Contact:
Anne Lupardus, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
Governor Jim Doyle announced today the details of the administrative hearing on gas and oil profits being held tomorrow, Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. at the UWM School of Continuing Education in Milwaukee. Executives from the world’s five largest oil companies will appear in Milwaukee to testify regarding the unprecedented profits made in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This hearing is open to the public.
The hearing will also focus on the rising cost of home heating, particularly in states like Wisconsin. In addition to being the largest oil companies in the United States, the companies subpoenaed represent four of the five largest natural gas producers in the nation. Natural gas prices in Wisconsin are expected to rise 50 or 60 percent this year, costing consumers an estimated $600 or more per household.
The hearing will be chaired by Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Secretary Rod Nilsestuen. Kimberly Walker, the Department of Administration’s Energy Division Administrator, and Burnie Bridge, former Public Service Commission Chairperson and former Deputy Attorney General, will also serve as hearing examiners for the hearing. Those individuals testifying at the hearing will be given an oath administered by Secretary Nilsestuen, and a court reporter will be present to record testimony for the day. Governor Doyle will provide opening remarks at the hearing.
Prior to the hearing, Governor Doyle will be available to the media for comment at 12:30 p.m. in Room 7230. In addition, the hearing will be video-streamed via an Internet connection for those who may be unable to attend in person. Access to the webcast will be available on Governor Doyle’s website http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us.
Oil company executives attending the hearing include:
British Petroleum – Nancy Carter, Senior Vice President of United States Fuels, Logistics
ExxonMobil – Mark Shores, Regional Director, United States Region
ConocoPhillips – Jennie Baker, Manager, Wholesale [Motor Fuels] Marketing Business Unit for the mid-continent; Thomas Mathiasmeier, Manager, U.S. Natural Gas Marketing
Shell Oil – Kevin Autin, Regional Manager, United States Mid-Continent Region
Chevron – Brent Faulk, Vice President of Natural Gas Trading
Television Reporters:
Reserved space for television cameras is available, but limited. Please call Anne Lupardus, Office of Governor Doyle, at 608-261-2162 to reserve a space. Satellite trucks should pull into the alley off of Plankinton between the parking structure and the Grand Avenue Mall. Cables can be run through the first loading dock. Satellite truck operators should contact Dennis Danahey at 414-227-3231 to coordinate logistics.
Print and Radio Reporters:
Reserved seating for print and radio reporters is available, but limited. Please call Anne Lupardus, Office of Governor Doyle, at 608-261-2162 to reserve a space. A mult-box will be provided for radio reporters near the press seating area.
Parking:
Parking will be available to the public in the Grand Avenue Parking Ramp, $5 per car with validation.
Details of the Gas and Oil Profits Hearing in Milwaukee on Thursday, December 1, 2005:
12:30 p.m. Media Availability
UWM School of Continuing Education
161 West Wisconsin Avenue
Room 7230
Milwaukee
1:00 p.m. Public Hearing
UWM School of Continuing Education
161 West Wisconsin Avenue
Room 7970
Milwaukee
(The following times are tentative)
1:05 p.m. Remarks by Governor Jim Doyle
1:15 p.m. Hearing Panel #1 – Oil Company Executives
3:15 p.m. Hearing Panel #2 – Wisconsin Citizens
