It was an unusual sight for the nation's capital.
Erected near the Air and Space Museum on the National Mall, just below Capitol Hill, was a drilling rig.
The Independent Petroleum Association of America brought the rig to Washington to make a point to lawmakers: Stop ignoring the problems of the U.S. oil industry.
The rig was the focus point of IPAA's Wildcatters Week in Washington, a series of events designed to bring attention to the industry.
IPAA's timing was perfect. Not long before, the House of Representatives had passed its omnibus energy policy bill, and the legislation is awaiting action by a House-Senate conference committee.
Also, the Senate finance committee was preparing to mark up a tax bill that, like the House energy bill, would give independents some relief from the alternative minimum tax.
About a dozen oil state congressmen spoke at a kickoff press conference in front of the 105 ft tall truck mounted rig belonging to Waco Oil & Gas Co., Glenville, W.Va.
Sen. Bennett Johnston (D-La.), Senate energy committee chairman, said, "We put together a comprehensive natural gas policy, and it's time to pass it."
Sen. Phil Gramm (R-Tex.) said the energy bill likely will improve tax policy for independents. "It's been a long time since our government has done anything to encourage people to drill in this country."
Rep. Jack Fields (R-Tex.) said it is easier for American companies to permit a well in the former Soviet Union than in the U.S., and they're beginning to do just that,
Rep. Larry Combest (R-Tex.) said, "It wasn't hard to find a rig for independent oilmen to display on the mall this week. Unfortunately, they had more than 3,000 idle rigs to choose from.
"Along side those rusting rigs are half of the 300, 000 jobs that used to be there for Americans. In the span of 10 years, almost 4,000 rigs have been reduced to 610."
Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Tex.) said, "Not only does the independent producer have to live with OPEC dictating oil prices, but producers also have to face tax penalties just because they are in the oil business.
"By ignoring the needs of the independent producer, we've lost more than 1.7 million b/d, bringing domestic production to its lowest point in 40 years."
As valid as their points were, the congressmen were preaching to the choir.
Their audience was a small gathering of energy reporters, oil company employees, and petroleum association staff members.
As usual, the real challenge is to get the word out to the 350 congressmen who weren't there. But if IPAA can get their attention with a drilling rig, it's a good start.
Copyright 1992 Oil & Gas Journal. All Rights Reserved.
