On March 3 and 4, APGA staff participated in the first meeting for 2021 of the Oil and Natural Gas Subsector Coordinating Council (ONG SCC). On the first day, just the industry representatives and the trade associations representing them met; and on the second day, the ONG SCC was able to have one of the first meetings with new security personnel within President Biden’s Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The ONG SCC represents the industry interests of oil and natural gas companies in a government-industry partnership. It provides a forum to coordinate activities across the sector to support America’s homeland security mission.
Last year was a busy year with multiple, significant events impacting natural gas cyber and physical security strategies, activities, policy, and communication. As well, if the weather events and other impactful incidents that have already occurred in 2021 are any indication, this year is going to be equally busy. There was no shortage of discussion topics during the meetings. With officials from the new Administration, the ONG SCC particularly stressed that national security should still be a focus.
APGA is happy to support America’s path to a clean energy future, which should include natural gas, but there is concern that DOE and DHS will place priority of pursuing renewable energy over our country having a reliable and secure energy infrastructure. Without the partnership from these departments, especially their resources, APGA members and others in the natural gas value chain, are more likely to be compromised by either a domestic or foreign threat. The ONG SCC raised awareness of this, asking for support for all energy sources, ensuring resiliency. As more conversations progress between APGA and DOE and DHS on the importance of natural gas infrastructure, members will be updated with pertinent information. As well, public natural gas utilities may be needed to detail the importance of the energy provided.
For questions on this article, please contact Stuart Saulters of APGA staff by phone at 202-544-1334 or by email at
ssaulters@apga.org.