The Unconventional Resources Technology Advisory Committee

An Advisory Committee to the Secretary of Energy

Information on the Draft 2008 Annual Plan and URTAC Recommendations for the 2008 Annual Plan  can be found below.

The Secretary of Energy, in response to provisions of Subtitle J, Sec. 999 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, must carry out a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of technologies for ultra-deepwater and onshore unconventional natural gas and other petroleum resource exploration and production, as well as addressing the technology challenges for small producers, safe operations, and environmental mitigation (including reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and sequestration of carbon). 

RELATED NEWS Fossil Energy's Ultra-Deepwater and Unconventional Natural Gas and Other Petroleum Resources Program Sec. 999 Library

The Department's Unconventional Resources Technology Advisory Committee (URTAC) was established to advise on the development and implementation of programs related to onshore unconventional natural gas and other petroleum resources, and review and comment on the program's annual plan.  The Draft 2008 Annual Plan for the Ultra-Deepwater and Unconventional Natural Gas and Other Petroleum Resources Research and Development Program can be found under "Relevant Documents" below.

Committee membership consists of:

1. Employees or representatives of independent producers of natural gas and other petroleum, including small producers;
2. Individuals with extensive research experience or operational knowledge of unconventional natural gas and other petroleum resource exploration and production;
3. Individuals broadly representative of the affected interests in unconventional natural gas and other petroleum resource exploration and production, including interests in environmental protection and safe operations; and
4. Individuals with expertise in the various geographic areas of potential supply of unconventional onshore natural gas and other petroleum in the United States. 

In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act [REF: 41 CFR 102-3.30(c)], this committee's membership is balanced in terms of the points of view represented.

Questions regarding the Committee should be directed to Bill Hochheiser or Elena Melchert at 202/586-5600.

Relevant Documents
 

• Draft 2008 Annual Plan, January 2008 - [1.88MB PDF]
• URTAC Comments and Recommendations for 2008 Annual Plan - [803KB PDF]
• May 2007- May 2008 URTAC Committee Members
• 2007 - 2008 Advisory Committee Charter, May 2006 [88.6KB PDF]
• Sec. 999D(b) and (c) of EPACT- Advisory Committee Membership [8.35KB PDF]