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impact the U.S.'s reliance on energy from foreign countries? The emerging answers to these questions are determining the fate of many U.S. oil and natural gas producers.

PTTC concentrates its efforts in the technical realm, working diligently to be a neutral forum connecting federal, state and industry stakeholders. There is a strong focus on inter-regional tech transfer, or getting ideas that work in one area more broadly used across the country. How is PTTC able to provide this resource at 14 regional and satellite offices? It starts with people willing to give their time and expertise and share their experiences, both good and bad. Combine this with (1) federal resources granted by the Department of Energy through the National Energy Technology Laboratory, (2) matching dollar for dollar contributions from state governments, universities, state geological surveys and industry contributions, (3) a strong focus on fostering technology application, and (4) ongoing strategic planning based on independent producer input, and you have the organization's outline for progress.

PTTC leverages the knowledge and expertise of all participants. During the 150 workshops that PTTC conducts each year, participants include: (1) technology providers and service companies serving the domestic industry, (2) highly competent consultants both learning and sharing, and (3) experienced producers looking for solutions. The venue is highly interactive, which promotes open sharing. PTTC has noticed more openness among producers, but there is always room for more sharing. Look for topical working groups focusing on specific problems in more detail and "cooperating brainpower" as mainstays for the future.

On The Rocks At Teapot Dome

The outcrop rim around Teapot Dome, Naval Petroleum Reserve 3 (NPR-3), 30 miles north of Casper, WY, provides an excellent place to examine the Mesaverde Formation. On September 10, 2003, during the recent Wyoming Geological Association Field Conference, the Rocky Mountain Oilfield Testing Center (RMOTC) and PTTC Rocky Mountain Region sponsored a field trip to look at these Cretaceous rocks. Leaders Tor Nilsen and Mark Milliken and a hearty group of geologists and engineers braved blustery weather to view the sequence stratigraphy of the Parkman Sandstone. The photo shows the group at a parasequence boundary; the top of a massive shelf sandstone. In the background, Teapot Dome Field and some of the production facilities of
NPR-3 can be seen. For more photos of the field trip, visit www.rmotc.com