National Petroleum Council (US)

The National Petroleum Council (NPC) is a privately funded, advisory committee established in 1946 to advise the U.S. Secretary of Energy on matters relating to oil and natural gas. Although it is chartered by the Secretary of Energy, the NPC is not a part of the U.S. Department of Energy.

The primary purpose of the NPC is to conduct studies at the request of the Secretary of Energy, providing recommendations and information on various aspects of the petroleum industry. These studies often address issues such as future energy supply, technological advancements, regulatory policy, environmental impact, and geopolitical factors affecting energy markets.

Membership in the NPC is by invitation from the Secretary of Energy and includes individuals representing a broad range of expertise within the oil and natural gas industries. This encompasses executives from major oil companies, independent producers, service companies, and other stakeholders.

The NPC’s recommendations are non-binding, but they are generally considered influential due to the expertise and industry knowledge of its members. The studies conducted by the NPC serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, industry professionals, and the public in understanding the complexities of the oil and natural gas sectors. The findings often inform policy decisions related to energy security, environmental protection, and economic development. The NPC operates under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA).