AOGA: in the know: an organization behind the scenes, but actively involved in, oil and gas efforts statewide.

• Position: OIL & GAS

The Alaska Oil and Gas Association, known well in the industry by its acronym AOGA, is a nonprofit trade association representing the oil and gas industry. It's comprised of 14 member companies--Alyeska Pipeline Service Co., Anadarko Petroleum Corp., BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc., Chevron, Eni Petroleum, ExxonMobil Production Co., Flint Hills Resources Alaska, Marathon Oil Co., Petro Star Inc., Pioneer Natural Resources Alaska Inc., Shell Exploration & Production Company, Statoil, Tesoro Alaska Co. and XTO Energy Inc. These companies "represent the majority of oil and gas exploration, production, transportation, refining and marketing activities in Alaska," according to AOGA's Web site.

The organization's mission is three-fold.

"Foster the long-term viability of the oil and gas industry in Alaska.

"Provide a forum for communication and cooperation with members, the public and local, state and federal governments.

"Develop common industry positions and provide input on local state and national legislative and administrative actions that affect the petroleum industry in Alaska (through its board of directors, five standing commitees, and several work groups)."

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In other words, "AOGA represents the majority of oil and gas activities in Alaska," it's Web site boldly states.

The association, located at 121 W. Fireweed Lane in Anchorage, puts out bimonthly newsletters called "straight talk." The January/February issue was filled with news about Cook Inlet Belugas, ExxonMobil, oil production decline, a profile on a Point Thomson manager, a state budget update and a note from executive director Marilyn Crockett about "Navigating the Coming Decade."

Crockett, in this report, outlines five areas of concern for the coming decade:

* The Federal Administration

* Environmental Lawsuits

* The Alaska Coastal Management Program (ACMP)

* Taxes

* The Gas Pipeline

She states the federal administration is a concern because three out of every four Alaskans believe Washington, D.C., politics, regarding issues relating to the industry, will have a negative impact on developing the state's resources. As examples she cites: critical habitat for polar bears and beluga whales in Cook Inlet and the Arctic Ocean and decisions on the Outer Continental Shelf (OSC) five-year leasing program.

Environmental lawsuits have always been an issue, but seem more prevalent today. Crockett states, "Lawsuits continue to be a vehicle for groups wanting to halt oil...