Oil and gas pipelines are essential to our energy reliability, energy security, and economic prosperity. When the Colonial Pipeline was shut down recently, America experienced the need for accessibility and security.
America is faced with important decisions concerning strategic energy policy and development for years ahead.
The digital transformation in the energy industry is an integral part of energy planning. In early spring of 2018, I began speaking on behalf of my company and as an advisory board chair of IngenuitE, Inc., an Oklahoma City based IT company on the subject of the “digital transformation: from the white board to the boardroom.” As a speaker at The Pipeline and Energy Expo in Tulsa, I expressed my concern of the importance of oil and gas pipelines and the need for a strong and viable digital transformation, which would emphasize cyber security.
In addition, the theme of my presentations in Houston, Lake Charles, Denver, Oklahoma City, and other locations in the US, has been “National Energy Talk: America’s Energy Dreams and Global Economic Realities.” The sub-theme has been “Achieving Operational Excellence Through Digital Transformation.”
At each of these conferences, I have been confronted by some energy industry participants that believe they are not being totally funded or equipped for the digital transformation that lies ahead.
The leaders of energy companies are faced with important decisions to make, regarding infrastructure. It is so challenging to be faced with the uncertainty of whether pipeline infrastructure and oil and gas development will be in a position to have the proper investment to maintain an energy secure and affordable energy industry.
As America strives to develop its energy strategy, it is important that we maintain our energy reliability and security, but not lose sight of the fact that billions of people throughout the world do not have access currently, and will not have access without the energy expertise, such as LNG and the natural gas industry.
Technology and innovation within the oil and gas industry is at the forefront. The oil and gas industry is leading the way, regarding ESG (Environmental Social Governance), by implementing strategies and plans. Several oil and gas companies are studying ways to address methane emissions and carbon-capture sequestration.
I chaired the 2014 IEPC Energy and The Environment Roundtable and Event/Summit in Washington, DC. Three key areas became the focus of discussion:
1. Abundance=Export: With proper/not excessive regulations and best practices in place, the abundance of natural gas and oil we have in the US can lead to economic growth, and provide jobs. Proper management of the US oil and natural gas assets can greatly benefit US manufacturers and lead our country to self-reliance. Public/Private partnerships are vital. All forms of energy should be considered.
2. Security: Federal land access is needed for US oil and gas development. PR China, Russia and OPEC are among the interests aggressively pursuing global energy development. Therefore, the US must aggressively position and maintain itself as the global energy leader. Concerns were expressed about the price volatility especially in the midstream market. Also, energy efficiency and environmental preservation issues were addressed regarding maintaining a necessary balance.
3. Education: The public and decision makers should be provided the necessary information about energy and environmental issues. Takeaways: Research and Development should be such as seismicity, water usage, natural gas and oil development, water injection wells, renewables along with the cost of development and materials. Agencies should work together in order to properly set a direction for our US energy industry.
America needs America’s oil and gas pipelines. America needs America’s energy! All forms. All American. Future generations are depending on us to keep the American dream alive!
