In the News: Colorado Energy Forum

Review press coverage of the Colorado Energy Forum, held on October 14, 2014 in Westminster, C.O. featuring remarks from U.S. Senator Mark Udall, Governor John Hickenlooper, Rep. Cory Gardner, and former U.S. Rep. Bob Beauprez. Read a recap here or access video of the forum here.

Wall Street Journal – Democrats Bet on Climate Issue in Colorado Senate Race
“In a speech at an energy event Tuesday sponsored by an array of energy and business groups, Mr. Udall cited climate change as one of the biggest differences between himself and his challenger, GOP Rep. Cory Gardner.”

 

Denver Post – “Candidates differ on steps for Colorado’s ‘energy revolution'”
“Candidates for Colorado governor and U.S. Senate said at an energy forum that the state should harvest all energy sources, but they disagreed on almost every other important aspect of the issue. Hickenlooper and Beauprez’s differences were most evident in their views on fracking.”

 

Denver Business Journal – “Colorado governor, Senate candidates differ sharply on energy at forum”
“Differences in the candidates for Colorado’s top offices were clear Tuesday at a campaign stop in Westminster devoted to how the candidates for governor and the U.S. Senate would approach development of the state’s energy resources.”

 

Washington Examiner – “Western states looking at regional carbon program: Colo. governor”
“Democratic Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper said western states are considering a regional program to comply with a proposed Environmental Protection Agency rule to slash power plant emissions.“The western governors are now looking at how we can all work together,” Hickenlooper, who is up for re-election, said Tuesday at a Westminster, Colo., event hosted by the Colorado Business Roundtable.”

 

E&E Publishing – “Colo. Senate, gubernatorial candidates debate regs, energy policy”
“Gardner appeared at the event, sponsored by the nonprofit Consumer Energy Alliance, Vital for Colorado, the Colorado Business Roundtable and other associations, ahead of his November bid to oust Democratic Sen. Mark Udall. The Colorado race is a top priority for both parties as Republicans look to flip the Senate seat and pick up the six seats the GOP needs to claim a majority next year, while Democrats look to defend the seat Udall first won in 2008.”

 

Recap: Colorado Energy Forum

Westminster, Colo. – Candidates vying for top office in Colorado told the Colorado Energy Forum on Tuesday that its state can find sensible ways to develop its energy resources.

U.S. Sen. Mark Udall and Gov. John Hickenlooper shared the stage with their challengers, U.S. Rep. Cory Gardner and former U.S. Rep. Bob Beauprez, to lay out their vision for how Colorado’s energy consumers can benefit from natural gas, oil, and wind energy.

Event organizer Andrew Browning of Consumer Energy Alliance said the candidates’ positions should be important to voters because they are indicators of future energy policy: “The regulations we develop, the policies we implement in Colorado will have impact nationally and even internationally.”

 

Candidates for U.S. Senate

Cory Gardner, who is challenging Mark Udall, said he backs an “all-of-the-above” energy plan but warned of overreach from federal agencies such as the EPA and the Bureau of Land Management. “Making sure that these agencies are protecting our environment, protecting our people, land, air, water, but making sure they are not strangling the ability of us to develop our resources.”

Udall gave his remarks after Gardner and echoed a similar desire for a comprehensive energy strategy, one in which renewables have an equally important role as traditional resources: “We have what I categorize as a “best-of-the-above” approach to energy. We have found newer and better ways for our abundant traditional energy sources like natural gas alongside exciting new technologies like solar, biomass and geothermal. We understand that our energy sources just don’t power our cities and our businesses at home; they drive our economy.”

Gardner and Udall are locked in a close campaign. Gardner has challenged Udall’s positions on various energy issues throughout the campaign, including recent state-wide anti-fracking initiatives that narrowly avoided the November ballot and the implications of a carbon tax in Colorado, which Udall has expressed support for. Gardneryesterday addressed Udall’s reluctance to go into detail about a potential tax: “When I asked [Udall] how much a carbon tax would cost, he refused to answer the question.”

Colorado’s Next Governor

Gov. John Hickenlooper described Colorado energy development as an example of responsible economic growth with effective environmental regulation: “We have taken on a number of the challenges around the new energy economy, and we are I think a model state in terms of ‘all-of-the-above.’ We have embraced renewable energy, wind and solar, but at the same time looked at these new technologies, the marriage between horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing and the consequent issues that have been raised.”

Former U.S. Rep. Bob Beauprez, Hickenlooper’s challenger, contends overreaching regulation is prohibiting Colorado from functioning as efficiently as possible. Beauprez promises to “suspend all new regulations” the first day of his term if he is elected. “Never in the history of man has a state harvested natural resources safer, cleaner, more efficiently than we can right now. We ought to be celebrating that, not punishing that.”

The forum also included a panel featuring Aims Community College Oil and Gas Program director Bruce Beardsley, Nucor Corporation Resource Development Manager Brad True and Tri State Generation Transmission Government Relations Senior Manager Dave Lock. The panel discussed energy innovation in Colorado and how expanded STEM education and vocational programs can better prepare the workforce for jobs in energy development and manufacturing.

The event was hosted by Consumer Energy Alliance, Vital for Colorado, the Colorado Business Roundtable, and the Colorado Farm Bureau with the support of more than a dozen Colorado consumer and business organizations.

Watch video of the Colorado Energy Forum:

Webcast: Colorado Energy Forum

A webcast of the Colorado Energy Forum featuring candidates for Governor and U.S. Senate begins today at 12:00 p.m. ET, 10:00 a.m. M.T.

Poll Shows Voter Support for Offshore Energy

Offshore oil rig with workers

HOUSTON, TX – Consumer Energy Alliance voter polls conducted in three states with pivotal U.S. Senate races finds strong support for allowing oil and natural gas drilling in U.S. waters inside the Arctic Circle. The poll finds Alaska, Georgia and Louisiana each have  close races for U.S. Senate that will indicate the direction of federal policy towards offshore energy.

Q: Do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose allowing offshore oil and natural gas drilling north of Alaska, in U.S. waters inside the Arctic Circle?

Support Oppose
Alaska 73% 22%
Louisiana 66% 17%
Georgia 59% 21%

Voters are equally supportive of expanding offshore oil and natural gas drilling in U.S. waters. The U.S. Department of the Interior is starting a planning process which will examine the possibility of opening sections of the Atlantic Ocean and Eastern Gulf of Mexico to new drilling.

Q: Do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose expanding offshore oil and gas drilling in U.S. waters?

Support Oppose
Alaska 72% 23%
Louisiana 76% 13%
Georgia 62% 19%

Over the past decade, the U.S. federal government has stifled the ability for operators to explore the U.S. Arctic offshore through litigation and a slow moving bureaucracy, while other countries like Russia and Norway have maturing drilling operations. In September, The Wall Street Journal reported that Russia has found “major amounts of oil and natural gas” in its first drilled well located in the Kara Sea region of the Arctic Ocean. 

When briefed on the global politics facing the United States and recent steps by Russian President Vladimir Putin to advance Russia’s offshore energy efforts, voters in all three states indicated they want the U.S. Government to allow offshore oil and natural gas drilling.

Q: Over the past 10 years the amount of oil the United States imports from Russia has increased while oil production in Alaska has decreased. Under President Putin, Russia has begun drilling for oil in Russian waters inside the Arctic Circle.  Given these facts which of the following is closest to your opinion?
Alaska Georgia Louisiana
The U.S. should allow oil and natural gas drilling in the Arctic to increase domestic oil production and reduce our dependence on Russian oil. 62% 52% 55%
We should protect the Arctic, and should not allow oil and natural gas drilling in the U.S. waters of the Arctic, even if it means foreign oil imports to the U.S. continue to grow. 22% 25% 25%

Elections in Alaska, Georgia and Louisiana

Voters in all three states are not yet settled on who will be their next U.S. Senator.  The governor’s races in Alaska and Georgia are also closely contested. Margins among likely voters in all of these races are within a few points.

U.S. Senate

Alaska Sullivan Begich
46% 41%
Georgia Perdue Nunn
41% 39%
Louisiana* Cassidy Landrieu
50% win threshold… 29% 39%
Possible runoff… 46% 45%

 

Governor

Alaska Parnell Walker
46% 38%
Georgia Deal Carter
44% 36%

Energy = Bipartisan Issue

“There are not too many issues drawing bipartisan support from voters,” said David Holt, president of Consumer Energy Alliance. “Candidates would be wise to make energy their issue.”

Methodology 

Hickman Analytics conducted the three polls for Consumer Energy Alliance. In Alaska, 400 likely 2014 general election voters were surveyed via landline or cell phone between September 26th and October 2nd, the poll has a margin of error of 4.9%.  In Georgia, 500 likely 2014 general election voters were surveyed via landline or cell phone between September 26th and October 5th, the poll has a margin of error of 4.4%.  In Louisiana, 502 likely 2014 general election voters were surveyed via landline or cell phone between September 26th and October 2nd, the poll has a margin of error of 4.4%.  

GA Topline & Tables Release

AK Topline & Tables Release

LA Topline & Tables Release

###

Poll Finds Strong Support for Offshore Energy

Offshore oil rig in Gulf of Mexico

HOUSTON, TX – Consumer Energy Alliance voter polls conducted in three states with pivotal U.S. Senate races finds strong support for allowing oil and natural gas drilling in U.S. waters inside the Arctic Circle. The poll finds Alaska, Georgia and Louisiana each have  close races for U.S. Senate that will indicate the direction of federal policy towards offshore energy.

Q: Do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose allowing offshore oil and natural gas drilling north of Alaska, in U.S. waters inside the Arctic Circle?

Support Oppose
Alaska 73% 22%
Louisiana 66% 17%
Georgia 59% 21%

Voters are equally supportive of expanding offshore oil and natural gas drilling in U.S. waters. The U.S. Department of the Interior is starting a planning process which will examine the possibility of opening sections of the Atlantic Ocean and Eastern Gulf of Mexico to new drilling.

Q: Do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose expanding offshore oil and gas drilling in U.S. waters?

Support Oppose
Alaska 72% 23%
Louisiana 76% 13%
Georgia 62% 19%

Over the past decade, the U.S. federal government has stifled the ability for operators to explore the U.S. Arctic offshore through litigation and a slow moving bureaucracy, while other countries like Russia and Norway have maturing drilling operations. In September, The Wall Street Journal reported that Russia has found “major amounts of oil and natural gas” in its first drilled well located in the Kara Sea region of the Arctic Ocean. 

When briefed on the global politics facing the United States and recent steps by Russian President Vladimir Putin to advance Russia’s offshore energy efforts, voters in all three states indicated they want the U.S. Government to allow offshore oil and natural gas drilling.

Q: Over the past 10 years the amount of oil the United States imports from Russia has increased while oil production in Alaska has decreased. Under President Putin, Russia has begun drilling for oil in Russian waters inside the Arctic Circle.  Given these facts which of the following is closest to your opinion?
Alaska Georgia Louisiana
The U.S. should allow oil and natural gas drilling in the Arctic to increase domestic oil production and reduce our dependence on Russian oil. 62% 52% 55%
We should protect the Arctic, and should not allow oil and natural gas drilling in the U.S. waters of the Arctic, even if it means foreign oil imports to the U.S. continue to grow. 22% 25% 25%

Elections in Alaska, Georgia and Louisiana

Voters in all three states are not yet settled on who will be their next U.S. Senator.  The governor’s races in Alaska and Georgia are also closely contested. Margins among likely voters in all of these races are within a few points.

U.S. Senate

Alaska Sullivan Begich
46% 41%
Georgia Perdue Nunn
41% 39%
Louisiana* Cassidy Landrieu
50% win threshold… 29% 39%
Possible runoff… 46% 45%

 

Governor

Alaska Parnell Walker
46% 38%
Georgia Deal Carter
44% 36%

Energy = Bipartisan Issue

“There are not too many issues drawing bipartisan support from voters,” said David Holt, president of Consumer Energy Alliance. “Candidates would be wise to make energy their issue.”

Methodology 

Hickman Analytics conducted the three polls for Consumer Energy Alliance. In Alaska, 400 likely 2014 general election voters were surveyed via landline or cell phone between September 26th and October 2nd, the poll has a margin of error of 4.9%.  In Georgia, 500 likely 2014 general election voters were surveyed via landline or cell phone between September 26th and October 5th, the poll has a margin of error of 4.4%.  In Louisiana, 502 likely 2014 general election voters were surveyed via landline or cell phone between September 26th and October 2nd, the poll has a margin of error of 4.4%.  

LA Topline & Tables Release
GA Topline & Tables Release
AK Topline & Tables Release

###

A Vote for Energy Is a Vote for America

Mainstreet, Minerva OH

When Americans hit the polls in a few weeks, job growth and the overall economy will be the most important issue in deciding whom they vote for Congress, a recent CBS News/New York Times polls says.

A CNN/ORC poll echoed similar sentiments, as did a Bloomberg national poll, NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, and Kaiser Family Foundation Health Tracking Poll. Trepidations about the economy, these polls show, are shared by all Americans – Democrats, Republicans, Independents, blue states, red states. We all have these worries.

But what often flies under the radar is the significant role energy production plays in our economic prosperity – and how politics and policy influence our energy outlook. The energy sector has been an impressive catalyst for job creation and sustainable growth for a number of years now, helping to power the economic recovery by producing jobs and lowering unemployment. The industry employs millions directly – and many more indirectly – touching the lives of every single American in countless ways every single day. Energy also brings in much-needed revenue for all levels of government, which helps stabilize taxes. Most importantly, dramatic increases in the production of American energy have lowered heating and cooling costs for homeowners and businesses and lowered and stabilized gasoline and diesel prices for our nation’s truckers, airlines and drivers. With families spending less each month to fill their gas tank and pay their utility bills, Americans have increased disposable income to go on vacation, complete a home project and pursue other needs – all of which help further our economic recovery.

The benefits have been felt from coast to coast, both in or near areas where production is booming and outside of energy production areas, and in various industries ranging from manufacturing to transportation. Take North Dakota, an epicenter of the energy renaissance, which saw its consumers raise their spending at triple the national pace in the three years that followed the Great Recession. The nation also saw a handsome boost, as Americans spending went up an average 10.7 percent, thanks again to lower energy prices, which helped rejuvenate a once perishing U.S. manufacturing sector, which is the midst of an industry boom themselves.

These industrial and consumer benefits can be maximized – or possibly deterred – by actions made by our lawmakers. Oftentimes, legislation affects how much we pay for many of the items we use daily. Regulations influence what it costs to heat and cool our homes, fuel our vehicles, and power our homes, schools, businesses, and communities. Energy regulations also affect what we pay for other non-energy related items, such as food, electronics, clothing, medication and thousands of other everyday items. No question voters will remember how much their utility and grocery bills are or how much it cost to fill up their gas tank when they close the curtain in their voting booths.

To continue these economic benefits we have enjoyed, Consumer Energy Alliance advocates for an “all-of-the-above” strategy that highlights all sources of energy – coal, nuclear, natural gas, renewables, and energy efficiency – each play an important role in fortifying and sustaining a robust yet diverse energy mix. Understanding that energy production and the development of energy infrastructure is at its root a nonpartisan issue that crosses political lines, we feel that this sensible approach is the most efficient way for the nation to be more self-reliant, secure, and globally competitive, all while growing less dependent on overseas nations for its energy supply. Party affiliation should not matter when it comes to meeting our nation’s energy needs, growing our economy and ensure a diverse and sustainable energy future. For too long, some have attempted to create a false choice pitting the environment against energy production of all types. We can and must protect our environment AND develop our energy resources. This should be something in which Democrats and Republicans should agree.

Whom we elect into office next month will affect if such a diversified energy plan based on smart, scientific decisions materializes. Anti-development forces, lacking or ignoring the right information, have already ramped up efforts to block energy development at all levels of the government. They are ready to derail the job growth and economic development we urgently need by frightening Americans into believing that their greatest worry, according to the polls, is of little concern to them.

Don’t believe them. Energy can be developed responsibly, so the false argument that it is either the environment or energy development increasingly rings hollow. The economy and the environment can be supported through safe energy development as we head to the voting booths on Nov. 4. Voters in Red States and Blue States agree – the economy is issue Number One. Consumers everywhere should stand up and start voting for those candidates who favor a non-partisan approach to ensuring a sensible energy future that utilizes natural gas, oil, coal, wind, solar, nuclear, renewables and energy efficiency.

That’s why a vote for energy is a vote for a stronger American economy and a better way of life.

 

David Holt is President of Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA)

This oped was originally published at Real Clear Energy-

Fall Gasoline Prices Trending Lower

squirrelConsumers are getting a much-needed break this fall when it comes to energy costs. Thanks to increased domestic oil production and reduced demand, gasoline prices are trending lower in the past few weeks. Analysts expect the trend to continue.

USA Today breaks it down:

Sometime in November, gas stations in nearly 30 states will be selling gas for less than $3 a gallon, the first time that has happened since the fall of 2010.

“The percentage of gas stations with gas below $3 per gallon in the U.S. is 2.62%, and it will jump to about 20% during November and December,” according to Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst for GasBuddy.com.

According to Kloza, gasoline prices will continue falling the next few months.

Here’s to lower energy prices for consumers!!!

 

Is Your School STEM Ready?

Students walking outside on a bright sunny day on campus

America’s energy boom and its record-breaking technological breakthroughs are continuing to improve our lives in a variety of ways, including stimulating much-needed economic growth and job creation.

Energy-intensive manufacturing sectors added over 196,000 jobs and increased real sales by $124 billion in the nation’s metro areas between 2010 and 2012, the U.S. Conference of Mayors recently reported.

As a result, this energy revolution is helping provide opportunities for current and future generations that never existed before. But to take advantage, students must be up-to-speed and well-rounded in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Excelling in these fields will help students become the geoscientists, engineers, and mathematicians the nation needs to support energy development from coast to coast. STEM jobs are expected to increase by 17% in the next five years, theNational Math and Science Initiative reports, while jobs in other parts of the economy will only rise by just 10%.

Now is the time to take the necessary, proactive steps to make sure the students in our schools – America’s future workforce – is properly equipped with the expertise that is needed to compete for STEM jobs in a global economy. For example, one of the ways Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) promotes STEM education is via its annual Energy Day, a Houston-based, day-long festival with nearly 70 interactive demonstrations and exhibits that teaches students and their families about the various forms of energy, science, technology, efficiency, conservation, and careers in the energy industry.

Below are some ways you can make sure STEM education becomes a priority in your community:

 

1. Help teach your teachers

Quality STEM education begins with quality STEM teachers. Volunteer to help get STEM teaching grants for your schools educators. The Robert Noyse Teacher Scholarship Program, for instance, gives grants to institutions to enable them to provide scholarship and stipends to those who are seeking to improve their knowledge in STEM-related fields. It also helps support the development of Master Teachers who are experts in STEM education. Many state level grants are also available to help improve the skills of our educators.

 

2. Get your school STEM certified

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is a national non-profit that offers STEM curriculum and professional development to educators by linking teachers and schools from across the country and enabling them to provide high quality STEM education to students in their school. PLTW offers a K-12 model that has been successfully integrated into a variety of schools: private, public, charter, urban, rural, and suburban. Work with your schools administration to implement PLTW’s curriculum into science and technology classes.

 

3. Join a coalition

Consider getting your school or booster organization involved in an organization that pushes for STEM-related public policy. Groups like the STEM Education Coalition work to advance policies that support STEM education at the federal level. Adding your voice to the debate on STEM education is a powerful way to influence the debate and raise awareness of the need for more STEM education in schools. There are several activist’s organizations where you can get involved. Join Consumer Energy Alliance to receive updates on news, petitions, and other opportunities to support the development of STEM education. Be a sponsor or volunteer at Energy Day, an annual festival celebrating the importance of STEM education in our everyday lives.

5 STEM Careers Worth Studying For

Students walking outside on a bright sunny day on campus

Your kids are back in school wondering why it has to be, but tell them to cheer up, for there really are tremendous opportunities out there for the next generation if they focus on where the jobs are – in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) jobs in the energy field.

These opportunities are so good, in fact, your children, once acquainted with them, may be motivated to double down on their studies. They may even decide to take an interest in the energy industry, and great news – the energy field is always hiring.

Consider these five top energy careers for which your children can start preparing now for by taking more science, math and other STEM related classes:

1. Petroleum Engineer

While US jobs declined as a whole by 3% between 2007 and 2013, direct employment in the oil and gas industry climbed 40% as we simultaneously reduced oil imports by about 50%. Think there might be opportunity there? Yes, there is. Petroleum engineers are in high demand and command a median wage of $130,280. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicated, in 2012, that the US will need another 19,600 petroleum engineers between then and 2022. This need will fill new job openings (up 25.5%) and existing jobs with replacements.

What does a petroleum engineer do? Well, they analyze data to recommend where wells and processing machinery should be placed to maximize production. They monitor production rates and rework processes to improve them where possible. They analyze the quality and quantity of oil or gas, the depth at which it lies and the equipment needed to extract it for which they will often suggest modifications and techniques to increase production and profitability. It’s a career important to the nation and our economy and it pays very well.

2. Computer Systems Analyst

Every energy sector today relies upon computer technology to improve production, control equipment, monitor performance and ensure quality. Computer programmers are, therefore, in high demand in all energy sectors. The BLS tells us this job, which typically requires a Bachelor of Science degree, paid a median salary of $79,680 in 2012 and they expect the economy to need 97,100 more of these people by 2022, many of them in the energy field.

Computer analysts ensure that an organization’s current computer systems and procedures are operating efficiently and effectively, according to the BLS. They bring business and information technology (IT) together by understanding the needs and limitations of both.” They are needed on hydraulic fracturing jobs, to monitor electrical demands on power grids and to help design new technologies such as wave energy.

3. Geoscientist

Geoscience expertise is required for all oil and gas development, to locate wind towers and are connected to most forms of energy development. The BLS tells us we’re going to need 17,300 more of these folks by 2022, with new positions increasing by 14.7%. They describe the job as studying “the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and processes, to learn about its past, present, and future.” The job typically requires a B.S. degree and paid a median of $90,890 in 2012.

Geoscientists are needed, as a practical matter, to understand the geology of oil and gas drilling and pipeline locations. They are also needed to assure the stability of windmill and electrical tower sites, especially with respect to environmental compliance (e.g., managing storm water from sites and ensuring against erosion).

4. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installer

Solar energy is growing rapidly. The global solar industry expanded by 100% in 2013,  with 143,000 people employed in it here in the US, making it one of the fastest growing sectors in this country. Need for maintenance and installation of solar panels will grow with this solar energy production and the median salary is $37,900. The BLS projects these jobs will increase by 24.5% by 2022.

Solar or PV installers, as they’re often called, assemble, install and maintain solar panel systems on roofs or other structures. They typically require a high school diploma and on-the-job training lasting up to 1 year. Although, many receive training at a technical school or community college where entry-level courses and apprenticeship programs are available. It’s a blend of outside, inside and technical work that is important to our environment and our energy independence.

 

5. Wind Turbine Technician

Wind energy, like the other energy sectors, is evolving daily. It is a huge part of our new electricity generation and grows right along side oil and gas in Texas, for example, which is the national leader in both.

Wind turbine service technicians, also known as “windtechs,” install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. Most wind turbine service technicians learn their trade by attending a technical school. “After completing a 2-year technical program, employers usually provide on-the-job training, typically lasting over 12 months, ”according to the BLS. Although the median annual wage for wind turbine service technicians was $45,970 in 2012, it is projected to grow 24% by 2022. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. Windtechs are needed to install and maintain growing numbers of new turbines.

Do these energy sector jobs appeal to you as possibilities for your children? They should, as the energy sector isn’t going anywhere. It’s constantly evolving and presenting new challenges and opportunities – just the sort of thing that should motivate any child.

“Student” by CollegeDegrees360 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Reasons for projected natural gas-fired generation growth vary by region

EIA projects that natural gas-fired electric power sector generation in the contiguous United States will increase to 1,600 million megawatthours (MWh) by 2040, a 1.3% average annual increase. This growth is spread throughout the Lower 48 states, and the reasons for the growth vary in each region.