Category Archives: energy

Lisa Dundon AGA Scholarship Program to Support Students Seeking Careers in Natural Gas Industry

Posted on April 22, 2013 by | Leave a comment


Last Thursday marked a historic day as AGA announced that proceeds from LNG 17 will be put towards scholarships for students interested in pursuing a career in the natural gas industry. The AGA Scholarship program will provide $1 million in funding for students focused on fields related to energy.

On hand for the announcement (pictured left to right) were David Carroll, President of the Gas Technology Institute; Dave McCurdy, President and CEO of AGA; David McClanahan, President and CEO of CenterPoint Energy; and Eloise Dunn Stuhr, Vice President and Vice Chancellor for University Advancement with the University of Houston and UH System.

AGA scholarship panel 300x216 AGA Scholarship Program to Support Students Seeking Careers in Natural Gas Industry

“Natural gas is the foundation fuel for a clean and secure energy future and an economic revitalization for our country,” said McCurdy. “Our commitment will help ensure the continued vitality of the American workforce and solidify the legacy of this transformation in American energy.”

A recent survey revealed that nearly 50 percent of the energy sector is experiencing a gap in the skills of its work force in mission critical areas such as engineering and skill trade.

Students seeking a career in trade jobs that are in high demand in the natural gas industry including HVAC, Welding, Pipefitters, Mechanical/Petroleum/Chemical Engineering, Engineering Technologies/Technicians, and specific natural gas programs such as Gas Utility Construction and Service will be eligible for the scholarship. It is anticipated that more than 200 students will receive scholarships over the next five years.

Students at the schools outlined below will be selected to participate. We are so excited to share this great news and look forward to sharing more with you as the students are selected.

Baton Rouge Community College; Baton Rouge, LA
Bishop State Community College; Mobile, AL
Bismarck State College; Bismarck ND
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona; Pomona, CA
Central Piedmont Community College; Charlotte, NC
City Colleges of Chicago; Chicago, IL
Clackamas Community College; Oregon City, OR
Colorado School of Mines; Golden, CO
Erie Community College; Buffalo, NY
Gwinnett Technical College; Lawrenceville, GA
International School of Hydrocarbon Measurement; Norman, OK
Ivy Tech Community College; Terre Haute, IN
Kilgore College; Kilgore, TX
Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT); Beaumont, TX
Los Angeles Trade–Technical College; Los Angeles, CA
Marshalltown Community College; Marshalltown, IA
Monroe Community College; Rochester, NY
Northeast Iowa Community College; Calmar, IA
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College; Green Bay, WI
Northern Virginia Community College; Annandale, VA
Pennsylvania College of Technology; Williamsport, PA
Salt Lake Community College; Salt Lake City, UT
Stevens Institute of Technology; Hoboken, NJ
University of Houston, Houston; TX
West Virginia University; Morgantown, WV
Westmoreland County Community College; Youngwood, PA

Posted in energy, events, jobs, LNG, LNG17, people, technology | Leave a comment

Lisa Dundon Future of LNG Industry in the United States Looks Bright

Posted on April 18, 2013 by | Leave a comment


On Wednesday, LNG17 once again welcomed thousands of delegates and visitors to the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX.

boothtracy 300x225 Future of LNG Industry in the United States Looks Bright

AGA staff welcome delegates to LNG 17.

Day 2 of the conference began with keynote speaker Daniel Yergin, Vice Chairman of IHS and Founder of IHS Cambridge Energy Research Associates, addressing the global outlook for LNG.

Yergin said he is “very optimistic for the global gas market” forecasting 620 billion cubic feet per day (Bcfd) of demand by 2040. Through the advances in technology and infrastructure, North America is changing the face of the LNG industry.

In an interview with the KUHF Houston Public Radio, AGA President and CEO Dave McCurdy noted that with this success there are many challenges and opportunities ahead for the LNG industry.

“At the time when AGA secured the bid to host LNG17, the U.S. was the largest importer on LNG and just six years later, our country is now the largest producer and considering exporting natural gas,” said McCurdy. “We’ve gone from an age and an era of scarcity in the supply of natural gas to one of abundance.”

After the morning’s sessions, I took a stroll around the 250,000 sq. feet of exhibition space.  Each of the 350 exhibitors’ booths were stunning and unique in their own way. I was especially drawn to the vendors with two-story structures and neon lights, something I had not seen at my first trade experience during the International Builders Show.

Out of everything I saw on the exhibit floor my favorite two attractions were the natural gas refueling station by Clean Energy and the CNG heavy-duty truck by Westport. I look forward to the day when I see more of these along the highways of America!

Stay tuned to AGA’s Twitter and Facebook pages, as well as this blog for exciting news from AGA regarding our LNG legacy scholarship fund.

Posted in energy, LNG, LNG17, Natural Gas, vehicles | Leave a comment

Lisa Dundon LNG 17, We Have Lift Off

Posted on April 17, 2013 by | 1 Comment


AGA Hosts Largest Global Gas Event of the Year

The 17th International Conference and Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG 17) kicked off yesterday, attracting a record-setting 5,000 delegates from 75 countries to Houston, TX. Hosted by the American Gas Association (AGA), LNG 17 has brought strategic and commercial leaders and technical experts together for four days of sessions, workshops and tours of world-leading facilities.

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Steering Committee Chairman David Carroll welcomes LNG17 delegates to the opening ceremony.

The day began with a lively opening ceremony emceed by LNG 17 Steering Committee Chairman David Carroll and included guest speakers Andy Brown, Upstream International Director, Shell; Nobuo Tanaka, The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan; The Hon. Martin Ferguson, Resources and Energy & Minister for Tourism, Australian Government; and Christopher Smith, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy, U.S. Department of Energy.

Following the opening ceremony, delegates began to file into the 250,000 sq. ft. exhibition space and were immediately greeted by the AGA Welcome Booth featuring natural gas industry experts, information and literature about the industry, and even custom designed cowboy boots – much to everyone’s delight!

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AGA executives pose with distinguished leaders at the AGA Welcome Booth.

Yesterday’s spotlight session, Global Strategy Forum, was much anticipated and provided a global and strategic outlook of the LNG industry through the eyes of natural gas leaders from Engas, Petrobras, CNPC, ExxonMobile, Chevron, RasGas Company Limited. Many panel participants emphasized the importance of collaboration between producers and suppliers in order to maximize the use and impact of LNG across the globe.

“The future looks bright for our industry and it is important that we all work together,” said Richard Guerrant, Vice President of ExxonMobil Gas & Power Marketing.

Day one of LNG 17 came to a close with a special performance by country singer Dale Watson inside AGA’s Welcome Stand followed by an opening reception at Minute Maid Park, home to the Houston Astros. Houston and its residents certainly know how to host a great event!

stadium 300x225 LNG 17, We Have Lift Off

The opening reception was held at Minute Maid Park, home to the Houston Astros. “LNG17 & Shell Welcome You!”

AGA will be livetweeting from spotlight sessions and forums throughout the week from our Twitter handle, @aga_naturalgas. Be sure to follow along for the latest LNG 17 headlines, including AGA’s special announcement of our commitment to developing the natural gas workforce on Thursday.

Posted in energy, LNG, LNG17, Natural Gas, people, utility | 1 Comment

Lisa Dundon LIHEAP Advocates Lobby Congress for Funding

Posted on April 11, 2013 by | Leave a comment


Citizens from around the country once again gathered on Capitol Hill to call for greater support of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Yesterday, the American Gas Association (AGA) joined the National Fuel Funds Network (NFFN) and the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) in sponsoring LIHEAP Action Day, a day-long event aimed at building awareness about LIHEAP. The federal block grant program provides financial assistance to low and fixed-income individuals for fuel and utility bills, as well as low-cost weatherization and energy-related home repairs.

LIHEAP advocates 300x300 LIHEAP Advocates Lobby Congress for Funding

LIHEAP Action Day participants Mark Burger, CEDA; Marsha Belcher, CEDA & NFFN board chair; Congresswoman Cheri Bustos; Cynthia Thomas, ComEd; and Mary Streett, Exelon. Photo Courtesy: NFFN

Nearly 115 utility, fuel fund and low-income energy assistance advocates met with Congressional delegates and their staff and, for the first time, utilized social media campaigns on Facebook and Twitter using hashtag #LIHEAPAction, advocating for $4.7 billion in LIHEAP funding for FY2014.

After many years of underfunding LIHEAP, Congress funded the program at $5.1 billion in FY2009 and FY2010. Since then, funding has been cut drastically from $4.7 billion in FY2011 to less than $3.5 billion for the current fiscal year. These funding cuts have resulted in smaller assistance grants and fewer households served, severely limiting the program’s effectiveness.

There are many reasons why the LIHEAP program is so critical. Here are just a few:

  • About 46.2 million people live in poverty – the largest number in the 52-year history of published poverty estimates.
  • A recent study found that more than half of U.S. households now devote more than 20 percent of their family budget towards energy costs.
  • LIHEAP supports veterans and seniors. The number of veteran households served by LIHEAP increased by more than 150 percent over three years. Roughly 40 percent of LIHEAP recipients are seniors.
  • Roughly 75 percent of households receiving assistance earn less than $15,000 a year and 50 percent earn less than $10,000 a year.
  • Almost all recipient households support someone who is disabled, elderly, or have a child under six.
  • Infants and toddlers living in inadequately heated or cooled households are at greater risk of serious developmental health problems.

“AGA wants every American to have access to the benefits of clean, domestic natural gas,” said AGA President and CEO Dave McCurdy. “No one should need to choose between heating or cooling their home and other basic human needs. Utilities are providing help with bill payments and home weatherization, and are sponsoring fundraising efforts. We are proud of our member companies’ dedication in helping to ensure that vulnerable customers are able to meet their energy needs.”

Sen Landrieu 300x225 LIHEAP Advocates Lobby Congress for Funding

The NFFN awarded Senator Mary Landrieu with its “Extra Mile” award. Photo Courtesy: NFFN

LIHEAP Action Day ended with an evening reception and the presentation of the NFFN Extra Mile award given to Senator Mary, recognizing her for her continued support.

Posted in energy | Leave a comment