OGRII gets ugly

In 2004 the BC government launched an "oil and gas regulatory improvement initiative (OGRII)". The main thrust of it was to distill existing oil and gas permitting down to a "streamlined" "one-window" contact for permits, combined with "results-based", after-the-fact, largely self-regulating oversight (duh).

Industry, government, aboriginal and some non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were part of the discussion. Industry got the first kick at the can and had the opportunity to share its wish book with government in the initial development of OGRII. NGOs got in last, those that were invited, and didn't get to do much more than list their concerns, or boycott the exercise.

The results show, in the latest draft of OGRII on the MEMPR website.

Until February 24, 2006, MEMPR is seeking comments from interested parties, particularly with respect to the proposals in Sections G (general changes) and H (specific proposals).

Submissions should be sent electronically to emogriip@gov.bc.ca

Or may be mailed or sent by courier to:
Ms. Linda Bates, OGRII Project Manager
Oil and Gas Division
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
5th Floor, 1810 Blanshard Street
PO Box 9323 Stn. Prov. Gov’t.
Victoria, British Columbia
V8W 9N3

Don't be shy.