On Energy: Inquiring Minds Want to Know ...
Mark Green
Posted June 29, 2011
A couple of questions for the White House's scheduled 2 p.m. live chat on U.S. energy independence:
• While discussion of improved batteries for electric vehicles, liquid fuels from microorganisms and other new technologies is worthwhile, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) says oil and natural gas will provide 55 percent of the energy we consume in 2035 (just slightly less than today's 61 percent share). Isn't securing those resources the more important discussion to be had?
• Whatever the potential of batteries, algae and other innovations, EIA's forecast clearly shows that oil and natural gas are an important part of our energy future. Thus, if 92 percent of America's liquid fuel needs by 2030 can be supplied domestically and through partnership with Canada, where are the policies and actions to make that secure energy future a reality?
The fact is the administration's actions haven't risen to the level of its rhetoric on domestic oil and natural gas production. This is reflected in a new Rasmussen poll showing that 75 percent of Americans don't think the administration is doing enough to develop our own oil and natural gas resources.
Here's why they think that way: The administration's moratorium on deepwater drilling in the Gulf of Mexico and the subsequent slow pace of deepwater permits are predicted by EIA to cause a 20 percent decline in production there by next year. Meanwhile, it is dragging out the go-ahead for the Keystone XL pipeline that's projected to bring more than 800,000 barrels of oil a day from Canada's oil sands region to U.S. refiners.
Oil from U.S. sources and Canada, combined with vast reservoirs of natural gas discovered in shale rock formations have the potential to provide America a secure energy future while research and development of other technologies proceeds. Let's have a discussion on that.
As for today's live chat, here's how you can get involved:
• Send an email to newmedia@hq.doe.gov
• Tweet your question to @energy with the hashtag #energymatters
• Leave a question for Dr. Arun Majumdar at http://www.facebook.com/energygov
About The Author
Mark Green joined API after a career in newspaper journalism, including 16 years as national editorial writer for The Oklahoman in the paper’s Washington bureau. Previously, Mark was a reporter, copy editor and sports editor at an assortment of newspapers. He earned his journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma and master’s in journalism and public affairs from American University. He and his wife Pamela have two grown children and six grandchildren.