RSS Feed
| 
Coming Down To Earth, A Winning Strategy For Renewables
Read my latest response on the National Journal’s Energy and Environment Experts blog to the question, “What’s A Winning Strategy For Renewables?”
AGA has long supported, to the fullest extent possible, the development of a diverse domestic energy supply, including coal, oil, nuclear, wind, hydro, solar and, of course, natural gas. As Energy Secretary Steven Chu recently told our board of directors, natural gas is a necessary component of any truly renewable energy program.
And, while everyone is encouraged by the increased awareness being brought to renewables, the fact remains that all of the power produced by alternative and renewable fuel sources meets only a small portion of the country’s daily energy needs. A realistic plan for a low-carbon future, therefore, must include, and support, traditional and proven fuel sources like natural gas.
While coal has historically been the dominant fuel in America’s domestic resource base, natural gas has begun to play an increasingly important role in electricity generation. With major energy producers publicly turning to natural gas as their fuel of choice, the message is clear – as the cleanest of all fossil fuels, natural gas can provide the nation and its consumers with a proven, reliable, low-carbon source of energy.
Equally important is ensuring that the most effective and efficient application of natural gas – directly using natural gas to heat homes, to heat water, for cooking, and for other end-use applications – is encouraged and supported. Direct use of natural gas is more efficient, more cost effective and greener than converting gas to electricity to power the same end-use applications.
The best way to address climate change and support the renewable market, while still providing America with the energy it needs to grow its economy, is with a wide-ranging set of options that accesses and utilizes natural gas, and all of America’s other energy resources.
Energy Secretary Chu Identifies Natural Gas as Key to a Low-Carbon Future
Yesterday U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu spoke at the AGA Board of Directors’ meeting and told the group that natural gas will play a critical role in America’s low-carbon future. The Secretary pointed out that natural gas has an environmental “one-up” over other fossil fuels because of its low emissions, and suggested it should and can play a larger role in the generation of renewable energy.
Energy Secretary Chu
The Secretary specifically referenced the source-vs.-site issue and said he is a proponent of source measurements, which take into account the amount of energy lost along the way in the production, generation, and distribution of a fuel, i.e., the full-fuel-cycle.
Much to the delight of the audience, he also added one of his requirements for his new home in Washington, D.C. was that it had a natural gas stove and water heater. You can enjoy more photos from Secretary Chu’s visit on the AGA Flickr channel.
Energy Secretary Chu
Congratulations Mary Jane McCartney on AGA’s Distinguished Service Award
I had the opportunity to go to AGA’s board of directors dinner the other night in the Mansfield Room at the Capitol. At this special dinner, AGA honored Mary Jane McCartney with its highest service award. It’s always a pleasure when we can recognize one of our outstanding members for all the hard work they do for our association and the industry. Mary Jane seemed to enjoy herself immensely. I’ve included a couple pictures and the transcript from Bob’s remarks introducing Mary Jane.
Mary Jane McCartney and AGA Chairman Robert Skaggs
Remarks from AGA Chairman Robert Skaggs
I have the privilege this evening to recognize someone who has provided extraordinary service to our industry and our association with AGA’s Distinguished Service Award.
First, let me thank Niel Ellerbook of Vectren, who chaired the 2009 selection committee, and David McClanahan of CenterPoint Energy and Doug Yaeger of Laclede, who served on the award committee. Gentlemen, thank you.
AGA’s Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor that any member of this association can receive, and our recipient is most deserving. This is the first time the award has been made to a female colleague – and it should come as no surprise that I am talking about Mary Jane McCartney, former senior vice president of Consolidated Edison Company of New York.
David N. Parker, president and CEO of the American Gas Association and Mary Jane McCartney
Named one of the Most Influential Women in New York City Business by Crain’s New York Business in 2007, she was recognized as being responsible for gas delivery to 1.1 million homes and offices in New York City and Westchester, supervising a team of 1,000. During her tenure natural gas usage increased 150 percent. Mary Jane — Are you sure you want to remain retired? I think some of us would like to see those numbers.
Crain’s further noted that in addition to the positive effect natural gas has had in helping Consolidated Edison of New York reduce CO2 emissions, Mary Jane shepherded innovations such as robotic gas-pipe sealers on New York City’s streets.
She was also recognized in 2007 with Consolidated Edison’s Living our Values Award – it is the most prestigious honor the company bestows on an employee. This award recognizes employees who personify the corporate values of service, honesty, concern, courtesy, excellence, and teamwork, at work and home.
Mary Jane’s record of leadership in our industry has been exemplary. Her hard work and dedication to excellence throughout her entire career has been a model for all. Through her efforts, our industry has been able to successfully navigate many significant challenges.
When AGA formed the Government Relations Policy Committee in 1996 to guide AGA in its core mission, advocacy, Mary Jane was one of the first asked to serve, and her knowledge, wisdom and leadership never failed to advance the cause and interests of AGA members. She continuously served on that committee from 1996 to 2009.
Whenever the natural gas sector needed to come together to solve a problem, she was among the first asked to help guide the effort, if not lead it. She was a very active and vocal member in AGA’s Climate Change Task Force, Demand Task Force, Leadership Council, Marketing Communications Committee, Research Committee, Supply Task Force and Taxation Committee.
In addition to AGA, the organizations in which she served or led include the Gas Technology Institute (from which she retired as chairman); the Gas Industry Standards Board; the North American Energy Standards Board; the Northeast Gas Association, the International Gas Union; and the Society of Gas Lighters.
Certainly our industry, and our association, owes a huge debt of gratitude to Mary Jane, one that we can only partially pay by recognizing her with AGA’s Distinguished Service Award.
Mary Jane, so glad that you and your husband George could take time from your valuable personal time to travel down from New York to join us.
True Blue Natural Gas Blog from the American Gas Association (AGA)- Natural gas is ahead of the curve
- Spectra Energy receives the 2009 Natural Gas Video Award
- Natural Gas Market Indicators
- Sen. Murkowski, Energy Leaders Point to Natural Gas as Large Piece of the Climate Change Puzzle
- Diversification of natural gas supply is an essential consumer protection
- From Austin to Boston in a natural gas vehicle
- Natural gas, how about zero carbon emissions
- The real natural gas message in a climate crunch
- Let’s work together to protect our seniors
- Natural Gas Market Indicators
