IOGA members to Take Part in UB Educational Series

HAMBURG, NY (03/29/2011)(readMedia)-- Oil and gas industry experts will take part in "Marcellus Shale Lecture Series: Energy Resources and the Environment in Western New York," beginning March 31 at the University at Buffalo.

The eight-week series will include a general overview of natural gas exploration, as well as a global view in the context of the potential for increased natural gas drilling in New York's portion of the Marcellus Shale. Discussion topics include geology, land use, legal issues and the environment. Talks will be 8 p.m. every Thursday through May 19 at 250 Baird Hall on the North Campus. Admission is free.

The March 31 speaker will be Rayola Dougher, senior economic advisor for the American Petroleum Institute.

IOGA of NY members will lead five of the eight presentations. They include:

  • April 14: "Land Leasing and Property Rights," Michael Joy, J.D., Ph.D., of the UB Law School and Biltekoff & Joy, LLP
  • April 21: "Permitting and Regulation," Greg Sovas, president, XRM Consulting
  • April 28: "Drilling and Hydraulic Fracturing," Rich Nyahay, vice president for geology and exploration, Gastem
  • May 5: "Production, Pipelining and Long-term Build-out," Gary Marchiori, vice president, EnergyMark, LLC
  • May 12: "Well Completion," Roger Willis, CEO, Universal Well Services

The series is designed to provide an objective presentation and assessment of the nature of unconventional gas drilling, regulation and potential socioeconomic and environmental impacts. It will be of particular interest to lawmakers, property owners, business owners, entrepreneurs, potential investors, environmentalists, students and those interested in the economic and environmental aspects of natural gas exploration. For more information, visit www.buffalo.edu.

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