In order to facilitate better public awareness about natural gas as a safe, reliable, environmentally friendly source of energy, the INGAA Foundation will engage the public relations and government relations specialists within the member firms to discuss potential industry level advocacy efforts.
On May 30, 2008, industry specialists were asked to respond to the following questions:
1. What are the top three issues or problems you face in dealing with: A) the public and/or B) the government-- whether it be Federal, state or local-- during project development or project construction?
2. What new information, data, or messaging to ‘sell the natural gas brand’ would help you solve these problems or overcome these obstacles?
A product of the workshop is a public communication document titled "Why an Interstate Natural Gas Pipeline?" which contains information about interstate natural gas pipelines and why they are being proposed at locations around the country. It provides data on the benefits of natural gas, increased domestic production and environmental and safety oversight of the industry, as well as highlights INGAA’s Commitments to landowners.
The Foundation will hold a workshop to begin review, discuss and create approaches to resolve the issues raised. The results will be discussed during the INGAA Foundation Planning and Strategy meeting in August as the topic relates to at least one of the potential studies.