| |  | | | | Photograph by Barchfield Photography | SEG Forum examines the political and environmental challenges in developing natural gas resources By Spring Harris SEG hosted its annual forum in Denver, USA on “Unconventional Gas: Political and Environmental Challenges and Opportunities.” Panelists included Ken Salazar, U.S. Secretary of the Interior; Bill Ritter Jr., Governor of the State of Colorado; James T. Hackett, Chairman of the America’s Natural Gas Alliance and Chairman and CEO of Anadarko Petroleum Corporation; and Jeff Ventura, President and CEO of Range Resources. The Forum’s organizer and moderator was Rutt Bridges, chairman of Transform Software and Services and venture capitalist investor. Bridges opened the Forum by stressing the importance and challenges involved in the responsible and economical development of natural gas resources in the United States. Secretary Salazar, the first panelist to speak, echoed Bridges sentiments stating that there has “never been a more exciting moment for America’s energy future” as we move from reliance on a few sources of energy to a “varied energy portfolio developed and refined by technological advances.” Salazar’s remarks centered on the need for the United States to develop a comprehensive energy plan to ensure a “safe, secure, and sustainable energy future.” After speaking, Secretary Salazar took a few questions including one from moderator Rutt Bridges about whether or not the importance of natural gas development is recognized in reducing CO2 emissions. Secretary Salazar stressed that the current U.S. administration is aware of the need to develop natural gas as a bridge fuel to renewable energies, which is why the administration is a proponent of the development of a natural gas pipeline from Alaska and support industry and scientific efforts into making natural gas a wider part of America’s energy portfolio. The next speaker, Governor Ritter, focused on the unique history of Colorado’s energy development and its move toward a “new energy economy” that ties job creation together with clean energy development. He also stressed that clean energy is not just about renewable energy, but that “fossil fuels have a role to play in a clean energy economy” as research and development continue to increase the efficiency of natural gas extraction and examine the feasibility of clean coal. In addition, Ritter stressed the importance of working with environmental groups in the development of these policies. The third speaker, Hackett is CEO of one of the largest independent oil and natural gas exploration companies in the world. He focused on the attributes of natural gas and how the shale-gas phenomenon has changed the role that natural gas plays in the U.S. energy portfolio. Hackett also delved into the more technical aspects of fracture mining as related to environmental concerns such as contamination of ground water and water conservation. The fourth speaker, Ventura discussed his company’s experiences working with the Marcellus Field, which has the potential to be the largest gas field in North America. These challenges included horizontal drilling and water conservation efforts. His company is currently recycling 100% of the water used in its southwest Pennsylvania operation. And they are the first company to disclose the components used in their fracture fluid. This illustrates the type of corporate transparency several of the panelists felt is necessary for shale gas mining to move forward. The key issue of this year’s Forum was what role natural gas plays in the United States energy future. Panelists stressed the need for a transparent and forward-looking comprehensive energy policy that allows for the development of fossil fuels like natural gas and other renewable resources. Click here for event photos Related Annual Meeting News: | | | |
