GPSA bolstering plans for leadership mentoring and strategic collaboration with GPA
By GPSA President Carlos Conerly, ISTI Plant Services
GPSA Midstream Suppliers has a rich history with some of its past leaders - larger-than-life figures - in an industry that is both vital to the economy and shaped so many careers. In the spirit of those who came before, we are looking forward to deal with new challenges and create opportunities for members of the association
One of the reasons that I have stayed involved in the organization since first attending a meeting as a young man is that there is an authentic sharing of best practices and technologies instead of a very “salesy,” company promotion feeling. We all come together, and it benefits everybody.
The networking has been personally rewarding and good for a sustainable future of cooperation within the midstream industry. There are relationships with senior executives that I never would have had if not for being part of GPSA and its relationship to GPA Midstream.
That is why, as we enter another year of pursuing our strategic planning, two years in the making, one of the top priorities is mentorship. In the spirit of building relationships for the benefit of all we must use mentoring to develop leadership and create opportunities for those leaders to learn as they rise to guide committees, the regional organizations and eventually represent the GPSA on its national board.
For those starting in the industry or even those that have been around for some time and want to get more involved in GPSA, I say don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Just get in and learn, ask questions and get involved. Roll up your sleeves and work. That’s why I’m so excited about this mentorship program. Pick someone to be your mentor. We can help with that.
GPSA’s strategic planning and continuing relevance as a vital part of the industry will eventually lead to membership growth and more leadership opportunities.
It has been humbling to be part of the process. Serving as president of GPSA wasn’t something I could have imagined, but the seeds for involvement in the organization and eventually helping form and pursue the association’s goals were planted more than 40 years ago by the legendary Thomas H. Russell. I started my career pouring concrete and installing modular gas plants for T.H. Russell Company that required moving from jobsite to jobsite with wife and children in a travel trailer until he made me vice president of manufacturing. He took me to my first meeting and showed by example the value of taking a leadership role and shaping the future of the industry and its people.
I hope I can make an impact with some of the younger generation. Individually and together we all can make a difference.
Throughout the strategic-planning process, GPSA leadership – including the three GPSA vice presidents Jeff Stake, Ryan Rudnitzki and Sue Ocel – have gelled as a team to make sure the legacy of GPSA endures. The future is in good hands.
Editor’s note: to read more about GPSA’s strategic planning efforts, see below under GPSA. |
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Feb. 28 - March 11 - Must register for Vendor Night lottery during this timeframe to be eligible for GPA Midstream Convention exhibit space
March 9 - Safety statistics due for GPSA member companies (includes GPSA Safety Award eligibility)
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New technical committee approved: GHG Measurement and Abatement
At its meeting earlier this month, the GPA Midstream board of directors approved a new technical committee covering the measurement and abatement of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and associated environmental impacts from midstream facilities.
The GHG Measurement and Abatement Committee (Emissions Committee for short) led by Chair Andrew Parker, SPL, and Vice Chair Mark Scripsick, Midcoast Energy, will hold its first official meeting on April 6 at the GPA Midstream Technical Conference in Oklahoma City.
“The creation of this committee was prompted by discussions at the GPA Midstream Convention regarding the importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) to all companies and the need for technical information and guidance from the association,” said GPA Midstream Vice President of Technical Services Martin Erne. “A group interested in this committee’s formation met earlier this month to discuss the committee charter, and it became clear in that meeting that a top priority for this committee is to get a handle on what technologies exist to monitor, measure and abate emissions, find out which are mature and proven, and share lessons learned.”
Erne said the agenda for the first Emissions Committee meeting will be available in early March.
Employees of GPA Midstream or GPSA members may volunteer on this committee or any technical committee. Companies that have already expressed interest in Emissions Committee information and involvement include A+ Corporation, Audubon, Barry D. Payne & Associates - Mangan Inc., Bryan Research & Engineering, Cameron, A Schlumberger Company, Catalytic Combustion Corporation, Caterpillar, Clean Connect, ConocoPhillips, Dow Hydrocarbons and Resources, EagleClaw Midstream, Emerson, Energy Transfer, ExxonMobil/XTO, Howard Energy Midstream Partners, INNIO Waukesha Gas Engines, Marathon Petroleum, Midcoast Energy, Midstream Energy Group, Muse, Stancil & Co., NTACT Operations, ONEOK, Quorum Business Solutions, SPL, Summit Midstream Partners, Targa Resources and TMCO Operating.
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Request for quotation issued for laboratories to perform analytical work
GPA Midstream has issued a request for quotation (RFQ) on four separate projects related to the Analysis, Test Methods & Product Specifications Committee’s research on analytical method GPA 2186: Method for Extended Analysis of Hydrocarbon Liquid Mixtures Containing Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide by Temperature Programmed Gas Chromatography.
Laboratories interested in providing a proposal can download more information about the background and requirements. The deadline to deliver a bid package is April 4. Feel free to share this information with qualified candidates and direct questions to GPA Midstream Vice President of Technical Services Martin Erne.
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Technical Conference agenda posted, early registration discount deadline extended
Join the GPA Midstream and GPSA technical community in Oklahoma City, April 4 – 6, to learn more about what the associations’ technical committees are working on and to benefit from 15 educational sessions presented by industry experts, such as “Sample Shipping and DOT Compliance,” “The Value and Challenges of Adopting Digital Technologies,” “A Novel Approach to Isolating Gasket Design,” and more. View the full agenda here.
The following committees will meet during the Technical Conference, providing a great opportunity for you to learn more about our efforts and meet volunteers actively involved in them:
- Analysis, Test Methods and Product Specifications
- Facility Design, Operations & Maintenance
- GHG Measurement & Abatement
- Industry Asset/Mechanical Integrity
- Measurement & Quantity Determination
- Pipeline Design, Operation & Maintenance
2022 Registration Fees Fees listed are per-person and in U.S. dollars. Sign up by March 4 to take advantage of early registration savings.
By March 4 Non-Members - $450 Spouse/Significant Other - $50 (must register to participate in the networking events)
After March 4 Non-Members - $500 Spouse/Significant Other - $50 (must register to participate in the networking events)
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2022 GPA Midstream Convention |
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Convention exhibit opportunities are limited, enroll to be considered Feb. 28 – March 11
If your company would like to be one of the 25 exhibitors during Vendor Night at the 2022 GPA Midstream Convention, you must enroll for the Vendor Night lottery between Feb. 28 – March 11.
We had an overwhelmingly positive response to our 2021 convention after a 2.5-year hiatus from hosting the event in person, with nearly 1,500 in attendance. We look forward to a successful and well attended 2022 conference scheduled for Sept. 11 – 14, again in San Antonio.
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GPA Midstream Convention Call for Papers, March 25 deadline
We're accepting abstracts through March 25 for the 2022 GPA Midstream Convention, Sept. 11 – 14 in San Antonio. If you'd like our Program Committee to consider you for a speaking opportunity, learn more and apply here. |
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Third public education video released: watch and share
GPA Midstream, GPSA and the Energy Infrastructure Council (EIC) recently released a third video in our public education series focused on how North American midstream energy provides balance in the energy transition. We appreciate our members’ support of this effort and encourage you to watch and share with your network. To learn more about this initiative, view all videos, and share the video directly to LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook, visit WeAreInfrastructure.org. |
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GPA Midstream requests information for midstream economic impact study
GPA Midstream is requesting information from member companies for our third annual midstream economic impact study. The Oklahoma State University (OSU) Spears School of Business is collecting this information using a secure website so we can continue to better explain who midstream is and our impact on the economy.
OSU has reached out to GPA Midstream official representatives requesting information, and as a reminder, company-specific information will not be shared publicly nor with staff. We appreciate our members that have participated in this study year after year and encourage timely responses. For more information about this effort, contact GPA Midstream President and CEO Joel Moxley. |
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Waters of the U.S proposed rules more confusing and overreaching
A proposed redefinition of the Waters of the United States rules under the Clean Water Act could create a morass of permitting procedures for projects of GPA Midstream members. We have filed comments to the proposed rule pointing out not only the overreach of the Biden administration’s version of the statute, but also the legally shaky ground it is built on.
While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers administrators claim the proposed rule is a return to the 1986 statutes, it is actually a significant departure.
The proposed rule rescinds the Trump era Navigable Waters Protection rule, which the association supported, and redefines the federal jurisdiction as applying to any water, wetland or dry lands if there is a so-called “significant nexus” with navigable waters such as a river or lake.
That brings a similar overreach to the Obama administration’s 2015 rule that requires a federal Clean Water Act permit for anything the EPA or the Corps of Engineers determine are “waters of the United States.” This includes creeks and marshes now subject to state regulation.
In our comments to the agencies, we lay out how proposed rules misses the intent and meaning of a 2006 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in applying the “significant nexus” test. Most importantly, the rule would take “navigable waters” out of the equation. This also exceeds the powers of Congress under the Commerce Clause and turns the government agencies into a sort of nationwide zoning board that doesn’t give fair notice to companies or individuals as to whether they are subject to the Clean Water Act or are in the clear.
We are urging the agencies to withdraw the proposed rule and issue a new one rooted in what comes out of an expected U.S. Supreme Court case when the high court meets next term. In addition, the existing rule from the Trump administration should be left in place because it is legal and protects the nation’s waterways while clearing up the confusion of previous versions.
A proposed redefinition of the Waters of the United States rules under the Clean Water Act could create a morass of permitting procedures for projects of GPA Midstream members. We have filed comments to the proposed rule pointing out not only the overreach of the Biden administration’s version of the statute, but also the legally shaky ground it is built on.
While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers administrators claim the proposed rule is a return to the 1986 statutes, it is actually a significant departure.
The proposed rule rescinds the Trump era Navigable Waters Protection rule, which the association supported, and redefines the federal jurisdiction as applying to any water, wetland or dry lands if there is a so-called “significant nexus” with navigable waters such as a river or lake.
That brings a similar overreach to the Obama administration’s 2015 rule that requires a federal Clean Water Act permit for anything the EPA or the Corps of Engineers determine are “waters of the United States.” This includes creeks and marshes now subject to induvial state regulation.
In our comments to the agencies, we lay out how proposed rules miss the intent and meaning of a 2006 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in applying the “significant nexus” test. Most importantly, the rule would take “navigable waters” out of the equation. This also exceeds the powers of Congress under the Commerce Clause and turns the government agencies into a sort of nationwide zoning board that doesn’t give fair notice to companies or individuals as to whether they are subject to the Clean Water Act or are in the clear.
We are urging the agencies to withdraw the proposed rule and issue a new one rooted in what comes out of an expected U.S. Supreme Court case when the high court meets next term. In addition, the existing rule from the Trump administration should be left in place because it is legal and protects the nation’s waterways while clearing up the confusion of previous versions. |
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PHMSA misses deadline on ruling on GPA Midstream and API motion to stay Gas Mega Rule
The association, along with the American Petroleum Institute, jointly notified the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) that the agency missed a Feb. 13 deadline to respond to a motion to stay some of the requirements of the Gas Mega Rule.
Officials at PHMSA say that they will have an answer in May. However, that also is when the new rules go into effect. We contend in our filing that implementation of the rules will take much longer than PHMSA has given without irreparably harming the industry.
GPA Midstream is seeking three to six years for the data collection, putting reporting requirements in place and performing work across a system of 400,000 miles of pipeline. The rule, as it now stands, would only give about a year and a half to comply after the clock starts ticking in mid-May.
In a follow-up letter to PHMSA, we requested a speedy action on the petition to hold off on the implementation until common sense changes are made, and that further delay in granting the relief only serves to increase the harm and undue burden that our members will experience as a result of the Final Rule. |
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GPSA strategic planning efforts, continued
GPSA President Carlos Conerly, ISTI Plant Services, has been involved in the association for many years and is passionate about the organization and its future. We asked him to share more about GPSA’s future plans.
Q: You mentioned mentorship is a big part of GPSA’s current efforts. What else would you put at the top of the list?
Conerly: Another strategic priority is to strengthen our collaboration in the industry. While GPSA and GPA Midstream have always worked together with projects such as the invaluable technical tool, the GPSA Engineering Data Book, it is a priority for us to continue to extend the scope of ongoing collaboration with GPA Midstream and determining how we can add value.
Another project for the benefit of both organizations is our work on enhancing the GPSA member directory. Making it more useful and technologically up to date is a big task, and we have contracted with an outside company to provide more granular detail online. It will provide information about each company with relevant links and the best contacts within the companies for the job at hand. It is still a work in progress.
Q: Tell us more about what GPSA is working on externally to help the industry.
Conerly: ESG reporting requirements have shown there is a huge pressure to provide data to all stakeholders about the environmental impacts of our businesses, the make-up of our workforces and safety records as well as how we govern our companies. We need to understand that these disclosures are important, and we need to get better every day. ESG reporting is a key reason that investor dollars are pouring back into the natural gas industry because it is here to stay for a long time to come, even with alternate energy sources growing.
In partnership with GPA Midstream, we are tackling the visibility of the industry with a focus on highlighting all the good things member companies have done and what has been done collectively. Fighting against a headwind of bad press, we want to make sure the public knows about important achievements by industry, including reducing emissions.
Knowing that there is a future in natural gas makes it crucial to develop the workforce for the decades to come. One of the things that will be important for our future is attracting new engineering graduates and making sure we can pave the way for talent in craft skills to enter the industry. We are having a difficult time with people retiring early and need to fill that pipeline with new talented workers. |
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GPSA to collect safety data and honor top safety performances
Each year, GPSA collects safety information from member companies in the form of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordable data and company-specific backup information, and GPSA determines GPSA safety award recipients each year based on this information. As always, company-specific information is kept confidential; only safety award winners will be announced.
GPSA member companies are diverse, so members are segregated into similar groups/classifications depending on submissions received. GPSA determines how many awards are given based on the number of participants per division. Potential groups/classifications are:
- Pure engineering
- Engineering/construction
- Manufacturing oriented
- Service oriented
- Some combination of the above
A safety "most improved" award may also be given. The deadline to provide this information to be considered for a GPSA safety award is March 9. If you are the official representative for a GPSA member company and did not receive information about GPSA safety awards, contact Johnny Dreyer. |
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HOUSTON
March Luncheon
Houston GPA Midstream will host its next luncheon on March 9, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., at The Houston Club.
Owner/operators may attend for free but must register with their company email address. Others may register for $65 per person.
Young Professional March Madness
Join Houston GPA Midstream Young Professionals for the group’s March Madness networking event on March 24, 4 – 7 p.m., at Kirby Ice House – Gessner. Proceeds from this event help fund local scholarships.
Cost - $25 Happy Hour Entry, includes 2 drink tickets (otherwise $50 walk-in registration)
- $25 Bracket Entry, prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd (participants do not have to be present for happy hour)
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NORTH TEXAS
Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Energy Summit
Join other GPA Midstream North Texas members on March 22, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., for the 2022 Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Energy Summit featuring speakers Michael Nasi, partner with Jackson Walker law firm; Todd Staples, president, Texas Oil and Gas Association; and Dr. Scott Tinker, Switch Energy Alliance. The event will be held at the Green Acres Baptist Church Crosswalk Conference Center in Tyler, Texas.
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ROCKY MOUNTAIN
1st Quarter Luncheon
The Rocky Mountain chapter is hosting its first quarter luncheon on March 10, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Denver Athletic Center, featuring guest speaker Trisha Curtis, president and CEO of PetroNerds, LLC.
Cost
By March 8 - Chapter Members: $50
- Guests/Non-Members: $75
After March 8 - All (online): $75
- At the door: $85
Ski Train
This event is back, scheduled for March 11, and is open to Rocky Mountain GPA Midstream chapter members only.
Cost - Individual all-access (includes train, lift ticket, food & drink): $450
- 4-Pack all-access (includes train, lift ticket, food & drink): $1,700
- Train ticket only (includes train, food & drink): $300
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March
9 - Houston GPA Midstream March Luncheon
10 - Rocky Mountain GPA Midstream 1st Quarter Luncheon
11 - Rocky Mountain GPA Midstream Ski Train
21 - 25 - GPSA Engineering Data Book Training Course
22 - Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Energy Summit
24 - Houston GPA Midstream Young Professional March Madness |
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GPA Midstream Association | 918-493-3872 |
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