American Oil and Gas Reporter - December 2024 - 34

is a hoax,' . . . versus, 'Fossil fuels impact
climate, it's the end of the world, and
therefore we should rapidly get rid of
fossil fuels.' It's like a very un-nuanced
thing, " Epstein describes. " You need
somebody who can express views on this
with a lot of clarity and precision because
whatever the new administration does on
energy is certainly going to create a lot
of controversy, and it's much, much better
if you have a communicator who can explain
why that is. "
Bryce notes that he has interviewed
many people during his career and credits
Wright as one of the most energetic, entrepreneurial
and intelligent individuals
he has ever met.
" He's relentlessly curious and innovative, "
Bryce affirms. " He's also an unapologetic
energy humanist and an unapologetic
advocate for energy realism.
He is one of the energy sector's most
vocal advocates for domestic energy production
and increased energy availability
throughout the developing world. Under
his leadership, rather than publish a bland
ESG report that focuses on reducing
emissions, Liberty publishes a 'Bettering
Human Lives' report. The latest edition
is a 180-page document that begins with
two declarations: 'Energy is essential to
life and the world needs more of it.' And
'The modern world today is powered by
and made of hydrocarbons.' "
A WSJ news article about the nomination
points to an example where Wright
has helped demonstrate modern life's dependence
on hydrocarbons: " After the
clothing brand North Face declined to
sell jackets to an oil and gas company
with that firm's logo added to them,
Wright rented billboards in and around
Denver that said, 'That North Face puffer
looks great on you. And it was made
from fossil fuels.' "
Bully Pulpit
As he considers the impact that
Wright's appointment could have, Epstein
acknowledges that DOE's authority only
extends so far and points out that much
of its attention goes to nonhydrocarbon
matters, such as nuclear materials. Nevertheless,
he says the department's purview
includes many aspects of oil and gas.
He adds that DOE oversees the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission, which
oversees most of the country's natural
34 THE AMERICAN OIL & GAS REPORTER
gas pipeline and power systems. Epstein
deems this infrastructure the most crucial
aspect of the country's energy systems
during the next several years.
On the matter of power, Epstein notes
that the grid that serves as the basis of
electricity faces enormous supply and reliability
challenges as demand increases.
" And then with the natural gas pipeline
system, that is really the choke point for
U.S. natural gas reaching its potential, "
he continues. " U.S. natural gas is by far
the fastest scaling way we have of increasing
energy production in general
and electricity production in particular,
but it's bottlenecked by pipelines. "
However, Epstein suggests that Wright's
opportunity for improving the country's
energy outlook may have even more to do
with public education. " The secretary of
energy, because of the title, also has a significant,
at least potential, bully pulpit to
exercise leadership in energy, to express
opinions about this, " Epstein reasons. " And
now also Doug Burgum, whom I also
think is excellent, is going to be in charge
of this National Energy Council (NEC). "
Other Nominations
Burgum is not only Trump's pick to
head the new NEC, but also the president-elect's
choice to head the U.S. Department
of Interior. He has been governor
of North Dakota since 2016, before which
he ran a software startup and founded a
venture capital firm. A WSJ editorial
lauds his understanding of energy issues.
" Burgum's first charge at Interior will
be to roll back the Biden regulations
that have hampered resource development, "
the editorial predicts. " For starters,
he could scrap the Biden five-year offshore
oil and gas leasing plan that allows
only three auctions between now and
2029-the fewest of any president in
modern times. "
National Ocean Industries Association
President Erik Milito says Burgum has a
proven track record in North Dakota and
has been a strong advocate for energy
policies that prioritize production and
streamline regulations. " His deep understanding
of American energy resources
and public lands positions him to tackle
critical issues such as enhancing energy
affordability, alleviating inflation, creating
high-paying jobs and strengthening the
U.S. in the global energy marketplace, "
Milito describes. " We are excited about
his leadership and look forward to working
with him to promote American offshore
energy as a key lever to elevate America's
energy, economic and national security. "
While the NEC that Burgum will chair
is still coming together as of late November,
the WSJ editorial piece notes
that Trump has said the council will be
comprised of federal agencies with oversight
over energy permitting, production
and regulation.
" This council will oversee the path to
U.S. energy dominance by cutting red
tape, enhancing private sector investments
across all sectors of the economy, and by
focusing on innovation over longstanding,
but totally unnecessary, regulation, " a
Trump statement outlines.
" While the details of this position and
how Burgum will manage both responsibilities
still need to be worked out, what
we can assume is that he will have a significant
amount of power in the energy
space and will be key to shepherding
massive changes to energy policy across
the finish line in the coming years, "
Tarpley says.
Tarpley also applauds Trump's decision
to pick Senator Marco Rubio, R-Fl., to
become secretary of state and Congressman
Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., to head EPA.
" Senator Rubio has traditionally been a
strong supporter of the production of oil
and gas in the United States and has led
legislation to strengthen oil and natural
gas sanctions against Iran and Venezuela, "
Tarpley observes. " Rubio has also introduced
legislation that would block tax
credits for electric vehicle batteries produced
using Chinese technology.
" Zeldin is expected to quickly reverse
many pending regulatory actions, such
as the Clean Power Plan and vehicle
emission rules, " Tarpley adds. " The
methane rule, the final of which was published
(in mid-November), could also
face some alterations under his watch. "
American Energy Alliance President
Thomas Pyle also praises the choice of
Zeldin. " One of the largest hurdles to affordable,
reliable energy is our burdensome
regulatory framework. Lee Zeldin understands
the challenges that come with trying
to innovate in a space that discourages
practical solutions, " Pyle says. " His leadership
at the EPA will bring the fresh perspective
that is so desperately needed. " ❒
American Oil and Gas Reporter - December 2024

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