Oversight Hearing on:

• “Obama Administration Oversight: GAO Report - Interior Hiring and Retention Challenges”

Member Statements:

The Honorable Doug Lamborn
Subcommittee Chairman

Witnesses and Testimony:

PANEL I

Mr. Frank Rusco
Director, Natural Resources and Environment
Government Accountability Office

Mr. Ned Farquhar
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management
Department of the Interior

Background:

This hearing will examine the findings and recommendations outlined in the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, titled “Oil and Gas – Interior has Begun to Address Hiring and Retention Challenges but Needs to Do More” released in January 2014. In March 2010, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that Interior faced many human capital challenges, including hiring and retaining staff, resulting in difficulties carrying out oversight activities. In July of 2010, the GAO reported continued challenges in hiring and retaining staff and that there was not a strategic workforce plan in place. As technological advances have made it possible to develop more American oil and natural gas resources it is imperative that the Department of Interior be able to hire and retain staff with the skills and expertise needed to manage the growing American energy sector.

By July 2011, the GAO added the Department of Interior’s management of federal oil and natural gas resources to the list of U.S. Government programs at high risk of waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement. Production of oil and natural gas is one of the largest sources of non-tax revenue for the federal government, and the Department of Interior collects billions in royalties and other payments from oil and gas companies.

The GAO began their audit of the Department of Interior’s hiring and retention relating to oil and natural gas professionals in May 2012 and continued through January 2014.

To view the full report, click here.

Related Documents:

• Subcommittee Hearing Notice - February 19, 2014
• Subcommittee Hearing Witness List - February 26, 2014