070 --> 00:20:50.490 so I think that could be done, 00:20:50.490 --> 00:20:52.340 it needs to be done anyway, 00:20:52.340 --> 00:20:55.510 but you can delineate the site, and in delineation, 00:20:55.510 --> 00:20:57.060 you can figure out what the assessment needs to be 00:20:57.060 --> 00:20:59.070 and what the clean-up plan is. 00:20:59.070 --> 00:21:00.130 Targa may have a plan, 00:21:00.130 --> 00:21:01.714 the complainant may have a plan, 00:21:01.714 --> 00:21:02.650 Burlington's staff, 00:21:02.650 --> 00:21:03.940 all of them may have a different plan. 00:21:03.940 --> 00:21:06.680 It'd be nice to have one plan so we're not arguing over this 00:21:06.680 --> 00:21:08.923 in 180 days and nothing's been done. 00:21:09.760 --> 00:21:11.270 I don't disagree with that. 00:21:11.270 --> 00:21:15.120 What I'm mindful of, or what I don't, 00:21:15.120 --> 00:21:16.000 there's two stages here. 00:21:16.000 --> 00:21:18.300 One is we have to go out and assess the situation, 00:21:18.300 --> 00:21:20.310 then based on that assessment have to delineate, okay, 00:21:20.310 --> 00:21:21.880 what is Targa's responsibility? 00:21:21.880 --> 00:21:23.190 What is out there that's not? 00:21:23.190 --> 00:21:26.080 And then form, after that, a remediation plan. 00:21:26.080 --> 00:21:27.700 So if you wanna adjust the timeframe, 00:21:27.700 --> 00:21:29.582 I'm open to that. 00:21:29.582 --> 00:21:31.730 I just think we need some firm deadlines 00:21:31.730 --> 00:21:32.750 for this to move forward. 00:21:32.750 --> 00:21:33.973 I'm comfortable with that. 00:21:36.200 --> 00:21:39.530 It seems like what you're, if I'm understanding you right, 00:21:39.530 --> 00:21:42.120 what you say is we wanna go out there and assess now 00:21:42.120 --> 00:21:43.170 and get that done quickly 00:21:43.170 --> 00:21:44.870 and then come back and then form a plan 00:21:44.870 --> 00:21:45.720 to remediate based on that assessment. 00:21:45.720 --> 00:21:47.600 I think that's a fair statement. 00:21:47.600 --> 00:21:49.676 Okay, well then, 00:21:49.676 --> 00:21:51.360 because right now, if we don't issue an order 00:21:51.360 --> 00:21:53.370 that they have to go out and do an assessment, 00:21:53.370 --> 00:21:55.686 then there's no way to gather the data that they need, 00:21:55.686 --> 00:21:57.400 so should we, 00:21:57.400 --> 00:21:59.730 and I'm asking here, 00:21:59.730 --> 00:22:00.910 what's the most effective way? 00:22:00.910 --> 00:22:02.143 I like the Chairman's plan. 00:22:02.143 --> 00:22:04.820 Can we put a tight timeframe on, 00:22:04.820 --> 00:22:06.600 go out and assess now 00:22:06.600 --> 00:22:09.173 and then come back and put together a plan? 00:22:10.146 --> 00:22:12.070 Because I don't think we have to remand this back to staff 00:22:12.070 --> 00:22:13.520 to say they need to go out and assess, right? 00:22:13.520 --> 00:22:14.750 That's what you're saying? 00:22:14.750 --> 00:22:17.570 No, I'm asking them to assess and to go in, 00:22:17.570 --> 00:22:19.720 I'll reread my thing, 00:22:19.720 --> 00:22:24.400 to offer specific assessment, delineation, and remediation 00:22:24.400 --> 00:22:26.840 plans and that those plans come back to the examiner 00:22:26.840 --> 00:22:27.763 in 60 days. 00:22:28.850 --> 00:22:30.460 But they can't develop remediation plans 00:22:30.460 --> 00:22:31.293 until the assessments are done. 00:22:31.293 --> 00:22:33.210 But I think they oughta be doing all of that 00:22:33.210 --> 00:22:34.870 and not just wait for the assessment, 00:22:34.870 --> 00:22:36.890 wait 60 days or 180 days, 00:22:36.890 --> 00:22:39.280 then come back in and say, "We're gonna clean something up." 00:22:39.280 --> 00:22:41.020 I'd like to see, 00:22:41.020 --> 00:22:42.540 look, if you wanna put it at 90 days 00:22:42.540 --> 00:22:45.240 and you think 60's too tight a window, that's fine, 00:22:45.240 --> 00:22:47.520 but I want an assessment, a delineation, 00:22:47.520 --> 00:22:49.347 and I want them to come back in and say, 00:22:49.347 --> 00:22:52.290 "Based on the assessment delineation, this is our plan," 00:22:52.290 --> 00:22:53.930 and there could be four different plans, 00:22:53.930 --> 00:22:56.080 and let's agree to those plans in 60 days 00:22:56.080 --> 00:22:58.310 so we can get this thing finished. 00:22:58.310 --> 00:23:00.680 It's been sitting here since 2012. 00:23:00.680 --> 00:23:01.890 I guess I don't understand how that's different 00:23:01.890 --> 00:23:03.000 from what's currently in the order. 00:23:03.000 --> 00:23:05.871 Because she's got 180 days just for an assessment 00:23:05.871 --> 00:23:09.310 and decide whether we need to do anything. 00:23:09.310 --> 00:23:10.347 I want a plan together. 00:23:10.347 --> 00:23:13.406 I want all parties to agree on a plan. 00:23:13.406 --> 00:23:14.290 Okay. 00:23:14.290 --> 00:23:16.570 So we're not fighting about it in 180 days, 00:23:16.570 --> 00:23:18.250 and it's not back before, 00:23:18.250 --> 00:23:20.053 served before staff. 00:23:20.053 --> 00:23:22.090 I thought it was a little broad how you left it. 00:23:22.090 --> 00:23:24.300 I'm trying to tighten it up. 00:23:24.300 --> 00:23:25.133 Okay. 00:23:26.972 --> 00:23:29.710 What I'm stuck on is how do they, 00:23:29.710 --> 00:23:32.520 are you asking for them to do an assessment, and then 00:23:32.520 --> 00:23:34.260 I'm asking them to do an assessment. 00:23:34.260 --> 00:23:37.167 Yes, and to do a delineation in 60 days. 00:23:37.167 --> 00:23:38.040 That's what I said. 00:23:38.040 --> 00:23:38.873 If you think Okay. 00:23:38.873 --> 00:23:40.030 it's too tight of a timeframe, 00:23:40.030 --> 00:23:41.750 we can adjust it a little bit broader. 00:23:41.750 --> 00:23:44.970 Do you want a remediation requirement in there as well? 00:23:44.970 --> 00:23:47.810 I'm asking them to tell me if what we need to do is 00:23:47.810 --> 00:23:49.503 a specific plan, yes. 00:23:54.200 --> 00:23:55.060 Can you read your motion again? 00:23:55.060 --> 00:23:56.190 I'm sorry. Sure. 00:23:56.190 --> 00:23:58.572 I move that we remand this case for the limited purpose 00:23:58.572 --> 00:24:00.560 of reopening the hearing to, 00:24:00.560 --> 00:24:02.020 I think, look, I'm not disagreeing 00:24:02.020 --> 00:24:03.130 with the findings she's found. 00:24:03.130 --> 00:24:04.053 I think that her order is too broad, 00:24:04.053 --> 00:24:05.080 okay? Okay. 00:24:05.080 --> 00:24:06.870 So this is why I'm sending it back. 00:24:06.870 --> 00:24:09.290 For reopening the hearing to allow the parties, 00:24:09.290 --> 00:24:11.530 including our staff, an opportunity 00:24:11.530 --> 00:24:16.350 to offer specific assessment, delineation, and remediation 00:24:16.350 --> 00:24:19.360 plans and that any such plans be submitted 00:24:19.360 --> 00:24:22.650 to the examiners within 60 days from today, 00:24:22.650 --> 00:24:25.070 and based on those plans, then you're gonna come back 00:24:25.070 --> 00:24:27.720 with an order and say, "This is what we're gonna do," 00:24:28.920 --> 00:24:29.753 based on the, 00:24:29.753 --> 00:24:31.033 whatever they find. 00:24:32.110 --> 00:24:33.756 Okay, so if the-- 00:24:33.756 --> 00:24:36.614 I mean, if y'all think that's too tight a-- 00:24:36.614 --> 00:24:38.293 It's not Is Peter in the room? 00:24:41.440 --> 00:24:43.310 I know the parties are in the room. 00:24:43.310 --> 00:24:44.650 I mean, is that too tight, yes sir? 00:24:44.650 --> 00:24:46.180 I don't think it's too tight. 00:24:46.180 --> 00:24:47.013 David Cooney. 00:24:47.013 --> 00:24:48.911 I represent the staff in the hearing. 00:24:48.911 --> 00:24:49.744 Okay. 00:24:49.744 --> 00:24:51.047 60 days should be plenty of time. 00:24:51.047 --> 00:24:52.570 Okay. That we know of. 00:24:52.570 --> 00:24:53.403 Okay. 00:24:53.403 --> 00:24:54.890 James? 00:24:54.890 --> 00:24:56.800 Targa has already submitted a plan 00:24:56.800 --> 00:25:00.580 to delineate that was approved a year and a half ago, 00:25:00.580 --> 00:25:03.881 two years ago, and just has never moved forward. 00:25:03.881 --> 00:25:05.240 Okay. 00:25:05.240 --> 00:25:06.680 Where are the other two? 00:25:06.680 --> 00:25:08.830 Sorry, I know y'all are all here. 00:25:08.830 --> 00:25:10.100 Anybody else complaining? 00:25:10.100 --> 00:25:13.040 I mean, it seems to me we should be able to move this along. 00:25:13.040 --> 00:25:14.610 Yes sir? 00:25:14.610 --> 00:25:15.534 Jamie, go ahead. 00:25:15.534 --> 00:25:17.049 60 days sounds good to us. 00:25:17.049 --> 00:25:20.020 Okay, thank you. 00:25:20.020 --> 00:25:21.523 60 days is a tight timeframe. 00:25:21.523 --> 00:25:24.686 I might just perhaps even place under 180 00:25:24.686 --> 00:25:25.519 and then order in 60 days, 00:25:26.936 --> 00:25:28.470 that that may be an option, 00:25:28.470 --> 00:25:32.270 but given Targa is the only identified point of discharge 00:25:32.270 --> 00:25:34.760 Burlington has some concern that 00:25:34.760 --> 00:25:37.620 allowing this to go forward is jamming up the system. 00:25:37.620 --> 00:25:38.453 This case took a long time to go-- 00:25:38.453 --> 00:25:40.040 I appreciate it, but let me, 00:25:40.040 --> 00:25:42.010 I'm not changing the findings in it, Jamie, 00:25:42.010 --> 00:25:43.360 and so y'all don't have any, 00:25:43.360 --> 00:25:44.550 you aren't in the findings, 00:25:44.550 --> 00:25:45.520 so you don't have to worry. 00:25:45.520 --> 00:25:46.620 If you choose, look, 00:25:46.620 --> 00:25:49.890 this is an optional, if parties choose to participate in this, 00:25:49.890 --> 00:25:50.723 by the way. 00:25:50.723 --> 00:25:52.390 We're not forcing you to. 00:25:52.390 --> 00:25:53.924 So, okay. 00:25:53.924 --> 00:25:56.500 I'm not gonna re-litigate the case right here. 00:25:56.500 --> 00:25:58.543 I'm just sending it back for one reason. 00:26:01.605 --> 00:26:03.580 [Man] My partner and I are not sure 00:26:03.580 --> 00:26:06.090 we've heard everything you're saying today. 00:26:06.090 --> 00:26:09.567 We can come up with a plan about how to do this 00:26:09.567 --> 00:26:10.484 in 60 days, 00:26:12.104 --> 00:26:13.337 getting it done. 00:26:13.337 --> 00:26:15.630 No, I didn't say you were gonna have it done in 60 days. 00:26:15.630 --> 00:26:17.090 I want it planned that so, 00:26:17.090 --> 00:26:19.140 when you go back to the examiner, 00:26:19.140 --> 00:26:20.880 if he's got a plan and you've got a plan 00:26:20.880 --> 00:26:23.240 and our staff has a plan that y'all all agree on the plan, 00:26:23.240 --> 00:26:25.160 and then you're gonna execute it in 180, 00:26:25.160 --> 00:26:27.030 or whatever she comes back and tells me, 00:26:27.030 --> 00:26:29.175 is the executable date. 00:26:29.175 --> 00:26:32.330 And do we do the delineation in 60 days? 00:26:32.330 --> 00:26:33.882 Yes, sir. That's part of my motion. 00:26:33.882 --> 00:26:35.245 Well, we're gonna need a little more time 00:26:35.245 --> 00:26:38.844 to get that work, the physical work done. 00:26:38.844 --> 00:26:40.510 You're talking about the assessment of the site? 00:26:40.510 --> 00:26:41.410 No, he's talking about, 00:26:41.410 --> 00:26:43.040 I've got assessment, delineation, 00:26:43.040 --> 00:26:43.873 Agree. 00:26:43.873 --> 00:26:46.340 And so is 90 days, 00:26:46.340 --> 00:26:48.493 that's what I'm asking, is 60 too tight? 00:26:51.210 --> 00:26:53.100 Shouldn't they be speaking on the record actually 00:26:53.100 --> 00:26:54.340 if we're going through this? 00:26:54.340 --> 00:26:56.083 I mean, do we need to capture this? 00:26:57.281 --> 00:26:58.390 Are we okay with just, 00:26:58.390 --> 00:26:59.376 from the audience? 00:26:59.376 --> 00:27:00.696 (laughs) 00:27:00.696 --> 00:27:03.396 I think it would take at least 90 just to get, 00:27:04.330 --> 00:27:05.670 because my anticipation is, 00:27:05.670 --> 00:27:07.593 we're gonna be doing some digging. 00:27:07.593 --> 00:27:08.873 Mhm. 00:27:08.873 --> 00:27:13.049 And that's gonna require things like removing 00:27:13.049 --> 00:27:15.810 the water from the pond, 00:27:15.810 --> 00:27:17.235 getting the equipment out there, 00:27:17.235 --> 00:27:20.497 and digging through the contamination area, 00:27:20.497 --> 00:27:23.540 and 60 days, I doubt, it's not gonna be enough. 00:27:23.540 --> 00:27:25.010 Okay, then I'm gonna give you 90. 00:27:25.010 --> 00:27:28.150 I'm gonna adjust my motion for 90. 00:27:28.150 --> 00:27:28.983 I want a plan. 00:27:28.983 --> 00:27:29.816 Is that enough? 00:27:29.816 --> 00:27:30.649 Is that, I mean, look, 00:27:30.649 --> 00:27:31.482 this needs to be done. 00:27:31.482 --> 00:27:32.940 It's time to get this case cleared. 00:27:32.940 --> 00:27:35.980 So, is 90 days, 00:27:35.980 --> 00:27:37.665 y'all can handle 90 days? 00:27:37.665 --> 00:27:38.640 You're not gonna be fishing in it? 00:27:38.640 --> 00:27:40.790 You can know within 90 days, 90 days? 00:27:40.790 --> 00:27:41.760 90 days is fine. 00:27:41.760 --> 00:27:44.900 I just want to clarify who will be doing the assessment. 00:27:44.900 --> 00:27:46.452 Is the Commission gonna be doing the assessment, 00:27:46.452 --> 00:27:48.487 or is Targa? Good question. 00:27:48.487 --> 00:27:51.950 Well, we found Targa as the liable party, 00:27:51.950 --> 00:27:54.770 so, at this point, is a responsible person. 00:27:54.770 --> 00:27:55.800 Let me say that. 00:27:55.800 --> 00:27:58.180 So, Targa needs to be doing the delineation. 00:27:58.180 --> 00:27:59.650 All people like, in my-- 00:27:59.650 --> 00:28:00.870 At our staff's direction. 00:28:00.870 --> 00:28:02.343 At our staff's direction. 00:28:03.630 --> 00:28:06.300 So no, you're not doing the delineation. 00:28:06.300 --> 00:28:07.990 Yes sir? Is that fair? 00:28:07.990 --> 00:28:09.940 Everybody got it? We clear? 00:28:09.940 --> 00:28:10.773 I'm not changing, 00:28:10.773 --> 00:28:12.410 I just want a specific plan. 00:28:12.410 --> 00:28:14.080 If not, I'll throw out my motion. 00:28:14.080 --> 00:28:16.760 We can go with what we got, but I want it done, James, 00:28:16.760 --> 00:28:17.977 one way or the other, so, 00:28:17.977 --> 00:28:19.511 Might as well get things done. 00:28:19.511 --> 00:28:20.972 That's fine. 00:28:20.972 --> 00:28:24.014 I would anticipate that you're gonna 00:28:24.014 --> 00:28:27.830 want us to do it in ways that the staff has approved. 00:28:27.830 --> 00:28:28.663 Yes, sir. 00:28:28.663 --> 00:28:30.790 And I don't want staff sitting on it any longer, too. 00:28:30.790 --> 00:28:32.470 It's all of y'all. My suggestion is, 00:28:32.470 --> 00:28:35.907 if you give us 90 days to get the staffers' approved plan 00:28:35.907 --> 00:28:39.470 so that we don't need to up any of that time. 00:28:43.683 --> 00:28:47.387 I don't think we need that, Madam Chair. 00:28:47.387 --> 00:28:49.670 The staff will be on top of this. 00:28:51.200 --> 00:28:53.130 We will respond quickly. 00:28:53.130 --> 00:28:54.080 Okay. 00:28:54.080 --> 00:28:55.550 You got 90 days. 00:28:55.550 --> 00:28:57.730 So my motion is amended to say 90 days. 00:28:57.730 --> 00:28:59.240 Would you like me to reread it? 00:28:59.240 --> 00:29:00.073 Yes, please. 00:29:00.073 --> 00:29:01.170 Still got a concern about it? 00:29:01.170 --> 00:29:02.940 I think I'm good as long as we're clear 00:29:02.940 --> 00:29:06.447 that staff's gonna direct the assessment, 00:29:06.447 --> 00:29:07.320 Targa's gonna do it. 00:29:07.320 --> 00:29:09.620 You have 90 days to do an assessment, and, 00:29:09.620 --> 00:29:10.560 based on those assessments, 00:29:10.560 --> 00:29:12.627 come back, delineate what's the responsibility, 00:29:12.627 --> 00:29:13.900 and then put together 00:29:14.950 --> 00:29:17.740 whatever competing or different clean-up plans 00:29:17.740 --> 00:29:20.770 that, in 90 days, that clean-up plan will be set, 00:29:20.770 --> 00:29:22.730 and then whoever has to can go out 00:29:22.730 --> 00:29:23.563 and remediate it from there. 00:29:23.563 --> 00:29:25.120 That's And it'll come back to you, 00:29:25.120 --> 00:29:28.847 you'll agree on the plan, and then you come back, 00:29:28.847 --> 00:29:30.300 and we'll say, "Yes, thank you." 00:29:30.300 --> 00:29:32.953 We'll makes a recommendation on the proposed plan, 00:29:32.953 --> 00:29:35.910 and you can choose to take the plans that are presented 00:29:35.910 --> 00:29:38.240 or choose your own plan if it differs, 00:29:38.240 --> 00:29:39.830 but once the plans have come back in 00:29:39.830 --> 00:29:41.480 and evidence has been taken, 00:29:41.480 --> 00:29:43.616 a PFD will be circulated, identified, 00:29:43.616 --> 00:29:46.460 another PFD will be circulated adopting, or including, 00:29:46.460 --> 00:29:47.430 those proposed plans 00:29:47.430 --> 00:29:49.141 along with the examiner's recommendation 00:29:49.141 --> 00:29:50.860 after you're consideration. 00:29:50.860 --> 00:29:52.080 Okay. Fine with me. 00:29:52.080 --> 00:29:52.913 Thank you. Thank you. 00:29:52.913 --> 00:29:54.170 So do you want me to reread this? 00:29:54.170 --> 00:29:55.087 No, I understand it. 00:29:55.087 --> 00:29:57.700 Alright, I'm just gonna change my original to 90 days. 00:29:57.700 --> 00:30:01.063 Alright, so I have a remand and a motion. 00:30:01.940 --> 00:30:02.773 I need a second. 00:30:02.773 --> 00:30:03.820 Is there a second? Second. 00:30:03.820 --> 00:30:05.060 Second, Commissioner Sitton. 00:30:05.060 --> 00:30:06.529 All those in favor say "Aye." 00:30:06.529 --> 00:30:07.600 Aye. 00:30:07.600 --> 00:30:09.040 Motion passes, items approved. 00:30:09.040 --> 00:30:11.480 Thank you, Jennifer, for the work on this. 00:30:11.480 --> 00:30:12.413 Number 11. 00:30:14.140 --> 00:30:16.760 Item 11 is a motion for rehearing. 00:30:16.760 --> 00:30:19.890 On February 27, 2018, the Commission issued an order 00:30:19.890 --> 00:30:23.530 adopting the ALJ's proposal for decision in this case, 00:30:23.530 --> 00:30:25.750 finding that Polk Operating, LLC, 00:30:25.750 --> 00:30:29.260 committed the violations alleged by Commission staff 00:30:29.260 --> 00:30:33.580 and ordering Polk's permit to be suspended 00:30:33.580 --> 00:30:35.976 until Polk is in compliance with the terms of its permit 00:30:35.976 --> 00:30:39.860 and applicable Commission rules and regulations. 00:30:39.860 --> 00:30:42.200 A timely motion for rehearing was received. 00:30:42.200 --> 00:30:45.550 Staff filed a response and opposition to the motion. 00:30:45.550 --> 00:30:47.320 None of the information provided in the motion 00:30:47.320 --> 00:30:48.180 for rehearing is new. 00:30:48.180 --> 00:30:50.210 The information discussed in the motion 00:30:50.210 --> 00:30:51.690 was considered by the Commission 00:30:51.690 --> 00:30:54.673 prior to the Commission issuing the order in this case. 00:30:54.673 --> 00:30:57.430 Therefore, the ALJ recommends denying the motion, 00:30:57.430 --> 00:30:59.530 and the motion will be overruled by operation of law 00:30:59.530 --> 00:31:03.360 on June 7, 2018, and I'm available for questions. 00:31:03.360 --> 00:31:04.850 Thank you, are there any questions? 00:31:04.850 --> 00:31:07.730 Alright, I move we approve the examiner's recommendation. 00:31:07.730 --> 00:31:09.110 Is there a second? Second. 00:31:09.110 --> 00:31:10.820 Second by Commissioner Christian. 00:31:10.820 --> 00:31:12.116 All those in favor say "Aye." 00:31:12.116 --> 00:31:12.949 Aye. 00:31:12.949 --> 00:31:14.770 Motion passes, item is approved. 00:31:14.770 --> 00:31:16.310 Thank you, Jennifer. 00:31:17.290 --> 00:31:20.070 Items 12 through 16. 00:31:22.513 --> 00:31:24.340 Good morning, Chairman and Commissioners. 00:31:24.340 --> 00:31:27.108 Clayton Hoover, Administrative Law Judge. 00:31:27.108 --> 00:31:30.010 Items 12 to 16 are motions for rehearing 00:31:30.010 --> 00:31:32.183 on five good-faith claim dockets. 00:31:33.270 --> 00:31:35.450 These are all complaints by Laura Briggs 00:31:35.450 --> 00:31:37.480 challenging the operator's good-faith claim 00:31:37.480 --> 00:31:39.550 to continue to operate. 00:31:39.550 --> 00:31:40.810 In cases of a complaint 00:31:40.810 --> 00:31:42.780 that an operator has no good-faith claim, 00:31:42.780 --> 00:31:46.280 the sole issue is whether they have a claim to title, 00:31:46.280 --> 00:31:49.980 usually, in oil and gas lease, in accordance with Rule 15 00:31:49.980 --> 00:31:51.353 in the Magnolia case. 00:31:52.320 --> 00:31:55.070 The operator received the standard 30-day letter 00:31:55.070 --> 00:31:56.530 informing them of the complaints 00:31:56.530 --> 00:31:59.420 and requiring operator to furnish evidence 00:31:59.420 --> 00:32:00.570 of their good-faith claim 00:32:00.570 --> 00:32:03.870 or to request a hearing within 30 days. 00:32:03.870 --> 00:32:05.860 If an operator fails to respond, 00:32:05.860 --> 00:32:09.290 the complaint dockets proceed as defaults. 00:32:09.290 --> 00:32:12.230 In these dockets, operator failed to respond 00:32:12.230 --> 00:32:14.704 with evidence or to request hearings. 00:32:14.704 --> 00:32:18.620 Default orders were entered finding no good-faith claim 00:32:18.620 --> 00:32:21.140 and ordering the wells to be plugged. 00:32:21.140 --> 00:32:25.450 Following entry of the order, operator timely filed 00:32:25.450 --> 00:32:27.370 these motions for rehearing. 00:32:27.370 --> 00:32:29.250 The motions and the attachments, 00:32:29.250 --> 00:32:31.550 which are mostly oil and gas leases, 00:32:31.550 --> 00:32:34.200 satisfy the three prongs of the Craddock test 00:32:34.200 --> 00:32:35.363 for granting a hearing. 00:32:36.950 --> 00:32:38.780 Operator represents, Number one, 00:32:38.780 --> 00:32:41.130 operator represents that its failure to respond 00:32:41.130 --> 00:32:43.130 was not intentional nor the result 00:32:43.130 --> 00:32:45.110 of conscious indifference. 00:32:45.110 --> 00:32:49.550 Number two, operator has set out facts and documents, which, 00:32:49.550 --> 00:32:51.640 if proven up in a hearing, 00:32:51.640 --> 00:32:53.410 could establish a good-faith claim 00:32:53.410 --> 00:32:56.270 and constitute a meritorious defense. 00:32:56.270 --> 00:33:00.200 Number three, operator claims that any resulting delay 00:33:00.200 --> 00:33:02.710 is insignificant, and in these cases, 00:33:02.710 --> 00:33:05.980 plugging of wells that may be capable of production 00:33:05.980 --> 00:33:08.222 will probably result in additional dockets 00:33:08.222 --> 00:33:10.690 to supersede the plugging orders, 00:33:10.690 --> 00:33:13.090 so granting the motions would actually promote 00:33:13.090 --> 00:33:15.050 judicial economy. 00:33:15.050 --> 00:33:17.260 The recommendation is to grant the five motions 00:33:17.260 --> 00:33:18.400 for rehearing. 00:33:18.400 --> 00:33:21.280 The motions will be overruled by operation of law 00:33:21.280 --> 00:33:23.830 on June 28th, 2018. 00:33:23.830 --> 00:33:25.323 I'm available for questions. 00:33:28.585 --> 00:33:29.650 Are there any questions? 00:33:29.650 --> 00:33:31.142 Yes, please. 00:33:31.142 --> 00:33:33.931 Have at it. 00:33:33.931 --> 00:33:36.074 Am I understanding that they did 00:33:36.074 --> 00:33:38.600 miss the deadline? 00:33:38.600 --> 00:33:40.788 Yes, sir. They missed the deadline. 00:33:40.788 --> 00:33:42.340 Okay. 00:33:42.340 --> 00:33:45.440 I've heard a lot of excuses through the short time 00:33:45.440 --> 00:33:48.333 I've been here of us not allowing this, 00:33:49.330 --> 00:33:51.970 because of death and all kinds of reasons I've heard 00:33:51.970 --> 00:33:53.500 that people miss deadlines. 00:33:53.500 --> 00:33:57.600 Why are we making an exception to the practice 00:33:57.600 --> 00:34:00.530 by allowing this after they've missed the deadline? 00:34:00.530 --> 00:34:02.650 It's not an exception to the general practice. 00:34:02.650 --> 00:34:05.160 It's just in this specific case, 00:34:05.160 --> 00:34:07.240 they're saying it wasn't conscious indifference 00:34:07.240 --> 00:34:11.080 or anything other than just a miscommunication, 00:34:11.080 --> 00:34:14.068 and we've done that in the past in the creative dockets. 00:34:14.068 --> 00:34:16.350 In fact, those went back for rehearing. 00:34:16.350 --> 00:34:18.470 It was found there was no good-faith claim, 00:34:18.470 --> 00:34:20.810 and now we have supersede dockets 00:34:20.810 --> 00:34:23.380 to get a new operator for the active wells, 00:34:23.380 --> 00:34:24.270 and that's the case here. 00:34:24.270 --> 00:34:27.740 These wells have produced very recently. 00:34:27.740 --> 00:34:29.620 They may be capable of production. 00:34:29.620 --> 00:34:32.240 We didn't get any evidence of that, 00:34:32.240 --> 00:34:34.470 and if we deny the motion for rehearing, 00:34:34.470 --> 00:34:37.300 the wells are subject to a plugging order, 00:34:37.300 --> 00:34:39.710 even though somebody else may wanna come in 00:34:39.710 --> 00:34:40.960 and operate them, 00:34:40.960 --> 00:34:44.050 and so, if someone else wants to come in and operate them, 00:34:44.050 --> 00:34:45.270 they'll have to file dockets 00:34:45.270 --> 00:34:47.147 to supersede the plugging order, 00:34:47.147 --> 00:34:50.130 and that was the difficulty we've had 00:34:50.130 --> 00:34:53.840 in not granting motions for rehearing 00:34:53.840 --> 00:34:56.520 when there appears to be a good-faith claim 00:34:56.520 --> 00:34:59.390 and some reasonable explanation 00:35:01.630 --> 00:35:04.480 and here, once again, they say it was a miscommunication. 00:35:05.900 --> 00:35:07.790 What's that mean? 00:35:07.790 --> 00:35:09.430 That's all it said. 00:35:09.430 --> 00:35:11.133 That's part of the problem. 00:35:12.000 --> 00:35:15.810 And each of the motions had oil and gas leases attached, 00:35:15.810 --> 00:35:17.760 which they claim are valid, 00:35:17.760 --> 00:35:21.263 and they just want a chance to prove that up in a hearing. 00:35:22.900 --> 00:35:25.620 I want them to be able to produce, et cetera, 00:35:25.620 --> 00:35:28.140 and wanna make sure that we don't stop 00:35:28.140 --> 00:35:31.060 the necessary good-faith production of oil and gas 00:35:31.060 --> 00:35:32.523 in Texas, but it concerns, 00:35:33.710 --> 00:35:35.510 it seems like we're making an exception 00:35:35.510 --> 00:35:38.260 to previous considerations and that, 00:35:38.260 --> 00:35:39.400 to make an, 00:35:39.400 --> 00:35:43.190 I wanna be consistent on those practices that we have done 00:35:43.190 --> 00:35:45.367 so that other people can know that, 00:35:45.367 --> 00:35:47.570 "Okay, if I don't do this 00:35:47.570 --> 00:35:49.830 that the rules apply to them equally." 00:35:49.830 --> 00:35:52.060 And, Commissioner, just for your perspective, 00:35:52.060 --> 00:35:55.110 a year ago, in a case almost exactly like this, 00:35:55.110 --> 00:35:56.650 where it had been a default, 00:35:56.650 --> 00:35:59.373 I recommended denial of the motions for rehearing, 00:36:00.212 --> 00:36:02.270 and I was overruled by the Commission, 00:36:02.270 --> 00:36:04.680 and the motions for rehearing were granted, 00:36:04.680 --> 00:36:07.740 so I don't think there is any important precedent 00:36:07.740 --> 00:36:08.800 in this one case. 00:36:08.800 --> 00:36:11.780 It just goes on the specifics of this one case. 00:36:11.780 --> 00:36:16.150 The default orders and good-faith claim, 00:36:16.150 --> 00:36:18.450 dockets go out routinely, 00:36:18.450 --> 00:36:21.436 and this will not interrupt that process. 00:36:21.436 --> 00:36:23.020 Thank you. 00:36:23.020 --> 00:36:25.160 Clay, if I can, you said the well, 00:36:25.160 --> 00:36:26.910 these wells have produced recently, 00:36:28.120 --> 00:36:30.340 and I appreciate Commissioner Christian's comments 00:36:30.340 --> 00:36:32.070 that we wanna be judicious, 00:36:32.070 --> 00:36:34.487 and we wanna stick with our rules. 00:36:34.487 --> 00:36:36.880 As I understand, what you're saying is, 00:36:36.880 --> 00:36:38.780 your two points that I'm keying in on, 00:36:38.780 --> 00:36:43.080 one, when we have a lack of communication, 00:36:43.080 --> 00:36:45.410 we hear a range of explanations. 00:36:45.410 --> 00:36:49.310 In this case, it was fairly generic miscommunication, 00:36:49.310 --> 00:36:51.140 but who's to say one guy's communication 00:36:51.140 --> 00:36:52.980 is not another one's family emergency? 00:36:52.980 --> 00:36:55.590 So, we have allowed miscommunication 00:36:55.590 --> 00:36:59.609 or a lack of communication as an explanation of not, 00:36:59.609 --> 00:37:03.126 you know, willful indifference to our cases. 00:37:03.126 --> 00:37:04.220 Second of all, you're saying 00:37:04.220 --> 00:37:05.930 these might be valuable wells, 00:37:05.930 --> 00:37:08.883 so we don't wanna put them on our plugging list if, 00:37:09.880 --> 00:37:10.860 we actually pulled these up. 00:37:10.860 --> 00:37:13.280 The most recent one produced, December of last year I think, 00:37:13.280 --> 00:37:14.523 but then one of these goes all the way back to, like, 00:37:14.523 --> 00:37:17.070 February of 2015, so there's kind of a range here. 00:37:17.070 --> 00:37:18.060 Right, there's a range. 00:37:18.060 --> 00:37:19.610 We looked them up this morning. 00:37:20.680 --> 00:37:22.763 So, what I hear you saying is, 00:37:25.120 --> 00:37:26.710 we could go on our plugging list, 00:37:26.710 --> 00:37:29.290 and then even if somebody else does acquire these wells, 00:37:29.290 --> 00:37:30.770 then they're gonna have to really do a lot 00:37:30.770 --> 00:37:32.390 of work to get them off our plugging list, 00:37:32.390 --> 00:37:37.390 and so, to try and save ourselves some effort, 00:37:38.290 --> 00:37:42.070 it seems like you're saying that granting this 00:37:42.070 --> 00:37:43.970 motion for rehearing gives us some leeway 00:37:43.970 --> 00:37:45.710 to maintain these wells. 00:37:45.710 --> 00:37:47.130 Yeah, it's If they're valuable. 00:37:47.130 --> 00:37:47.963 Yes, sir. 00:37:47.963 --> 00:37:51.090 It's in the interest of judicial economy because, 00:37:51.090 --> 00:37:55.520 as you say, some of the wells apparently are capable 00:37:55.520 --> 00:37:57.820 of production because of recent production, 00:37:57.820 --> 00:37:59.490 and the other wells, we just don't know. 00:37:59.490 --> 00:38:01.970 I mean, it may be related to prices. 00:38:01.970 --> 00:38:03.700 There could be shut-in royalties. 00:38:03.700 --> 00:38:07.029 It could be held by non-continuous acreage. 00:38:07.029 --> 00:38:08.400 All those are possibilities. 00:38:08.400 --> 00:38:09.710 We don't have any evidence on this. 00:38:09.710 --> 00:38:10.543 Right. 00:38:10.543 --> 00:38:12.910 And in the last year, in the creative cases, 00:38:12.910 --> 00:38:17.376 Commissioner Christian, the excuse for not responding was, 00:38:17.376 --> 00:38:19.200 "Well, we had another docket going 00:38:19.200 --> 00:38:20.660 at the Railroad Commission, 00:38:20.660 --> 00:38:23.407 and we thought that our appearance in the other docket 00:38:23.407 --> 00:38:26.230 was a sufficient appearance in these good-faith claim 00:38:26.230 --> 00:38:30.180 complaints, and I didn't think much of that 00:38:30.180 --> 00:38:31.390 (laughs) 00:38:31.390 --> 00:38:32.250 as an explanation, 00:38:32.250 --> 00:38:34.330 and that's why I recommended denial, 00:38:34.330 --> 00:38:37.540 but I was overruled and the motions were granted, 00:38:37.540 --> 00:38:40.470 and it was still found there was no good-faith claim, 00:38:40.470 --> 00:38:44.600 and because there hadn't been an SB 4, 00:38:44.600 --> 00:38:46.800 or any kind of P-4 filed, 00:38:46.800 --> 00:38:49.650 we had to do the supersede dockets, 00:38:49.650 --> 00:38:51.830 which are on the consent agenda right now, 00:38:51.830 --> 00:38:56.230 so that's how long it takes to go through the other process, 00:38:56.230 --> 00:38:59.303 if active wells get on the plugging list. 00:39:00.391 --> 00:39:02.837 I'm just concerned that the excuse of, 00:39:02.837 --> 00:39:05.060 "Oops, we just didn't notice," 00:39:05.060 --> 00:39:09.060 is accepted as a reason, you know, that's-- 00:39:11.230 --> 00:39:12.816 And, Chairman, to your question, 00:39:12.816 --> 00:39:15.007 it's just the word "communication," 00:39:15.007 --> 00:39:16.220 "miscommunication." 00:39:16.220 --> 00:39:18.430 It didn't elaborate, 00:39:18.430 --> 00:39:20.430 the pleadings did not elaborate on that. 00:39:22.840 --> 00:39:24.700 So, I have all these parties, 00:39:24.700 --> 00:39:26.260 and then I just thought I'd throw in 00:39:26.260 --> 00:39:28.210 that we have, on Number 15, 00:39:28.210 --> 00:39:29.870 we have a new party who says 00:39:29.870 --> 00:39:31.830 they have more good-faith claim, 00:39:31.830 --> 00:39:33.760 but I'd like to know if they have a P-4, 00:39:33.760 --> 00:39:35.420 so, just a minute, sir. 00:39:35.420 --> 00:39:36.253 I'm not ready for you. I know. 00:39:36.253 --> 00:39:37.086 Just a minute. 00:39:37.086 --> 00:39:38.300 I got everybody sitting here. 00:39:38.300 --> 00:39:39.598 I appreciate that you're here. 00:39:39.598 --> 00:39:42.820 So, if y'all'd like hear from all the parties, 00:39:42.820 --> 00:39:44.130 all the parties are here, 00:39:44.130 --> 00:39:46.021 plus, somebody new in 15, 00:39:46.021 --> 00:39:49.203 which means we don't have a good-faith claim, potentially. 00:39:50.320 --> 00:39:52.750 Stuff like this really bothers me. 00:39:52.750 --> 00:39:55.580 So I'm not gonna be for the motion for rehearing, 00:39:55.580 --> 00:39:57.010 and I don't think we should, 00:39:57.010 --> 00:39:58.820 I think these should stay as they are, 00:39:58.820 --> 00:40:00.570 but that's my personal opinion. 00:40:00.570 --> 00:40:02.960 Does anybody wanna hear from the parties? 00:40:02.960 --> 00:40:04.600 Because they are all here, 00:40:04.600 --> 00:40:07.470 and then, like I said, we have, on Number 15, 00:40:07.470 --> 00:40:09.710 somebody saying they do have a good-faith claim 00:40:09.710 --> 00:40:12.600 that, apparently, it's a new company. 00:40:12.600 --> 00:40:14.351 Do we have a P-4 for this? 00:40:14.351 --> 00:40:15.184 No. 00:40:15.184 --> 00:40:17.970 We checked the P-5 for the operator. 00:40:17.970 --> 00:40:18.950 They're active, 00:40:18.950 --> 00:40:21.030 and we checked all the wellbores, 00:40:21.030 --> 00:40:23.170 and the operator is still 7S, 00:40:23.170 --> 00:40:24.960 so there is no new operator 00:40:24.960 --> 00:40:25.820 Okay. That we could find 00:40:25.820 --> 00:40:27.710 in the Commission records. 00:40:27.710 --> 00:40:28.820 Okay. 00:40:28.820 --> 00:40:29.830 Anybody would like, 00:40:29.830 --> 00:40:32.420 would y'all like to hear from any of these parties? 00:40:32.420 --> 00:40:35.860 Because I'm gonna make a motion the other direction, 00:40:35.860 --> 00:40:37.400 and I appreciate your work on this, 00:40:37.400 --> 00:40:39.710 but I think it's not that big a deal to supersede 00:40:39.710 --> 00:40:43.950 if we've got a true operator with a good-faith claim, 00:40:43.950 --> 00:40:47.110 and that concerns me when y'all have one of the 15. 00:40:47.110 --> 00:40:48.890 Do I need to do them all individually 00:40:48.890 --> 00:40:50.642 as I'm doing them or can I do them all? 00:40:50.642 --> 00:40:52.220 You can do them all together if you wish. 00:40:52.220 --> 00:40:54.115 So just a question because I appreciate 00:40:54.115 --> 00:40:57.782 Excuse me, that's not accurate, sir. 00:40:58.923 --> 00:41:00.875 That's not accurate, sir. 00:41:00.875 --> 00:41:01.947 Okay, thank you. 00:41:01.947 --> 00:41:04.510 Clay, and I've got You can do them all. 00:41:04.510 --> 00:41:05.343 Okay, thank you. 00:41:05.343 --> 00:41:06.490 I've got a question, 00:41:06.490 --> 00:41:09.140 I appreciate your notion about judicial economy here. 00:41:10.160 --> 00:41:11.780 If, assuming that we, 00:41:11.780 --> 00:41:13.470 if we go with, 00:41:13.470 --> 00:41:16.080 if we deny the motion for rehearing, 00:41:16.080 --> 00:41:18.180 then these would go on a plugging list? 00:41:18.180 --> 00:41:19.080 Yes, sir. 00:41:21.360 --> 00:41:23.610 Thinking about, because you brought up the fact 00:41:23.610 --> 00:41:25.960 that hey, if someone, if these are valuable wells, 00:41:25.960 --> 00:41:27.343 someone's got to, 00:41:28.550 --> 00:41:31.100 I guess, entertain a transaction to 00:41:34.530 --> 00:41:36.220 try to be efficient. 00:41:36.220 --> 00:41:39.200 Someone's gotta entertain some sort of transaction 00:41:39.200 --> 00:41:40.340 to acquire these wells, 00:41:40.340 --> 00:41:42.470 and then they have to get them off our plugging list. 00:41:42.470 --> 00:41:44.690 Give me a sense of what, 00:41:44.690 --> 00:41:45.523 Right. 00:41:45.523 --> 00:41:46.520 You said that that can be a hassle. 00:41:46.520 --> 00:41:47.353 What is that? 00:41:47.353 --> 00:41:48.920 There are, pretty much, two arenas. 00:41:49.773 --> 00:41:53.610 In the title arena, they would have to go obtain 00:41:53.610 --> 00:41:57.190 a lease or an assignment from whoever owns the lease now 00:41:57.190 --> 00:41:59.770 or a new lease if the lease is expired, 00:41:59.770 --> 00:42:01.620 and those are things that the Commission 00:42:01.620 --> 00:42:04.110 does not have jurisdiction to resolve, 00:42:04.110 --> 00:42:06.180 although they're obviously considered in this. 00:42:06.180 --> 00:42:09.100 And then the other arena is the regulatory arena, 00:42:09.100 --> 00:42:13.550 and they would have to file a P-4. 00:42:13.550 --> 00:42:15.040 In the creative case, we actually had 00:42:15.040 --> 00:42:16.750 a double-signature P-4 filed, 00:42:16.750 --> 00:42:18.230 so it was pretty easy. 00:42:18.230 --> 00:42:21.310 They could also file a single-signature P-4 00:42:21.310 --> 00:42:24.000 and prove up their good-faith claim, 00:42:24.000 --> 00:42:26.210 and with the single-signature P-4, 00:42:26.210 --> 00:42:30.140 there'd need to be an application to supersede 00:42:30.140 --> 00:42:33.050 the plugging order in these dockets, 00:42:33.050 --> 00:42:36.970 and that would, oftentimes that goes to hearing. 00:42:36.970 --> 00:42:38.720 We've had those go to hearing, 00:42:38.720 --> 00:42:41.220 and staff sometimes participates 00:42:41.220 --> 00:42:45.143 and gives perspective on the supersede, 00:42:46.511 --> 00:42:50.230 and, especially if there's a P-6 involved 00:42:50.230 --> 00:42:53.380 where they're separating out wells, one from another, 00:42:53.380 --> 00:42:56.200 on a lease, because sometimes people don't wanna take on 00:42:56.200 --> 00:42:58.300 all of the wells on a lease, 00:42:58.300 --> 00:43:01.400 so it can require another hearing and another conference, 00:43:01.400 --> 00:43:04.270 and, for instance, in creative, 00:43:04.270 --> 00:43:06.050 granting the motion for rehearing 00:43:07.235 --> 00:43:11.080 and then finding no good-faith claim 00:43:11.080 --> 00:43:15.030 and then coming back with the supersede dockets took a year, 00:43:15.030 --> 00:43:17.800 so it's been really a year since 00:43:18.950 --> 00:43:22.820 the operatorship of those wells has been clear, 00:43:22.820 --> 00:43:25.353 and so, that's, you know, it's, 00:43:26.358 --> 00:43:28.970 I appreciate your comments about precedent, 00:43:28.970 --> 00:43:31.480 and that was the reason I made the recommendation 00:43:31.480 --> 00:43:34.470 to deny the motion for rehearing last year, 00:43:34.470 --> 00:43:37.240 and I had the different perspective this year, 00:43:37.240 --> 00:43:40.490 so I, you know, it's a difficult decision. 00:43:40.490 --> 00:43:42.540 I appreciate what you have to decide. 00:43:42.540 --> 00:43:44.260 So, what I understood there is, you got, 00:43:44.260 --> 00:43:45.770 so two processes have to unfold 00:43:45.770 --> 00:43:48.530 assuming that we find no good-faith claim. 00:43:48.530 --> 00:43:52.209 There's a civil matter of okay, who owns these. 00:43:52.209 --> 00:43:53.410 And I've read through the record. 00:43:53.410 --> 00:43:56.160 You've got some interesting assertions 00:43:56.160 --> 00:43:59.590 about the current operators and their background, 00:43:59.590 --> 00:44:00.697 lien holders, all that stuff, 00:44:00.697 --> 00:44:02.204 but those people will work that out, 00:44:02.204 --> 00:44:05.470 who actually has legal title to this. 00:44:05.470 --> 00:44:07.850 Once that's worked out, then someone's gonna come back 00:44:07.850 --> 00:44:09.110 and say, "Hey, I want those wells." 00:44:09.110 --> 00:44:11.810 That's when it comes really back into our lap. 00:44:11.810 --> 00:44:14.260 Yeah, and we don't always wait for that to be resolved. 00:44:14.260 --> 00:44:16.740 I mean, good-faith claim is a much lower bar 00:44:16.740 --> 00:44:19.020 than resolving a title issue 00:44:19.020 --> 00:44:20.030 Understood. in district court, 00:44:20.030 --> 00:44:23.040 and there are even cases where two people can be found 00:44:23.040 --> 00:44:24.930 to have a good-faith claim, 00:44:24.930 --> 00:44:28.970 because it's just a defensible theory 00:44:28.970 --> 00:44:33.970 using facts and a recognized legal precedent 00:44:34.060 --> 00:44:35.920 that shows you have a good-faith claim, 00:44:35.920 --> 00:44:38.540 and as we all know, two people can have that 00:44:38.540 --> 00:44:41.483 before an item starts in district court, 00:44:42.649 --> 00:44:43.820 but you're exactly right. 00:44:43.820 --> 00:44:46.025 There are two arenas, Okay. 00:44:46.025 --> 00:44:46.858 the tite arena, 00:44:46.858 --> 00:44:49.830 which is technically beyond our jurisdiction, 00:44:49.830 --> 00:44:51.540 and then the regulatory arena, 00:44:51.540 --> 00:44:52.960 which is what we're here to decide, 00:44:52.960 --> 00:44:54.110 who's gonna operate the wells. 00:44:54.110 --> 00:44:54.943 Okay. 00:44:54.943 --> 00:44:56.380 Commissioner, an investigation will appear 00:44:56.380 --> 00:44:57.380 in six months. 00:44:57.380 --> 00:44:58.870 Okay. 00:44:58.870 --> 00:45:00.590 Well, my comments are, 00:45:00.590 --> 00:45:03.300 even though I'm reading through this, 00:45:03.300 --> 00:45:07.800 there seems like these operators have some questions about 00:45:07.800 --> 00:45:09.020 how these guys are a new business, 00:45:09.020 --> 00:45:11.810 and I like your judicial economy, 00:45:11.810 --> 00:45:14.030 and I appreciate the fact you're trying to find some, 00:45:14.030 --> 00:45:15.113 some precedence in the midst 00:45:15.113 --> 00:45:18.010 of changing rulings for the Commission, 00:45:18.010 --> 00:45:20.823 so I'll support this, your motion. 00:45:23.800 --> 00:45:24.957 I think we should grant it to, 00:45:24.957 --> 00:45:27.200 and like as Clay said, in the interest of judicial economy 00:45:27.200 --> 00:45:28.970 to stick with the motion that was made a year ago, 00:45:28.970 --> 00:45:31.310 or the process we established a year ago, 00:45:31.310 --> 00:45:33.060 but I appreciate what he said about 00:45:34.950 --> 00:45:37.160 sticking with process and sticking with our rules. 00:45:37.160 --> 00:45:38.410 Madam Chairman? Yes? 00:45:40.050 --> 00:45:41.760 And that's my concern, Commissioner Sitton, 00:45:41.760 --> 00:45:44.790 is if we made one ruling a year ago that then 00:45:44.790 --> 00:45:46.510 has changed the precedent, 00:45:46.510 --> 00:45:48.700 and it kind of concerns me that, you know, 00:45:48.700 --> 00:45:51.700 if we do an exception then the word "exception" is there, 00:45:51.700 --> 00:45:55.090 so the precedent should not be set on the exceptions, 00:45:55.090 --> 00:45:56.919 and I'm afraid if, 00:45:56.919 --> 00:45:59.510 and I don't recall the specifics of the previous case 00:45:59.510 --> 00:46:00.343 you refer to. 00:46:00.343 --> 00:46:02.570 I respect that, that we did an exception, 00:46:02.570 --> 00:46:05.640 but these, continually, about three or four times, 00:46:05.640 --> 00:46:09.640 you've mentioned, these are valuable properties, okay? 00:46:09.640 --> 00:46:12.770 So it questions me to find how they're gonna just 00:46:12.770 --> 00:46:14.330 all of a sudden, "Well, it doesn't matter anymore, 00:46:14.330 --> 00:46:16.634 and somebody else may grab it," and whatever like this. 00:46:16.634 --> 00:46:19.000 I don't understand, if it's valuable, 00:46:19.000 --> 00:46:23.370 then it's worth their effort to meet the rules, 00:46:23.370 --> 00:46:25.390 and if it was valuable to start with, 00:46:25.390 --> 00:46:28.822 I would think, on all these different situations, 00:46:28.822 --> 00:46:32.170 it mystifies me that they missed the deadline, 00:46:32.170 --> 00:46:33.820 didn't do what was proper, 00:46:33.820 --> 00:46:35.790 if they were valuable resources. 00:46:35.790 --> 00:46:39.823 Now, I can see exceptions if it was a strange situation, 00:46:39.823 --> 00:46:42.790 you know, some situation that may have some except, 00:46:42.790 --> 00:46:44.740 but these were valuable properties. 00:46:44.740 --> 00:46:46.610 They should have valuable staff, valuable people 00:46:46.610 --> 00:46:47.443 working on it, 00:46:47.443 --> 00:46:49.840 and they missed a deadline, 00:46:49.840 --> 00:46:54.840 and I don't see an exception in that chain. 00:46:54.850 --> 00:46:55.683 Sorry. 00:46:58.110 --> 00:47:00.130 One other person that I wanna make sure we, 00:47:00.130 --> 00:47:01.390 the GLO's here, 00:47:01.390 --> 00:47:04.440 so if y'all wanna hear from the GLO on Number 12, 00:47:04.440 --> 00:47:05.273 apparently. 00:47:07.428 --> 00:47:08.410 I don't know. 00:47:08.410 --> 00:47:10.584 They haven't been party to this either. 00:47:10.584 --> 00:47:11.893 If you would like to hear it. 00:47:11.893 --> 00:47:14.010 Daryl, you have something different to add 00:47:14.010 --> 00:47:16.510 than where we are, I mean, I guess is my question. 00:47:17.830 --> 00:47:19.750 Sorry, I'm looking through the piles because there's, 00:47:19.750 --> 00:47:21.120 y'all weren't a party before, 00:47:21.120 --> 00:47:23.207 so I'm trying to figure out why you're here. 00:47:23.207 --> 00:47:26.540 Daryl Morgan, Director of Minerals and Royalty 00:47:26.540 --> 00:47:27.950 with the General Land Office, 00:47:27.950 --> 00:47:29.620 and the General Land Office is here 00:47:29.620 --> 00:47:34.010 to oppose the motion for rehearing on item number 12. 00:47:34.010 --> 00:47:36.707 This involves a State of Texas lease that we terminated 00:47:36.707 --> 00:47:38.350 back in July of 2016. 00:47:39.350 --> 00:47:44.350 Thank you for the information. 00:47:45.074 --> 00:47:46.260 Okay. 00:47:46.260 --> 00:47:47.093 Go through it. 00:47:47.093 --> 00:47:47.926 So I think, 00:47:49.790 --> 00:47:51.720 I appreciate it and I know that that's not necessarily 00:47:51.720 --> 00:47:54.280 part of where we are, but that would be a part 00:47:54.280 --> 00:47:55.670 of the good-faith claim. 00:47:55.670 --> 00:47:57.491 Right, we have no evidence about 00:47:57.491 --> 00:47:58.440 That's right. 00:47:58.440 --> 00:48:02.550 The extension of the leases or anything like that. 00:48:02.550 --> 00:48:03.383 And that wouldn't be part of it, 00:48:03.383 --> 00:48:04.802 but I appreciate you bringing it up. 00:48:04.802 --> 00:48:09.802 So, I'm gonna move on 12 through 16 to deny the motions, 00:48:10.070 --> 00:48:13.153 on all four of the motions for rehearing. 00:48:14.440 --> 00:48:15.273 Second. 00:48:15.273 --> 00:48:17.510 We have a motion and a second. 00:48:17.510 --> 00:48:20.610 All those in favor of the motion upon all, 00:48:20.610 --> 00:48:22.473 I'm gonna take one vote for all four, 00:48:23.440 --> 00:48:25.340 signify by saying "Aye." 00:48:25.340 --> 00:48:26.173 Aye. 00:48:26.173 --> 00:48:27.423 Motion passes, 00:48:27.423 --> 00:48:29.020 sorry, anybody opposed? 00:48:29.020 --> 00:48:30.510 No. 00:48:30.510 --> 00:48:31.830 Motion passes, two to one. 00:48:31.830 --> 00:48:32.663 Thank you for your work on this. 00:48:32.663 --> 00:48:33.670 Thank you very much. Yes, sir? 00:48:33.670 --> 00:48:35.830 If I might add, we'll provide separate orders. 00:48:35.830 --> 00:48:37.070 That's fine. Thank you. 00:48:37.070 --> 00:48:37.903 Okay. 00:48:37.903 --> 00:48:39.037 Thank you, Clay. 00:48:43.710 --> 00:48:44.820 Good morning, Chairman and Commissioners. 00:48:44.820 --> 00:48:46.850 My name is Lynn Latombe, Administrative Law Judge 00:48:46.850 --> 00:48:48.470 with the Hearings Division. 00:48:48.470 --> 00:48:51.440 I'm here to present item 17 on the agenda, 00:48:51.440 --> 00:48:53.820 which is a P-5 motion for rehearing filed by 00:48:53.820 --> 00:48:56.993 WTXR Operating Texas Incorporated. 00:48:57.920 --> 00:49:01.308 On April 10th, 2018, a final order was entered by the Commission 00:49:01.308 --> 00:49:04.300 denying the renewal of the operator's P-5 00:49:04.300 --> 00:49:07.550 organization report because the operator had 10 wells 00:49:07.550 --> 00:49:10.600 not in compliance with Statewide Rule 15. 00:49:10.600 --> 00:49:12.570 In its timely filed motion for rehearing, 00:49:12.570 --> 00:49:14.880 the operator states that it's currently completing 00:49:14.880 --> 00:49:17.930 compliance with Rule 15 filings. 00:49:17.930 --> 00:49:21.080 At this time, 10 wells are still not in compliance. 00:49:21.080 --> 00:49:23.470 It is recommended that the motion be denied. 00:49:23.470 --> 00:49:25.610 The motion will be overruled by operation of law 00:49:25.610 --> 00:49:27.880 on July 19th, 2018. 00:49:27.880 --> 00:49:30.110 I'm available for any questions. 00:49:30.110 --> 00:49:32.220 Thank you, are there any questions? 00:49:32.220 --> 00:49:34.340 I move we approve the examiner's recommendation. 00:49:34.340 --> 00:49:35.740 Is there a second? Second. 00:49:35.740 --> 00:49:36.820 Second, Commissioner Sitton. 00:49:36.820 --> 00:49:38.225 All those in favor say "Aye." 00:49:38.225 --> 00:49:39.058 Aye. 00:49:39.058 --> 00:49:41.103 Motion passes, items approved. 00:49:42.040 --> 00:49:43.620 Number 18. 00:49:43.620 --> 00:49:44.550 How are you? 00:49:44.550 --> 00:49:45.383 Good, how are you? 00:49:45.383 --> 00:49:46.860 Fine, thanks. 00:49:46.860 --> 00:49:48.560 Good morning, Chairman and Commissioners. 00:49:48.560 --> 00:49:50.610 For the record, Kristi Reeve, Administrative Law Judge 00:49:50.610 --> 00:49:52.400 with the Hearings Division. 00:49:52.400 --> 00:49:54.210 item number 18 is the application 00:49:54.210 --> 00:49:57.200 of Tahiti Partners Energy Solutions Corporation 00:49:57.200 --> 00:49:59.460 for its unrestricted renewal of its P-5 00:49:59.460 --> 00:50:01.690 and to contest the staff determination 00:50:01.690 --> 00:50:03.590 that its form P-5 cannot be renewed 00:50:03.590 --> 00:50:06.170 due to non-compliance with the inactive well requirements 00:50:06.170 --> 00:50:07.553 of Statewide Rule 15. 00:50:08.610 --> 00:50:10.190 Since preparation of the agenda, 00:50:10.190 --> 00:50:13.079 Tahiti has achieved compliance with Rule 15 00:50:13.079 --> 00:50:16.670 for it's 2017 P-5 renewal. 00:50:16.670 --> 00:50:19.130 I've prepared a new order for you to sign 00:50:19.130 --> 00:50:20.900 which reflects this fact. 00:50:20.900 --> 00:50:23.030 I recommend this docket be dismissed as moot. 00:50:23.030 --> 00:50:24.970 I'm available for questions. 00:50:24.970 --> 00:50:27.430 Thank you, are there any questions? 00:50:27.430 --> 00:50:29.870 Alright, I move we approve examiner's recommendations. 00:50:29.870 --> 00:50:31.470 Is there a second? Second. 00:50:31.470 --> 00:50:32.620 Second, Commissioner Christian. 00:50:32.620 --> 00:50:33.939 All those in favor say "Aye." 00:50:33.939 --> 00:50:35.200 Aye. 00:50:35.200 --> 00:50:36.360 Motion passes. Thank you. 00:50:36.360 --> 00:50:37.573 We like good news. 00:50:38.430 --> 00:50:42.650 Alright, we are on to items 19 through 65. 00:50:42.650 --> 00:50:45.800 These are the Oil and Gas consent agenda items, 00:50:45.800 --> 00:50:47.960 and we're gonna pass. 00:50:47.960 --> 00:50:50.280 Staff wants to pass 45, is that correct? 00:50:50.280 --> 00:50:53.790 So, I'm gonna move that we approve 19 through 65 00:50:53.790 --> 00:50:56.090 with the exception of Number 45. 00:50:56.090 --> 00:50:57.850 Is there a second? Second. 00:50:57.850 --> 00:50:59.080 Second, Commissioner Sitton. 00:50:59.080 --> 00:51:00.480 All those in favor say "Aye." 00:51:00.480 --> 00:51:01.313 Aye. 00:51:01.313 --> 00:51:03.574 Motion passes, items approved. 00:51:03.574 --> 00:51:08.574 Rule 15, Inactive Well items, Items 66 through 79, 00:51:08.817 --> 00:51:11.890 73 is now in compliance, correct? 00:51:11.890 --> 00:51:14.810 Okay, I'm gonna move that we approve 00:51:14.810 --> 00:51:19.670 items 66 through 79 with the exception of 73. 00:51:19.670 --> 00:51:21.711 Is there a second? 00:51:21.711 --> 00:51:22.544 Second. 00:51:22.544 --> 00:51:24.470 Second, Commissioner Sitton. 00:51:24.470 --> 00:51:26.060 All those in favor say "Aye." 00:51:26.060 --> 00:51:26.893 Aye. 00:51:26.893 --> 00:51:28.570 Motion passes, those items are approved. 00:51:30.250 --> 00:51:34.030 Master Default orders, items 80 through 88, 00:51:34.030 --> 00:51:36.670 I'm gonna move we approve those, 80 through 88. 00:51:36.670 --> 00:51:38.043 Is there a second? 00:51:38.043 --> 00:51:38.876 Second. 00:51:38.876 --> 00:51:39.709 Second, Commissioner Sitton. 00:51:39.709 --> 00:51:41.106 All those in favor say "Aye." 00:51:41.106 --> 00:51:41.939 Aye. 00:51:41.939 --> 00:51:44.280 Motion passes, those items are approved. 00:51:44.280 --> 00:51:45.800 And Agreed Enforcement orders, 00:51:45.800 --> 00:51:48.390 there are 223 Agreed Enforcement orders. 00:51:48.390 --> 00:51:51.870 I move that we approve items 89 through 311. 00:51:51.870 --> 00:51:53.083 Is there a second? 00:51:53.083 --> 00:51:53.916 Second. 00:51:53.916 --> 00:51:54.810 Second, Commissioner Christian. 00:51:54.810 --> 00:51:56.294 All those in favor say "Aye." 00:51:56.294 --> 00:51:57.170 Aye. 00:51:57.170 --> 00:51:58.890 Motion passes, those items are approved. 00:51:58.890 --> 00:52:00.800 That concludes the Hearing section matters, 00:52:00.800 --> 00:52:03.564 and we'll now take up our Administrative Agenda. 00:52:03.564 --> 00:52:04.397 Morning. 00:52:04.397 --> 00:52:06.350 Good morning, Chairman, Commissioners. 00:52:06.350 --> 00:52:07.973 Wei Wang, Executive Director. 00:52:09.030 --> 00:52:10.340 I have good news today. 00:52:10.340 --> 00:52:12.750 As of last Friday, we have already met 00:52:12.750 --> 00:52:15.030 our well-plugging goal for the year, 979, 00:52:15.030 --> 00:52:19.740 and we're continuing to plug more wells, 00:52:19.740 --> 00:52:23.240 and I do wanna mention that the average plugging cost 00:52:23.240 --> 00:52:26.760 is going up compared to the last couple of years. 00:52:26.760 --> 00:52:28.963 I just wanna point that out. 00:52:29.950 --> 00:52:31.894 That concludes my report for today and I'm available 00:52:31.894 --> 00:52:32.727 for questions. 00:52:32.727 --> 00:52:34.980 And I'm making the assumption because we're plugging 00:52:34.980 --> 00:52:37.835 deeper wells and other things, or is it just the cost 00:52:37.835 --> 00:52:40.250 in the industry? The cost of contractors 00:52:40.250 --> 00:52:42.250 and also the fact that we're plugging more, 00:52:42.250 --> 00:52:45.704 so yeah, some of the deeper wells, you know, 00:52:45.704 --> 00:52:47.060 the depths of the wells. 00:52:47.060 --> 00:52:48.730 Okay, great, thank you, Wei. 00:52:48.730 --> 00:52:50.734 Are there any questions for Wei this morning? 00:52:50.734 --> 00:52:52.080 Alright. 00:52:52.080 --> 00:52:53.313 Item 313. 00:52:54.470 --> 00:52:55.303 Morning. 00:53:01.830 --> 00:53:02.663 Good morning. 00:53:04.750 --> 00:53:07.710 Vanessa Burgess, Assistant General Council for the record. 00:53:07.710 --> 00:53:10.760 We have nothing to report on item 313. 00:53:10.760 --> 00:53:13.670 It is my understanding that we have someone here 00:53:13.670 --> 00:53:15.560 who would like to give some public comment, 00:53:15.560 --> 00:53:17.130 and we think that that would be more appropriate 00:53:17.130 --> 00:53:19.553 that it was reserved under item 316, 00:53:21.120 --> 00:53:24.250 so I'll go ahead and move on to item 314, 00:53:24.250 --> 00:53:26.320 which pertains to Commissioner approval 00:53:26.320 --> 00:53:28.520 of certain contracts pursuant to the Commission's 00:53:28.520 --> 00:53:33.253 delegation of authority, and also under Section 2261.254 00:53:34.540 --> 00:53:36.840 of the Texas Government Code. 00:53:36.840 --> 00:53:38.900 The Commission's internal delegation of authority 00:53:38.900 --> 00:53:40.950 requires Commissioner approval of contracts 00:53:40.950 --> 00:53:45.710 and associated amendments greater than or equal to $500,000. 00:53:45.710 --> 00:53:49.623 Section 2261.254 of the Texas Government Code 00:53:49.623 --> 00:53:52.900 requires approval of contracts and associated amendments 00:53:52.900 --> 00:53:54.593 greater than one million dollars. 00:53:55.580 --> 00:53:57.620 At issue today are two solicitations 00:53:57.620 --> 00:54:01.010 with projected award amounts over one million dollars. 00:54:01.010 --> 00:54:04.100 One, solicitation is out of the Kilgore district office 00:54:04.100 --> 00:54:06.560 for future well-plugging services, 00:54:06.560 --> 00:54:09.030 and the other consists of an IT solicitation 00:54:09.030 --> 00:54:11.850 for agency inspection and enforcement tracking 00:54:11.850 --> 00:54:13.053 and reporting system. 00:54:13.900 --> 00:54:15.910 Approval of these items today will ensure 00:54:15.910 --> 00:54:18.570 agency operations remain on schedule 00:54:18.570 --> 00:54:20.680 and that the necessary approvals will be in place 00:54:20.680 --> 00:54:24.190 pursuant to the Commission's delegation and state law. 00:54:24.190 --> 00:54:25.650 A summary of these agreements, 00:54:25.650 --> 00:54:26.483 I'm sorry, 00:54:26.483 --> 00:54:29.020 a summary of these solicitations, including solicitation 00:54:29.020 --> 00:54:32.020 number and amount, were included in your notebooks. 00:54:32.020 --> 00:54:34.360 Staff asks the Commission approve these agreements 00:54:34.360 --> 00:54:37.110 and solicitation pursuant to the Commission's 00:54:37.110 --> 00:54:40.200 delegation of authority and state law. Thanks. 00:54:40.200 --> 00:54:41.846 Are there any questions? 00:54:41.846 --> 00:54:42.679 Nope. 00:54:42.679 --> 00:54:44.610 I move we approve the staff's recommendation. 00:54:44.610 --> 00:54:46.080 Is there a second? Second. 00:54:46.080 --> 00:54:47.180 Second, Commissioner Sitton. 00:54:47.180 --> 00:54:48.314 All in favor say "Aye." 00:54:48.314 --> 00:54:49.147 Aye. 00:54:49.147 --> 00:54:50.250 Motion passes, items approved. 00:54:50.250 --> 00:54:52.390 Thanks. Thank you. 00:54:52.390 --> 00:54:54.033 Alright, item 315. 00:54:56.725 --> 00:54:58.010 Good morning. 00:54:58.010 --> 00:54:59.927 Good morning. 00:55:00.933 --> 00:55:02.960 Good morning, Chairman, Commissioners. 00:55:02.960 --> 00:55:04.790 For the record, my name is Jason Clark, 00:55:04.790 --> 00:55:06.730 Assistant Director of Administrative Compliance, 00:55:06.730 --> 00:55:08.480 Oil & Gas Division. 00:55:08.480 --> 00:55:09.620 Today, we bring for your approval 00:55:09.620 --> 00:55:12.117 proposed revisions to the Oil Well Status Report, 00:55:12.117 --> 00:55:16.450 the form W-10, and the associated form W-10 Instructions. 00:55:16.450 --> 00:55:18.060 This request is being generated as part 00:55:18.060 --> 00:55:19.770 of the Oil Field Relief Initiative 00:55:19.770 --> 00:55:21.740 in conjunction with the proposed rule amendments 00:55:21.740 --> 00:55:24.570 to Statewide Rules 52 and 53. 00:55:24.570 --> 00:55:27.110 Staff is seeking permission to publish the revised forms 00:55:27.110 --> 00:55:29.780 on the Commission's website, gather public comment, 00:55:29.780 --> 00:55:31.460 then report back any comments received 00:55:31.460 --> 00:55:35.090 and any action staff has taken to satisfy those comments. 00:55:35.090 --> 00:55:37.020 The shaded portions of the forms 00:55:37.020 --> 00:55:38.850 and instructions in your notebook 00:55:38.850 --> 00:55:40.510 represent the proposed revisions. 00:55:40.510 --> 00:55:41.910 I'm available for questions. 00:55:43.210 --> 00:55:44.043 Thank you, Jason. 00:55:44.043 --> 00:55:46.280 I'm assuming if we get any different comments 00:55:46.280 --> 00:55:49.000 on our W-10 rule that those will be reflected 00:55:49.000 --> 00:55:50.970 at some point if we need to make a different change, 00:55:50.970 --> 00:55:51.803 correct? Yes, Commissioner. 00:55:51.803 --> 00:55:52.680 Great, alright. 00:55:52.680 --> 00:55:55.173 Are there any other questions? 00:55:56.270 --> 00:55:58.200 I move we approve the staff's recommendation. 00:55:58.200 --> 00:55:59.550 Is there a second? Second. 00:55:59.550 --> 00:56:00.830 Second, Commissioner Christian. 00:56:00.830 --> 00:56:01.963 All in favor say "Aye." 00:56:01.963 --> 00:56:02.796 Aye. 00:56:02.796 --> 00:56:03.870 Motion passes, items approved. 00:56:03.870 --> 00:56:05.530 Thank you very much. 00:56:05.530 --> 00:56:08.160 Alright, we are at item 316, 00:56:08.160 --> 00:56:10.540 which is our public participation item. 00:56:10.540 --> 00:56:12.870 We do have a gentleman, Mr. Morgan, 00:56:12.870 --> 00:56:15.390 I don't know where he is. 00:56:15.390 --> 00:56:16.940 Oh, yes sir, if you'll come up. 00:56:18.480 --> 00:56:19.923 He's got a comment, 00:56:21.150 --> 00:56:24.020 he's got some comments about our Draft Railroad Commission 00:56:24.020 --> 00:56:27.386 Strategic Plan that he has given us written comments. 00:56:27.386 --> 00:56:28.768 We'll give you about three minutes 00:56:28.768 --> 00:56:30.470 if you will Thank you. 00:56:30.470 --> 00:56:32.446 Summarize what you've given us, yes sir. 00:56:32.446 --> 00:56:34.352 And if you'll state your name for the record, yes sir. 00:56:34.352 --> 00:56:36.166 Professional engineer in Texas. 00:56:36.166 --> 00:56:38.360 I've been performing engineering design 00:56:38.360 --> 00:56:41.120 and construction and operational facilities 00:56:41.120 --> 00:56:42.650 for 50 years, 00:56:42.650 --> 00:56:44.133 and I've been studying this noise issue 00:56:44.133 --> 00:56:47.603 that I want to be addressed for about 10 years. 00:56:49.715 --> 00:56:52.410 A strategic plan is supposed to, according to, 00:56:52.410 --> 00:56:53.823 probably a law, 1818, 00:56:56.910 --> 00:57:01.260 control issues around oil and gas facilities 00:57:01.260 --> 00:57:03.773 to protect the public health and the environment, 00:57:04.750 --> 00:57:08.590 and in the strategic plan, they address gas wells 00:57:08.590 --> 00:57:09.540 and oil wells, 00:57:09.540 --> 00:57:12.663 not even, it doesn't anything about gas, it says oil wells, 00:57:13.860 --> 00:57:18.070 and they do not address the compressor stations, 00:57:18.070 --> 00:57:21.230 and compressor stations are the main component 00:57:21.230 --> 00:57:22.620 of oil and gas facilities 00:57:22.620 --> 00:57:25.190 that generates low-frequency noise, 00:57:25.190 --> 00:57:27.260 and the main reason for us being here today, 00:57:27.260 --> 00:57:32.260 the need to have this added to the rules 00:57:32.320 --> 00:57:35.860 is that we don't have these state laws 00:57:35.860 --> 00:57:37.783 to protect us from noise, 00:57:39.170 --> 00:57:42.800 and the EPA washed their hands of it in 1982. 00:57:42.800 --> 00:57:45.460 The problem is that we have people dying 00:57:45.460 --> 00:57:48.100 because of low-frequency noise. 00:57:48.100 --> 00:57:50.460 Noise below 500 cycles per second 00:57:50.460 --> 00:57:52.563 down to about 25 cycles per second. 00:57:53.530 --> 00:57:56.960 We've had, in Freestone County, four people die 00:57:56.960 --> 00:57:58.750 from the noise issue. 00:57:58.750 --> 00:58:02.250 I have taken noise readings with a $3,000 noise meter 00:58:02.250 --> 00:58:05.040 at their home after they died 00:58:05.040 --> 00:58:07.930 or while they were in the hospital and then died, 00:58:07.930 --> 00:58:11.188 of extremely low-frequency from intensity, 00:58:11.188 --> 00:58:16.188 high intensity of 85 decibels to 101 decibels, 00:58:16.450 --> 00:58:19.040 and I've been run out of my home practically every day 00:58:19.040 --> 00:58:21.270 for the past 10 years. 00:58:21.270 --> 00:58:24.270 I have a $350,000 home I can't really live in. 00:58:24.270 --> 00:58:26.023 I get to use it a few hours a day. 00:58:27.530 --> 00:58:32.530 So, there's a great need to address the compressor stations 00:58:33.590 --> 00:58:34.913 in our strategic plan. 00:58:36.170 --> 00:58:39.170 We have babies having brain damage while they're in the womb 00:58:40.030 --> 00:58:42.281 and we have older people having dementia, 00:58:42.281 --> 00:58:44.663 I mean it's a womb-to-tomb issue. 00:58:44.663 --> 00:58:47.460 It's not just a hearing issue. 00:58:47.460 --> 00:58:49.600 It's a whole body pathology, 00:58:49.600 --> 00:58:52.240 according to the people in Lisbon, Portugal, 00:58:52.240 --> 00:58:54.670 who have studied this stuff for 45 years, 00:58:54.670 --> 00:58:56.420 and I've got lots of data from them 00:58:57.260 --> 00:58:59.833 to support my contentions. 00:59:01.380 --> 00:59:04.100 And Freestone County, if you look at the very last page, 00:59:04.100 --> 00:59:06.073 there's a map showing Freestone County, 00:59:07.040 --> 00:59:11.380 and that map shows, and it's different colors, 00:59:11.380 --> 00:59:13.710 those little dots on there, yellow dots, green dots, 00:59:13.710 --> 00:59:14.543 red dots. 00:59:14.543 --> 00:59:17.340 That's different corporations' compressor stations' 00:59:17.340 --> 00:59:18.860 locations. 00:59:18.860 --> 00:59:23.860 There's 130 gas compressor stations in Freestone County 00:59:24.150 --> 00:59:27.970 supporting 3,058 gas wells. 00:59:27.970 --> 00:59:32.940 Freestone County is number seven in number of counties, 00:59:32.940 --> 00:59:36.090 number seven in the state for gas wells, 00:59:36.090 --> 00:59:39.210 and so these compressor stations are all over the place. 00:59:39.210 --> 00:59:42.190 There's no safe place in Freestone County, 00:59:42.190 --> 00:59:43.770 depending on time of day. 00:59:43.770 --> 00:59:46.370 They might crank them up late at night. 00:59:46.370 --> 00:59:48.710 They may have them cranked up at four or five o'clock 00:59:48.710 --> 00:59:51.273 in the morning, but I have to get up and run, 00:59:52.229 --> 00:59:54.380 because I can't, my head can't take that. 00:59:54.380 --> 00:59:58.150 My blood pressure's been as high as 212 over 112. 00:59:58.150 --> 00:59:59.830 That's immediate stroke stage. 00:59:59.830 --> 01:00:02.420 You have to get up and leave, get out of the area 01:00:02.420 --> 01:00:04.000 to protect yourself, 01:00:04.000 --> 01:00:05.890 and I've also found there's other stuff 01:00:05.890 --> 01:00:07.830 even from the President's Black Book 01:00:07.830 --> 01:00:09.190 that talked about some stuff 01:00:09.190 --> 01:00:11.530 that you could do to your home to help protect yourself, 01:00:11.530 --> 01:00:12.520 and I have done that. 01:00:12.520 --> 01:00:15.200 I've spent thousands of dollars trying to make my 01:00:16.320 --> 01:00:19.970 master bedroom a safe room, and it'll become that. 01:00:19.970 --> 01:00:24.910 So, it's a strategic issue that's got to be addressed. 01:00:24.910 --> 01:00:27.490 It's got be in the strategic plan. 01:00:27.490 --> 01:00:31.003 There's these 27 counties that have all this, 01:00:31.914 --> 01:00:32.747 all these issues. 01:00:32.747 --> 01:00:34.590 I've got a list of them here. 01:00:34.590 --> 01:00:35.840 Let me see what they did. 01:00:39.480 --> 01:00:40.630 Okay, about page eight. 01:00:40.630 --> 01:00:42.530 I don't have a number, just beyond the 01:00:45.150 --> 01:00:47.807 House Bill 1818, and there's a list here that says, 01:00:47.807 --> 01:00:51.010 "Texas counties with a thousand or more gas wells." 01:00:51.010 --> 01:00:54.850 There's 27 counties with a thousand or more gas wells. 01:00:54.850 --> 01:00:57.270 We happen to have 3,058. 01:00:57.270 --> 01:01:00.520 Fort Worth in Tarrant County has 4,200, 01:01:00.520 --> 01:01:02.460 and they have lots of babies over there 01:01:02.460 --> 01:01:05.400 being born early and having brain damage 01:01:05.400 --> 01:01:07.100 while they're still in the womb. 01:01:07.100 --> 01:01:09.700 These are atrocities against American citizens. 01:01:09.700 --> 01:01:13.280 We have to address this in our strategic plan, 01:01:13.280 --> 01:01:18.220 so these 27 counties here should be addressed first 01:01:18.220 --> 01:01:19.930 in the strategic plan. 01:01:19.930 --> 01:01:22.200 These are the ones we need to address 01:01:22.200 --> 01:01:24.210 that are harming our people so bad, 01:01:24.210 --> 01:01:26.700 and say, "Hey, you've got to have, 01:01:26.700 --> 01:01:28.700 determine," and I've got rules here 01:01:28.700 --> 01:01:32.680 that I would like to have included in the strategic plan 01:01:32.680 --> 01:01:35.507 to say "these are the rules you need to use when you go out 01:01:35.507 --> 01:01:38.350 "and check these facilities, 01:01:38.350 --> 01:01:40.100 "with a particular type of noise meter 01:01:40.100 --> 01:01:41.660 "with certain capabilities. 01:01:41.660 --> 01:01:43.060 "You're looking for this." 01:01:43.060 --> 01:01:44.360 It's all in there. 01:01:44.360 --> 01:01:49.240 And test these compressor stations, each one of them 01:01:49.240 --> 01:01:51.410 in these 27 counties. 01:01:51.410 --> 01:01:56.060 It's gonna take some time, but it is a major health issue 01:01:56.060 --> 01:01:57.103 for Texas. 01:01:58.152 --> 01:01:58.985 Thank you. 01:01:58.985 --> 01:02:03.985 So I request you have these issues included 01:02:04.610 --> 01:02:08.560 in the strategic plan to protect our citizens. 01:02:08.560 --> 01:02:09.843 Thank you very much for being here. 01:02:09.843 --> 01:02:10.690 I have one question. 01:02:10.690 --> 01:02:11.820 Of course, sorry. 01:02:11.820 --> 01:02:15.990 Mr. Morgan, obviously we all are concerned 01:02:15.990 --> 01:02:18.110 when anybody's suffering in any capacity, 01:02:18.110 --> 01:02:19.210 whether it's a health issue, 01:02:19.210 --> 01:02:21.060 it's a personal property issue. 01:02:21.060 --> 01:02:22.860 We take those things very seriously. 01:02:23.810 --> 01:02:27.840 You've made a lot of claims today about the impacts of noise 01:02:27.840 --> 01:02:31.690 on health on babies, on lifespan. 01:02:31.690 --> 01:02:34.350 Are there any scientific studies from here 01:02:34.350 --> 01:02:35.530 in the United States? Yes, sir. 01:02:35.530 --> 01:02:36.900 An institution we'd be aware of? 01:02:36.900 --> 01:02:38.800 What institution conducted that study? 01:02:39.650 --> 01:02:42.950 The Bloomberg Medical Center at the University of Maryland 01:02:42.950 --> 01:02:44.650 has did a lengthy study, 01:02:44.650 --> 01:02:47.010 I'm sorry I didn't attach it to this, 01:02:47.010 --> 01:02:48.670 a lengthy study saying that wherever 01:02:48.670 --> 01:02:50.414 there's oil and gas operations, 01:02:50.414 --> 01:02:54.968 they have damage to babies while they're still in the womb, 01:02:54.968 --> 01:02:57.340 and early life. You said it was the 01:02:57.340 --> 01:02:59.180 Bloomberg Medical Center, 01:02:59.180 --> 01:03:02.763 and I'll email you a copy of that if I can get your email. 01:03:04.220 --> 01:03:05.053 I'll email it to all of you. 01:03:05.053 --> 01:03:06.840 Bloomberg Medical Center, where? 01:03:06.840 --> 01:03:07.930 The Bloomberg Medical Center 01:03:07.930 --> 01:03:09.430 at the University of Maryland. 01:03:13.460 --> 01:03:18.460 And I addressed that to the Railroad Commission review folks 01:03:19.430 --> 01:03:22.160 and they understood. 01:03:22.160 --> 01:03:22.993 I'll look that up. 01:03:22.993 --> 01:03:23.831 Thank you, Mr. Morgan. 01:03:23.831 --> 01:03:24.664 Thank you. Thank you 01:03:24.664 --> 01:03:25.510 very much for being here. 01:03:25.510 --> 01:03:26.560 Thank you. 01:03:26.560 --> 01:03:27.810 Okay. 01:03:27.810 --> 01:03:31.420 Item 317 is our Executive Session item, 01:03:31.420 --> 01:03:33.220 which we won't be going into today. 01:03:33.220 --> 01:03:35.670 Are there any other duly posted matters 01:03:35.670 --> 01:03:37.740 to be brought before the Commission at this time? 01:03:37.740 --> 01:03:39.640 Hearing none, this meeting of the Railroad Commission 01:03:39.640 --> 01:03:40.800 is adjourned. Madam Chairman, 01:03:40.800 --> 01:03:41.633 Oh, sorry. 01:03:41.633 --> 01:03:43.270 Just to make I was going too fast. 01:03:43.270 --> 01:03:44.128 That's right. 01:03:44.128 --> 01:03:45.863 Can I make just a personal commentary here? 01:03:45.863 --> 01:03:46.696 Sure. 01:03:46.696 --> 01:03:49.230 Number one, I think, I'm presumptively on the part 01:03:49.230 --> 01:03:51.457 of the Railroad Commission, our staff, 01:03:51.457 --> 01:03:53.526 and our employees all across state extending 01:03:53.526 --> 01:03:56.920 our condolences to the families in Santa Fe, Texas, 01:03:56.920 --> 01:03:58.941 and our concerns to them. 01:03:58.941 --> 01:04:02.330 We are concerned when that happens to folks in Texas, 01:04:02.330 --> 01:04:05.170 so I hope I can presumptively extend our condolences 01:04:05.170 --> 01:04:07.390 for all of the staff across the state 01:04:07.390 --> 01:04:09.030 of the Texas Railroad Commission 01:04:09.030 --> 01:04:10.360 for that situation. 01:04:10.360 --> 01:04:12.320 And then secondly, I'd like to make a report 01:04:12.320 --> 01:04:14.647 I think was quite revealing to me 01:04:14.647 --> 01:04:15.700 on a trip out 01:04:15.700 --> 01:04:17.560 to the American Legislative Exchange conferences. 01:04:17.560 --> 01:04:20.440 They were to go to Israel a couple weeks back 01:04:20.440 --> 01:04:24.730 back whenever, the week prior to the moving of the embassy, 01:04:24.730 --> 01:04:28.560 the week that we were there, but more importantly, 01:04:28.560 --> 01:04:31.420 it was very revealed to me that for the past 70 years, 01:04:31.420 --> 01:04:33.640 which is the length of time for the nation of Israel 01:04:33.640 --> 01:04:36.730 established, that the United States has never been able, 01:04:36.730 --> 01:04:41.070 or has chosen not to, because of our dependence on the oil 01:04:41.070 --> 01:04:44.490 in the Middle East, absolutely go alongside Israel 01:04:44.490 --> 01:04:46.970 in the confrontation of any kind. 01:04:46.970 --> 01:04:50.010 We have England, France, many times NATO, 01:04:50.010 --> 01:04:52.710 but we never have actually done it, 01:04:52.710 --> 01:04:55.360 not that we want to or I'm insinuating we should, 01:04:55.360 --> 01:04:58.310 but the reason was that we were so dependent 01:04:58.310 --> 01:05:00.920 upon that Mideast oil, we did not want to antagonize 01:05:00.920 --> 01:05:03.520 the area against the United States. 01:05:03.520 --> 01:05:07.180 We had dinner with the United States Ambassador to Israel, 01:05:07.180 --> 01:05:09.520 and for the first time in decades, 01:05:09.520 --> 01:05:11.210 we're about to approach, if not already, 01:05:11.210 --> 01:05:14.090 energy security in the United States, 01:05:14.090 --> 01:05:16.210 largely because of the tremendous find 01:05:16.210 --> 01:05:19.123 that we've had in the field out in the Permian Basin, 01:05:19.960 --> 01:05:23.930 and I asked the ambassador, and just one of the folks 01:05:23.930 --> 01:05:26.060 in the industry and the folks that are involved 01:05:26.060 --> 01:05:28.880 to understand what a part Texas plays in this. 01:05:28.880 --> 01:05:30.557 I asked the ambassador, I said, 01:05:30.557 --> 01:05:34.480 "In the negotiation for moving the capital and in Israel, 01:05:34.480 --> 01:05:37.320 has the discovery of oil in west Texas 01:05:37.320 --> 01:05:38.930 made any significant contribution 01:05:38.930 --> 01:05:40.120 because of energy security?" 01:05:40.120 --> 01:05:42.836 His quoted response to me, 01:05:42.836 --> 01:05:45.740 "All the difference in the world," 01:05:45.740 --> 01:05:48.040 and he said, "Not only in Israel, 01:05:48.040 --> 01:05:50.890 but in all of our negotiations worldwide." 01:05:50.890 --> 01:05:53.200 We now have the security to be able to negotiate 01:05:53.200 --> 01:05:55.930 we've never had in the past because of this security. 01:05:55.930 --> 01:05:57.760 So I just thought it was important for the Commission, 01:05:57.760 --> 01:06:00.020 for the industries, for folks to understand 01:06:00.020 --> 01:06:02.830 how significant this time in history is, 01:06:02.830 --> 01:06:04.680 not only to us, but the entire world. 01:06:05.720 --> 01:06:06.553 Thank you. 01:06:07.550 --> 01:06:09.000 Thank you, thanks. 01:06:09.000 --> 01:06:11.120 It looks like y'all had an interesting trip. 01:06:11.120 --> 01:06:12.674 It was interesting. 01:06:12.674 --> 01:06:14.373 And thank you for the condolence piece. 01:06:14.373 --> 01:06:16.150 I appreciate you bringing that up. 01:06:16.150 --> 01:06:17.600 Anything else? 01:06:17.600 --> 01:06:18.690 Alright, hearing none, 01:06:18.690 --> 01:06:20.280 this meeting of the Railroad Commission is adjourned. 01:06:20.280 --> 01:06:21.113 Thank you.