I find myself reflecting on and even evaluating the political events of our country. The third day of the Republican National Convention (RNC) is wrapping up. Former President Trump recently survived an assassination attempt, and President Biden’s cognitive capacity is being scrutinized while the Democratic party scrambles to conduct damage control. With each occurrence, political figureheads and the mainstream media have made desperate cries for unification, understanding of one’s neighbor, and a call to relinquish the hatred that has overshadowed the 2024 presidential election. Some from all political vantage points have attempted, but we have yet to succeed.
That same call to reduce the rhetoric and to unify can be applied to the energy industry. I address the audience as “the energy industry” because it is more significant than just oil and gas. As the world’s appetite for fuel and power generation continues to grow, all forms of energy production play a pivotal role. While recognizing this fact, let me be clear. Oil and gas are critical to everyday life and are here to stay, but not as an exclusive energy production solution. As the world evolves, multiple solutions are needed. Instead of the constant and heated battle waged at oil and gas, I think it is evident that steps should be made to reduce the hatred leveled against fossil fuels and concentrate that energy into understanding and respect with strides made in listening to what your neighbor has to offer. In this case, the oil and gas sector and the alternative energy movement should stop the sparring and listen to what each has to say.
I am a regular in the oil and gas world and am proud of the career I have been fortunate enough to build. As I travel the highway from Kenedy, Texas, and through a small town called Pawnee, I find myself smiling, seeing the wind turbines turning. Their presence does not threaten me nor do I feel they are a direct attack on oil and gas. Instead, I view them as an ally in providing power to the population. Each opposing force in the energy industry should step back, take a realistic approach to understanding the other’s viewpoints, and then exercise the ability to find common ground and unify in administering solutions. Oil and gas are here to stay, electric vehicles have a place in different scenarios, solar panels prove helpful and, if the wind is blowing, energy can be gained. Each has a place, and the energy spent trying to destroy each other would be better directed to unify and offer the world energy options gained through safe and responsible generation.
Nick Vaccaro is a freelance writer and photographer. In addition to providing technical writing services, he is an HSE consultant in the oil and gas industry with twelve years of experience. Vaccaro also contributes to SHALE Oil and Gas Business Magazine, American Oil and Gas Investor, Oil and Gas Investor, Energies Magazine and Louisiana Sportsman Magazine. He has a BA in photojournalism from Loyola University and resides in the New Orleans area. Vaccaro can be reached at 985-966-0957 or nav@vaccarogroupllc.com.
- Nick Vaccarohttps://energiesmedia.com/author/nick-vaccaro/
- Nick Vaccarohttps://energiesmedia.com/author/nick-vaccaro/
- Nick Vaccarohttps://energiesmedia.com/author/nick-vaccaro/
- Nick Vaccarohttps://energiesmedia.com/author/nick-vaccaro/
- Nick Vaccarohttps://energiesmedia.com/author/nick-vaccaro/
- Nick Vaccarohttps://energiesmedia.com/author/nick-vaccaro/
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.