Robert Rapier Radio Interview on Rising Gas Prices

One Comment on "Robert Rapier Radio Interview on Rising Gas Prices"

Andy Russell on Fri, 22nd Apr 2011 2:15 am 



Here are some thoughts about the debate between importing oil and converting to natural gas. Could you recommend some sources to increase my understanding of the alternatives.

America has an abundance of Natural Gas. Using newly developed drilling techniques has put America in the position of having the world’s largest natural gas reserves. America is now in the enviable position of having the world’s largest energy reserves.
The Nation has been looking for a way to free itself from foreign imports. Developing our own resources will go a long way towards reducing our dependence on foreign imports. The transition from imported oil to natural gas has gotten off to a good start. Transportation fleets are expected to accelerate their conversion to natural gas. Heavy duty natural gas trucks, busses and waste management vehicles have already been designed and are in operation. The numbers of such vehicles are small but growing.
Natural gas can be purchased at one fifth the cost of imported oil and burns much cleaner than imported oil.
Since there are only a couple manufactures of heavy duty natural gas engines the price of these engines is higher than standard diesel engines. Increased demand for natural gas engines is expected to bring in additional players and drive the cost of those engines down. Interstate truck stops are reluctant to add natural gas fueling stations until demand increases.
Congress has a bill that proposes to speed up the transition to natural gas. The bill calls for encouraging truck stops to add natural gas to their fueling stations. That availability will rapidly increase the conversion to natural gas. The bill also discusses giving support for fleets to rapidly convert to natural gas trucks and heavy equipment. With or without a jump start from the government the conversion to natural will take place. Most Americans support speeding up the conversion and reducing the huge burden of importing foreign oil.
At least six states have done exhaustive safety studies on drilling for natural gas deep below water tables. All of the studies concluded that this was one of the safest ways to produce energy. Thousands of wells have been drilled using new fracking techniques. Most states have exhaustive regulations covering drilling procedures. The tract record for fracking is excellent.
Oil Import interests and Green extremists will present stories to delay American energy producers. Importers of foreign oil want to maintain their power over the American people and they will fight to do so. The public wants cleaner cheaper energy. The public also wants more jobs for Americans and wants to keep Americas wealth in America rather than ship it to foreign nations. Taping Americas vast natural gas resource will free us from our dependence on foreign oil.