“2012 – A great opportunity for the Association” – Jeff Tuttle, Chair, 2011-2012

As we begin 2012, the natural gas industry and the pipeline component of the industry face some major challenges. New federal pipeline safety legislation, proposed regulatory changes at the federal and state levels, troubling public relations from high-profile incidents, declining gas prices (although this might work to the industry’s benefit) and challenges to manpower and staffing for our companies due to high demand in the exploration and production side of the industry, will provide numerous opportunities for Texas Gas Association to help shape the direction of the industry. As you may well know, at the Summer Board Meeting, we began the revision of the Strategic Operating Plan for the Association to be the most influential state association in the natural gas industry. Our core strategies include:

Promoting Balanced Legislation and Regulation
Ensuring that all parts of the natural gas industry are well represented and actively involved in the mission and growth of the Texas Gas Association.
Providing industry-leading education and networking opportunities for members of the Association.
Enhancing public awareness of the benefits and use of natural gas.
Proactively addressing operational issues affecting the natural gas industry.

As it works out six months later, our vision has been excellent, as we identified the areas that would need to be addressed by the Association in the next five years.

In addressing these challenges, it is more important than ever that each member of the association and the employees of those members become actively involved in the workings of the Association. This can be as simple as supporting educational opportunities that are offered in your vicinities, to becoming active on one of the committees that will be implementing the Core Strategies of the Strategic Operating in the upcoming months.

We, as an industry, must become involved in the changes and positively influence them.

This is the time to make sure we are involved in the things that affect the industry, rather than reacting to the changes that are coming. You can be sure that there will be more and more regulations facing our industry; you can be sure that the anti-hydrocarbon lobby will be putting pressure to lessen the dependence on hydrocarbon fuels; and you can also be sure there will be additional requirements coming on the operational side of your business. You can become involved and help the Association help you lessen some of the impact of these issues on your business.

The Association needs your support and input in our plans to address these and other issues facing our industry. Get involved, help us plan and provide classes to the membership and work with our legislative and regulatory committee to give them guidance on the course of the Association’s actions in addressing Federal and State regulations and legislation.

On January 19, we will have the meetings of the TGA committees to look at the activities for the upcoming year; you are invited and encouraged to join us for those meetings and to bring your view and vision for how the Association can help you and your company. This meeting will be held in San Antonio at the OMNI La Mansion hotel on the Riverwalk. Call the TGA office at (281) 467 – 8427 for additional information or for registration materials.

Please join us and give us your guidance!

Jeff Tuttle
Chair, 2011 – 2012
Texas Gas Association