November 2020, Vol. 247, No. 11
Features
INGAA's New CEO Stresses Great Industry Engagement
Executive Commentary
With her appointment as president and CEO of the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) on Sept. 21, Amy Andryszak brings a strong background in governmental affairs and policymaking.
Recently, the former public affairs adviser to Boardwalk Pipelines and INGAA Board of Directors chair from 2016 to 2017 discussed with P&GJ her thoughts on her new job, new regulatory policies and the need for pipeline companies to engage the general public.
P&GJ: Could you tell us a little about your background? What got you interested in energy?
Andryszak: For two decades I have worked in Washington, D.C., in politics and government affairs, and on Capitol Hill. I’ve advocated on behalf of corporate clients across a range of issues including energy, travel and tourism, telecommunications, and financial services. Prior to INGAA, I provided public affairs counsel to a host of organizations, including Boardwalk Pipelines, a member company of INGAA.
I became interested in energy, and specifically natural gas, through my work with Boardwalk. Natural gas plays a critical role in our nation’s energy mix and brings significant environmental benefits to bear. Natural gas will remain an important fuel source for decades to come, and the pipelines that move it from production centers to consumers will remain vital to our country’s energy infrastructure.
P&GJ: What do you look most forward to in your new role?
Andryszak: I look forward to working with the team at INGAA and the INGAA Foundation to promote natural gas infrastructure. Our industry is delivering and will continue to deliver solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs and drive sustained environmental progress.
Natural gas, and the infrastructure systems that deliver it, is essential to providing Americans with cleaner, affordable and reliable energy. It’s a fuel source that has long-term staying power – the Energy Information Administration projects natural gas demand will continue to increase, both domestically and abroad, through 2050.
P&GJ: What are your top priorities going forward as INGAA’s new president and chief executive officer?
Andryszak: We find ourselves at a pivotal moment in history to address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Natural gas has already been instrumental in helping our nation and world meet our climate goals by reducing CO2 from the generation of power and heat. As climate discussions evolve, INGAA needs to illustrate how natural gas, and the infrastructure that delivers it, will continue to be part of the mix for a clean, reliable energy future.
Sadly, the development of natural gas infrastructure is frequently confronted by misguided opposition. That’s why it’s critical that we protect the statutory and regulatory framework that allows us to develop natural gas infrastructure in a safe and timely manner and to continue to meet energy needs.
To support these mentioned goals, I’d like to promote greater engagement from the industry. Opponents of natural gas and natural gas pipelines are extremely vocal and sophisticated in their activism. We need more folks who work in the industry to share our story about the role and value that natural gas and related infrastructure can play in America’s energy future.
P&GJ: What do you consider to be the biggest obstacles to construction of new pipelines?
Andryszak: We need to ensure that new regulations and policies consider the realities of energy infrastructure in the U.S. and the present and future energy needs of our communities. It’s also imperative that those crafting or updating policies and regulations understand how natural gas complements renewable forms of energy.
As our country seeks to address energy and environmental issues, it is imperative that the industry and lawmakers work together to find practical, bipartisan solutions. INGAA and INGAA Foundation members play a critical role in achieving the shared goals of meeting our country’s energy needs and addressing climate change.
P&GJ: As someone with an extensive governmental background, do you see any pending regulatory changes that will benefit pipeline builders and operators?
Andryszak: There are a number of important regulatory and legislative issues on the table that will help modernize rules and improve the project approval process. One of INGAA’s top priorities is the reauthorization of the Pipeline Safety Act, a cornerstone piece of legislation for our industry. The proposed Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act (PIPES Act) includes many meaningful and forward-looking enhancements.
For example, updates to class location regulations, like those included in the legislation, reduce unnecessary replacements of pipe that has proved to be in safe condition, thus reducing the release of methane into the atmosphere. This is a great example of the industry and government working together to find a solution, advancing the safety of pipeline infrastructure while also helping achieve climate goals.
P&GJ: Do you have suggestions for members regarding how to communicate with communities that will be affected by proposed pipeline projects?
Andryszak: In short, adhere to INGAA’s Landowner Commitments, which stress the need for transparent and open communication with all parties. This is critical to the success of any project. — P&GJ
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