Category: Blog (Page 9 of 10)

At the International Energy Policy Conference during the awards dinner held at the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Woodrow Clark, one of the co-recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize, presented his views about the future hydrogen economy.

Is there a future hydrogen economy?

Hydrogen can be extracted from the ocean by running an electric current through the water, but this process –known as electrolysis—requires enormous quantities of electricity. More importantly hydrogen can be produced from natural gas (CH4). According to the Hydrogen Energy Center, four realities suggest that the current energy economy is not sustainable:

1. The demand for energy is growing and the raw materials for the fossil fuel economy are diminishing. Oil, coal and natural gas supplies are not replenished as they are consumed so an alternative must be found. 2. Most of the people who consume fossil fuels don’t live where fuels are extracted. 3. Emissions from fossil fuel usage significantly degrade air quality all over the world. 4. Third world economics are especially susceptible when developing energy systems needed to improve their economies.

Hydrogen has three basic benefits that address these concerns:

1. The use of hydrogen greatly reduces pollution. When hydrogen is combined with oxygen in a fuel cell, energy in the form of electricity is produced. This electricity can be used to power vehicles, or as a heat source, or applied to other uses. 2. Hydrogen can be produced locally from numerous sources. Hydrogen can be produced either centrally and then distributed or onsite where it will be used. Hydrogen gas can be produced from methane (natural gas), gasoline, biomass, coal or water.
3. If hydrogen is produced from water, we have a sustainable production system. Electrolysis is the method of separating water into hydrogen and oxygen. Renewable energy can be used to power electrolysis to produce the hydrogen from water. Some of the renewable sources used to power electrolysis are wind, hydro, solar, and tidal energy.

It is also critical to realize that natural gas equals CH4 (methane), which means natural gas will be an important factor when we enter the hydrogen economy.

In my next column, I will address further information about the future hydrogen economy.

America Needs America’s Energy! Go to www.peopleseenergyplan.com

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At this year’s Oklahoma Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Renaissance Hotel in Tulsa, Nancy and I had the opportunity to be at a table with Oklahoma Hall of Fame 1999 inductee and famed sculptor Jay O’Meilia.

I shared with Jay that I had referenced one of his works in my remarks at the John Massey Annual Lectureship in 2009, Southeastern Oklahoma State University. At the lectureship, I talked about Jay’s famed sculpture, the “Oil Patch Warrior” which stands in honor and in remembrance to the many from the “oil patch” who have made great sacrifices throughout the history of the American oil and gas industry.

As mentioned in my book pages 86-87, during World War II the British government, our ally, needed more oil to defeat the Germans. However, most of the oil they used was imported. Then oil was discovered in England’s Sherwood Forest, but the British needed America’s help because they did not have the technological know-how to drill and produce it. Under secret arrangements made in February 1943, the American government sent forty-four oil field workers from Oklahoma to assist. These employees from Oklahoma were known as the “Oil Patch Warriors”.

The drilling team and four rigs imported from the US contributed significantly to the British war effort by boosting production at the field near Duke’s Wood from 300 barrels per day to 3,000 barrels per day in double quick time. By the time the drilling team from two Oklahoma companies sailed home in the spring of 1944, they had drilled 106 wells. In honor of their sacrifice, a monument by sculptor Jay O’Meilia was erected in the Sherwood Forest by The Energy Advocates, a nonprofit organization that raised the money for the seven-foot-high statute of a driller, the “Oil Patch Warrior”.

The British experience during World War II is a lesson in the necessity of energy security. It is my opinion that we can meet the challenge of achieving our energy security needs. America Needs America’s Energy and we should always remember all those from the “oil patch” who have made great sacrifices under extreme challenging conditions.

America Needs America’s Energy! Go to www.peopleseenergyplan.com

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The Obama Administration finalized this year the fuel efficiency standards mandating that all cars and light-duty trucks average 54.5 miles per gallon (mpg) by 2025 per model.

The federal government reports that its standards will improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Obama Administration, consumers will save more than $1.7 trillion at the gasoline pump and reduce oil consumption by 12 billion barrels.

The current existing standards for cars and light trucks are for them to average 35.5 mpg by 2016.

There is the argument that suggests the standards will hurt domestic automakers. Auto dealers have expressed concerns that the standards would raise car prices and consumers would probably hold onto their old cars rather than buy new ones.

Another alternative and opportunity is advocating the use of compressed natural gas in regard to natural gas vehicles. Certainly our dependence on foreign oil would greatly diminish.

We would be more dependent on natural gas and the abundant supply of natural gas in our country!
We would be using a cleaner fuel, so in every way, we would be far ahead of where we are today from an energy standpoint, and closer to energy independence.

Please tell me what you think. Go to www.peopleseenergyplan.com

America Needs America’s Energy and Together, We, the People, can Create the People’s Energy Plan!

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Recently, Marianne Horinko, former Acting Administrator of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, now CEO of The Horinko Group, Washington, D.C. and I made presentations on the subject of “Energy, Environment and Politics”. The presentations were the kick-off of the Mentoring Environment and Energy Together (MEET) Mentor-Protégé Program held at Devon Energy’s headquarters in Oklahoma City. Participants also visited a Devon Energy drilling and hydraulic fracturing well site.

This effort builds on The Horinko Group’s release of its comprehensive white paper on the current and future environmental, regulatory, and legal issues tied to horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing and upon my book, “America Needs America’s Energy: Creating Together the People’s Energy Plan”.

“Over the past decade, natural gas has emerged as a key component of the United States’ energy supply. The availability and increase in supply has been attributed to non-traditional reserves unlocked by the technologies of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling.”

Hydraulic fracturing was first in commercial use since the 1940’s. It was used up until the late 1990’s primarily for drilling conventional oil and gas wells. Since that time, hydraulic fracturing together with horizontal drilling has come to the forefront.

According to industry estimates, hydraulic fracturing has been applied to more than one million well nationally since the 40’s. Though overall a safe track record regarding the use of hydraulic fracturing, there are environmental concerns which the industry faces and must continue to address.

Four key components and examples coming from The Horinko Group’s white paper regarding the proper use of hydraulic fracturing are adaptability and flexibility- regulation tailored to diversity across the country, transparency and reliance on sound science- research and regulation based on unbiased and sound science, innovative research- continued pursuit of creative solutions to environmental issues, especially as related to mitigating the burden on water resources and managing wastewater, and collaboration- sharing of scientific, technical, economic, legal, and long-term planning information.

Strong economic opportunities are on the horizon because of the vast unconventional gas reserves. With that said, environmental concerns are and should continue to be addressed when it comes to air quality and atmospheric impacts, greenhouse gas emissions, water impacts such as water withdrawals and wastewater management, water recycling, and groundwater protection.

America Needs America’s Energy and Together, We, the People, can Create the People’s Energy Plan, www.peoplesenergyplan.com

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A few weeks ago, October 25-27, the 20th Annual International Energy Policy Conference (IEPC) was held at the Waterford Marriott Hotel and the Petroleum Club, Oklahoma City and one day held on the campus of the University of Oklahoma, Norman.

There were over 270 registered delegates from across the United States and globally attending the three day conference including several from Elk City and western Oklahoma: Mary Fern Carpenter, Andrew Carpenter, Peggy Hayhurst, Bill and Lois Hubbard, June Conrad, June Loveless, Purcy Walker and Tony Mikles. Purcy and Mary Fern served on the IEPC Conference Host Committee. My Dad, George Stansberry, served on the Founding Committee, (1992-93).

There were 26 speakers/panelists making presentations including Dr. Woodrow Clark, co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, The Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby, U. S. Congressman James Lankford, Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Chair Patrice Douglas, and Ambassador Boulal of the Kingdom of Morocco.

The IEPC awards reception and dinner were held at the Sam Noble Museum, University of Oklahoma.

What was accomplished at this year’s conference?

The conference brought stakeholders together from not only the energy sector, i.e. oil, natural gas, coal, wind, nuclear, solar, biomass, but also, concerned citizens, representatives from government, agriculture, higher education, business, students and others.

One of the conclusions was that America Needs America’s Energy developed with the ultimate goal of gaining independence and that America should be the global leader when it comes to research and development along with technological advancement.

Everyone is a stakeholder in the national and global energy outlook. It is important that we continue to address key energy issues before us.

I would like to hear from you. Your input and actions should lead us to a bright energy future. Together, we can meet the challenges ahead.

“Future generations are depending on us to keep the American dream alive.”

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The first step we can take it is to conduct a self-audit of our own personal energy use. For example, in my most recent book, America Needs America’s Energy, I provide a sample copy of a standard report that homeowners in metro Nashville receive following a voluntary in-home energy evaluation (audit). This Energy Action Plan shows participants the projected energy savings associated with each recommended measure.

Following that, I have provided Personal Energy Evaluation Journal forms for the years 2012 through 2016. The idea is to create your own personal energy plan for 2012 or 2013 based on the evaluation and then develop it for the next five years. For instance, your goal for 2013 may be to convert your car to CNG. At the end of 2013 or 2014 depending when you begin the process, you can check to see if you have met your goals. If not, you can either adjust your goals for the next few years, or list the steps needed to achieve your personal energy goals in the near future. You may want to include others to this initial planning stage, such as your family, your company or your organization.

Together, We, the People, Can Create the People’s Energy Plan! www.peoplesenergyplan.com

My last week’s column focused on Robert Hefner III’s book entitled ‘The GET” (The Grand Energy Transition). This week’s column highlights the importance of natural gas to Oklahoma and to our Nation.

Oklahoma is one of the top natural gas producing States in the Nation. Its economic impact is so important to our State:

For example, Oklahoma received over $1.07 billion in gross production tax dollars from crude oil and natural gas in 2006 alone. There are over 60,000 employees and approximately 250,000 jobs in Oklahoma due to the Natural Gas Industry. And the total impact of the oil and gas industry is approx. $23 billion dollars a year.

More than a dozen of the 100 largest natural gas fields in the U. S. are found in Oklahoma. Natural gas in the State is used primarily for electricity generation and industrial sectors. About 1/3 of the State’s natural gas is consumed within the State. The remaining balance is sent via pipeline to neighboring States.

Oklahoma has the opportunity of being the “Center for Energy Excellence” both nationally and globally.

We need to strengthen our support of the Natural Gas Industry in a time of much needed transition. Therefore, working to attract oil and gas energy companies that are out of State to relocate to Oklahoma, making sure we have the proper incentives in place, i.e.
tax structure, tax credits, infrastructures, and other incentives.

We need to support Advocacy, getting the message to all consumers of the importance of natural gas. And we need to take the lead in developing a national comprehensive energy plan.

We need to support efforts for Education, i.e. research and development, technological advancement, providing training, developing manpower and so on. Bottom-line:
We need to become the Center for Energy Excellence both nationally and globally.

This is Oklahoma’s time to take action and become not just a leader but The Leader in energy research and development, training, advocacy and education. Thanks to all those involved with the Natural Gas Industry for your commitment to providing energy for decades to come!

Please send your comments, topic suggestions, and questions to me. My email is mark@thegtdgroup.com. America Needs America’s Energy and Together, We can make a difference!

My last column focused on the importance of fellow Oklahoman Robert Hefner III’s contribution to our energy past, present, and future.

This column highlights Robert Hefner III’s book entitled “The GET” (Grand Energy Transition).

The book has brought national and international attention.

Ted Turner purchased several hundred copies of Hefner’s book and had them distributed to Congressmen and Fortune 500 executives. Turner states about the book “if you care about the future you must read this book”.

Donald J. Trump states, “As a successful businessman and international real estate developer, I know the economic and environmental importance of energy. Robert Hefner, with over fifty years of hands-on experience in the complex world of energy production, consumption, and politics has written a groundbreaking book that cuts through the confusion and shows us a clear, common sense path forward. His concept that The Grand Energy Transition is choosing the energy winners is critically important. America does not have time for energy losers.”

Having been in the natural gas industry for over thirty-five years, it is my strong opinion that this book is a must read. This nation needs America’s Natural Gas! In fact, already in Los Angeles, I have seen first-hand how natural gas is making an impact. I have seen running up and down the busy streets of Los Angeles the nation’s largest fleet of buses run on compressed natural gas.

The book has twelve chapters filled with significant information and overviews about natural gas.

Our nation definitely needs to shape its energy future. Hefner provides a roadmap of how natural gas will play such a vital role.

Hefner makes the convincing case that there is an abundance of natural gas, and that it is an environmentally friendly fuel, He emphasizes that “oil has indeed begun its twilight years” and that natural gas will be a force.

Therefore, Hefner delivers the message that our energy future will be the “Age of Energy Gases” which includes solar and wind.

Hefner describes why natural gas will work. He provides historical data that supports natural gas. He points out that “America has houses, offices and industries that are already connected to America’s 2.2 million mile natural gas pipeline. And that in America 63 million are on the grid, so about 130 million cars return each night to a place where they could easily be refilled”.

He encourages consumers to look at all the opportunities that natural gas provides such as energy efficiency, economic impact, a transmission option and power generation solution.

Bottom-line, Hefner states that “natural gas is the bridge fuel to the hydrogen economy”.

Again, I encourage you to purchase his book, The Grand Energy Transition, The GET. A documentary based upon his book was released this year and has been shown in Elk City and throughout the country. It was shown on OETA, a PBS affiliate, a few weeks ago.

Please send your comments, topic suggestions, and questions to me. My email is mark@thegtdgroup.com. Together, we can make a difference!

The Past, Present and Future of Natural Gas in Oklahoma

In 1977, I began working as a petroleum landman thanks mainly to my great western Oklahoma friend Larry Wade. Larry had encouraged me visit with another great friend, Cooper West. Cooper offered me the opportunity to work for his company which launched me into the energy industry.

I did not realize at that time that some of the oil and gas leases I was purchasing would wind up as locations for some of the deepest natural gas wells not only in the Anadarko Basin of western Oklahoma but in the world (over 20,000 feet) and that natural gas would be playing a significant role in meeting the energy needs in the 21st Century.

However, the boom our industry experienced in the late 1970s and early 1980s attracted the attention of our policy makers, and there was an attempt to implement a Windfall Profits Tax. I remember being quoted in an Oklahoma City newspaper in 1980 as saying that the Windfall Profits Tax would be devastating to the energy industry. Twenty-six years later, California Proposition 87, a tax proposal on the oil and gas industry, was presented to California voters and fortunately defeated. Nevertheless, this demonstrates the lack of communication between our industry and our government.”

It is important that there be an understanding of the history of natural gas in Oklahoma especially the drilling for deep natural gas. In 1977, I began primarily purchasing oil and gas leases on behalf of The GHK Company, a company led by Robert Hefner III through Cooper West’s firm.

Robert Hefner III was the pioneer who led this Nation towards natural gas. In 1959, Hefner, age 24, founded the company. He is now known as the “Father of Natural Gas”

GHK drilled a well in western Oklahoma near Elk City, named the #1 Green well. The well was completed in 1969 to 24,473 feet. It was then the second deepest well in the world.

Along the way, Robert and his team met the challenges of “innovating the technologies”. He also had the challenge of communicating to the leaders of this country that natural gas was uneconomical to produce at controlled prices. Therefore, he led the effort to deregulate natural gas prices in the 70s. His pioneer spirit and drive are major reasons that today billions of dollars have gone into the economy.

The government stepped in after the deregulation passage with a piece of legislation that did not allow the use of natural gas for electric generation. This was a great setback to the natural gas industry.

Robert Hefner III’s drive, persistence and focus on natural gas led GHK to several countries for exploration. He founded natural gas fields not only in western Oklahoma and eastern Oklahoma but throughout the world.

He has appeared before 18 Congressional committees “testifying on natural gas pricing, deregulation, and the abundance of America’s natural gas resources”.

Today, it is vital to Oklahoma’s economy that we have a strong natural gas industry. Furthermore, it is extremely important to this Nation that we have a healthy natural gas industry.

Thanks to Robert Hefner III, a strong foundation has been established to carry on the “natural gas” torch throughout this century and beyond. In my next article, I will review with you his book, “The GET”, The Grand Energy Transition which a documentary based upon his writing has been produced. In fact, I encourage you to buy the book. It is a great read, and it is a means of better understanding the importance of natural gas.

Should you have comments, topic suggestions, and/or questions, please email me at mark@thegtdgroup.com. America Needs America’s Energy! Together, we can make a difference!

In 1993, I was asked to be a member of a four member delegation to meet with then Russian Energy Minister Yuri Shafranik. The association that coordinated the meeting was the Independent Petroleum Association of America.

The meeting took place at the Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C. Our discussion was focused on the 35,000 idle wells that existed in Russia at that time.

I observed first-hand how important an association can be in not only developing discussions but making sure there are follow-ups and plans executed. — Oklahoma has had several leaders that have had high profile positions within the IPAA: Lew Ward, Denise Bode, and many others.

Oklahoma has several energy associations/organizations that are very important to the cause of energy education. I will only highlight a few:

The Independent Petroleum Association of America, www.ipaa.org – The IPAA was founded in the summer of 1929. It has grown from a few founders to thousands of members. “Independent producers were in bad shape in 1929 and facing even more trouble times ahead. The government was encouraging oil imports. American oil reserves were plentiful, yet suspicion prevailed among federal policy makers that the United States was soon to run out of petroleum.” Though IPAA is based in Washington, D.C., Oklahomans are involved and are definitely a strong voice for the oil and natural gas industry.

Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association, www.oipa.com – The OIPA has been a strong voice for independent producers for over 50 years. The OIPA mission statement: “To enhance and protect the economic well-being of the Oklahoma independent oil and natural gas industry.”

Oklahoma Marginal Well Commission, www.ok.gov/marginalwells/ – Founded in 1992, the Governor appoints nine commissioners to the Commission. “It was formed to meet the emergency in which the State of Oklahoma found itself with the possible plugging and abandonment of more than 69,000 marginal wells which produced approximately three-fourths of all oil produced in Oklahoma.”

National Association of Royalty Owners, www.naro-us.org – Tulsa based, “The mission of NARO is to encourage and promote exploration and production of minerals in the United States while preserving, protecting, advancing, and representing the interests and rights of mineral and royalty owners through education, advocacy and assistance to our members, to NARO chapter organizations, to government bodies and to the public.”

America Needs America’s Energy!

www.peoplesenergyplan.com