America’s energy challenges will be before us for many years ahead. As I wrote in my book, America Needs America’s Energy, “Future generations are depending on us to keep the American dream alive. 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.” Innovation, technology and research will be important in meeting the energy challenges ahead. In my book, I encouraged the reader to look at all of our energy options. The underlying theme was to strive for energy efficiency and environmental preservation. To find that important energy and environmental balance, I addressed pros and cons of all the natural resource options we have available.
The oil and gas industry for many years ahead will be an important part of the energy mix. It should be noted that renewables, solar, wind and all other forms of energy will also play an important part in the transition of our energy future.
The challenges in the energy industry include infrastructure, workforce development, transportation, power generation and other key factors. In order to maintain energy security, we must use our natural resources effectively. My home state of Oklahoma, for example, not only is a leader in oil and gas, but also has other energy sectors, such as coal, solar, wind, hydro and other key sources. The energy sector embraces all forms of energy.
One energy expert recently stated, “We all expect our heat to run, gas stations to have fuel, and lights to never flicker – all at an affordable price. Around the world, billions of people are expecting a middle-class quality of life and its requisite available, affordable, reliable energy. None of this demand is going away soon. Because energy is so reliable and available, the public believes they no longer require it.”
“Oil-based products are likely the first thing you touch at the beginning and end of each day, whether it is your alarm clock, television remote, cellphone or even the toothpaste and toothbrush you use to brush your teeth. Those who wear makeup or synthetic fibers, such as polyester or nylon, are using or touching petroleum nearly 24 hours a day. As a key component in heart valves, seat belts, helmets, life vests and even Kevlar®, petroleum is saving tens of thousands of lives daily. Furthermore, oil and gas are key components in many medicines and antibiotics such as antiseptics, antihistamines, aspirin and sulfa drugs.” Bottomline, the oil and gas industry will be needed for years ahead.
One company’s energy initiative: BP has announced it will “increase its low-carbon spending to $5 billion a year by 2030 and boost its renewable power generation to 50 gigawatts (GW) while shrinking oil and gas output by 40 percent compared with 2019.”
The main challenge ahead is to unite America by embracing our energy industry and striving for energy efficiency and environmental preservation! Energy education must be at the forefront. National Energy Talk is one of many initiatives targeting energy education for the public. Facebook: National Energy Talk. America Needs America’s Energy.
Mark A. Stansberry, Chairman of The GTD Group, is an award-winning author, columnist, film and music producer, radio talk show host and 2009 Western Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductee. Stansberry has written five energy-related books. He has been active in the oil and gas industry for over 44 years, having served as CEO/President of Moore-Stansberry, Inc., and The Oklahoma Royalty Company. He has served as Chairman of the Board of Regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma, Chairman 2016-2017 of the Gaylord-Pickens Museum/Oklahoma Hall of Fame Board of Directors, Lifetime Trustee of Oklahoma Christian University, and Board Emeritus of the Oklahoma Governor’s International Team. He has served on several public and private boards.
- Mark Stansberryhttps://energiesmedia.com/author/mark-stansberry/
- Mark Stansberryhttps://energiesmedia.com/author/mark-stansberry/
- Mark Stansberryhttps://energiesmedia.com/author/mark-stansberry/
- Mark Stansberryhttps://energiesmedia.com/author/mark-stansberry/
- Mark Stansberryhttps://energiesmedia.com/author/mark-stansberry/
- Mark Stansberryhttps://energiesmedia.com/author/mark-stansberry/
Oil and gas operations are commonly found in remote locations far from company headquarters. Now, it's possible to monitor pump operations, collate and analyze seismic data, and track employees around the world from almost anywhere. Whether employees are in the office or in the field, the internet and related applications enable a greater multidirectional flow of information – and control – than ever before.