(Audio Interview from November 2016)
Kathleen Sgamma is the president of the Western Energy Alliance (WEA), an advocacy group representing independent oil and gas producers in the western United States. The Alliance focuses on regulatory, legal, and policy issues affecting oil and gas development on federal lands.
Sgamma has been a regular guest and fount of information for The Crude Life, being interviewed over a dozen times on the radio podcast.
Founded in 1974, Western Energy Alliance originally focused on natural gas development but has since expanded to advocate for broader oil and gas interests, particularly in federal land management, environmental regulation, and permitting processes.
The organization is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, and primarily represents independent energy producers rather than large multinational corporations.
Advocacy Platforms
Kathleen Sgamma and the Western Energy Alliance advocate for:
- Reducing federal regulatory barriers to oil and gas development, particularly those imposed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Defending access to federal lands for energy development and opposing restrictions such as President Biden’s pause on new federal oil and gas leasing.
- Challenging environmental policies like the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), arguing that lengthy permitting processes stifle energy production and drive up costs.
- Opposing climate-related financial disclosures and policies that shift investment away from fossil fuels.
- Fighting litigation from environmental groups, which the Alliance claims use legal maneuvers to block energy projects.
Political Achievements and Impact
Under Sgamma’s leadership, WEA has successfully:
- Challenged the Biden Administration’s federal leasing moratorium in court, leading to resumed lease sales in some regions.
- Advocated for NEPA reform, arguing that excessive bureaucratic red tape delays both fossil fuel and renewable energy projects.
- Testified before Congress on energy policies, including the Biden administration’s push for natural capital accounting, which she criticizes as an attempt to monetize and restrict land use based on environmental considerations rather than economic value.
- Fought against methane regulations and drilling restrictions, arguing they disproportionately affect independent producers.
Other Features of Kathleen Sgamma and WEA
- Sgamma is a frequent media commentator on energy policy, appearing in congressional hearings, public forums, and news interviews.
- The Alliance operates a Political Action Committee (PAC) to support pro-energy candidates and legislation.
- WEA regularly files lawsuits against the federal government to counter environmental regulations that it claims unfairly target the oil and gas industry.
Kathleen Sgamma and the Western Energy Alliance remain highly influential in shaping U.S. energy policy, particularly on federal land leasing and regulatory issues. Their work aligns with a free-market, pro-fossil fuel stance, positioning them in opposition to many of the Biden administration’s climate and environmental policies.
(The above YouTube Video Interview with Kathleen Sgamma from 2020 regarding the presidential election)
Everyday your story is being told by someone. Who is telling your story? Who are you telling your story to?
Email your sustainable story ideas, professional press releases or petro-powered podcast submissions to thecontentcreationstudios(AT)gmail(DOT)com.
#thecrudelife promotes a culture of inclusion and respect through interviews, content creation, live events and partnerships that educate, enrich, and empower people to create a positive social environment for all, regardless of age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or physical or intellectual ability.
CLICK HERE FOR SPECIAL PARAMOUNT + DISCOUNT LINK
Don’t miss out! Stream College Basketball on CBS live with the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan.
Start Streaming Today!
CLICK HERE FOR SPECIAL PARAMOUNT + DISCOUNT LINK
