Meeting the Energy Challenges in the Nation’s Future
Energy Watch by MARK A. STANSBERRY
Energy Advocate and Chairman of The GTD Group
I write the column today, America has faced two major hurricanes, Harvey and Irma. One of the first concerns about a hurricane is the impact on energy markets along with infrastructure.
Also, I am writing this column from Washington, D.C., just a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol. I believe that it is up to the people to create a vision, a pathway to America’s energy future. Therefore, National Energy Talk is underway, www.nationalenergytalk.com
The impact of a hurricane is only a part of what should be discussed in a national energy dialogue. I am a strong supporter of our American oil and gas industry. I believe that a strong U.S. oil and gas industry will lead us to our real energy options.
One area of concern is transportation. Electric cars: It appears that the auto industry is moving quickly toward electric cars. However, are there other options that should be explored? Is there a place for fuel-cell technology?
Hyundai has announced a hydrogen-fuel-cell powered with a range of 360 miles. Compared to electric cars with a distance of 200 miles per charge, fuel cell cars are capable of over 300 miles.
Infrastructure: the lack of infrastructure is a major factor. Can we meet the challenge? Have we carefully looked at all options? Consumers, what do you think?
Let’s look at natural gas. Some of the questions and areas of concerns confronting natural gas and its energy future are:
• Will the economics of natural gas in the long run really be sound?
• What is happening in the legislatures regarding legal and regulatory issues nationwide that could have an impact on natural gas?
• How does the transportability of natural gas affect its marketability in the global arena?
• What is the environmental impact of natural gas?
• What are the obstacles that affect us from utilizing natural gas as a fuel for our vehicles?
So what is your true vision of a strong energy industry, one year, five years, 20 years from now?
For too long we in America have been wasting time blaming the energy industry or the government for failure to adopt a national energy strategy when we should be responsible for creating the plan. As consumers of energy we must drive the process, evaluating how we can best leverage our natural resources here at home to ensure a long-term vision and security.
In this column, I have touched on electric cars, hydrogen fuel-cell cars and natural gas. There are so many other areas to discuss as part of our national dialogue. In the upcoming columns, I will continue to challenge each one of us to look at all energy options.
Natural Gas is definitely a viable option.
What do you think? It is time for National Energy Talk at www.nationalenergytalk.com
Updated 10-01-2017
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