As a native of upstate New York, the perspective that Matt Kellogg brings to his advocacy role at the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) in Washington, D.C., is somewhat unique.

He is tax and environmental counsel for the organization, working at “the intersection of business and government.”

Kellogg grew up in the Finger Lakes Region, where his parents owned a restaurant and a family farm. He is a graduate of the State University of New York at Geneseo and Albany Law School.

Kellogg worked on Capitol Hill for New York Rep. Tom Reed, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. Reed’s interest in energy issues was sharpened by the fast-paced development of the Marcellus Shale across the border in Pennsylvania. Kellogg became a point person for energy and tax issues in Reed’s office.

In fall 2011, Kellogg joined the IPAA, which sought an individual to grow its influence and relationships with policymakers outside of traditional oil and gas regions.

Today he advises on regulatory and legislative policy matters impacting U.S. producers. He is actively engaged with members of Congress, federal regulatory agencies and the White House administration on a host of environmental policy and tax policy matters. And he is responsible for the IPAA’s Environment and Safety Committee and the Tax Committee, which are comprised of experts from IPAA member companies.

In a recent interview, Kellogg discussed issues with implications for producers and the qualities that help get business done on the Hill.

Investor: What’s your role?

Kellogg: There are basically two tracks. I advise industry leaders on political, regulatory and legislative risks and opportunities.

Additionally, I develop and implement strategies to engage with policymaking officials.

What I enjoy most is the chance to engage with some of the most dynamic leaders in the industry as well as some of the most thoughtful people in the policy world. This is an exciting industry to be a part of, at an exciting time.

Investor: What attitudes do you find toward energy?

Kellogg: On Capitol Hill and even in the administration, there’s a recognition of the importance of natural gas and oil development. But there’s always the need for education. I think not being from the oil patch helps me talk to lawmakers in areas that don’t have production or are new to it, to sound out their concerns and be responsive.

Investor: Key issues?

Kellogg: Tax reform has remained a lively issue. The chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Dave Camp (R-MI), released a tax reform draft. One of the big victories for the IPAA was the retention of treatment of intangible drilling costs--this has a big impact on all producers. The IPAA has been working to educate lawmakers on the importance of this provision. Camp’s decision to retain the provision in his draft was important.

But it is just the beginning. Other provisions were changed. Even though Camp is retiring, we expect the push for tax reform to renew in the next Congress.

In the regulatory areas, producers face increasing regulatory initiatives. The IPAA spends significant resources engaging in the regulatory process--commenting on rule makings, initiating legal actions, trying to educate within the agencies about the impacts on producers. To put it in context, it’s a death by a thousand cuts. One individual regulation may not have a huge impact, but the cumulative effect can be overbearing for independents.

We’re closely watching the power plant rule makings and the president’s Climate Action Proposal. Oil and gas will be targeted as well.

This fall the EPA will determine whether additional upstream methane regulations are necessary. In the IPAA’s view, the EPA needs to better understand the data with respect to oil and gas methane emissions and let current regulations go into effect before promulgating additional regulations.

The IPAA is also active on the Department of Interior hydraulic fracturing and well stimulation rule making, proposals under the

Endangered Species Act and many others.

Investor: Is Congress dysfunctional?

Kellogg: There are challenges, but a lot more happens than people realize. From where I sit, it’s reassuring to know there are bipartisan relationships in Congress. While you may not read that in the media, they exist, and the members are truly interested in working on issues. And senior officials at the White House understand the impact of investing in American energy production and what it means for manufacturing, the trade deficit, competitiveness, jobs and more.

Investor: What are important qualities for your job?

Kellogg: My job is centered around relationships, and these are founded on your reputation. I try to be bipartisan, solutions-oriented, fact-focused and an honest broker. People who do well in and out of government are responsive. In that vein, I’m happy to be a resource---you can reach me at mkellogg@ipaa.org.