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Matt Mead on Energy & Oil |
It's very important to have that innovation here in Wyoming. An industrial park project for value-added energy products, that is uses beyond extraction, is also a part of the carbon initiative.
We should not just extract and export our energy, we should look for value-added projects that use some of our energy here. For example, our superb wind resources partner well with natural gas-fired turbines which fill out the energy stream during lulls in the wind. We should develop both wind and gas-fired turbine projects, where possible. I support current efforts for those working on such projects.
And, why not manufacture wind turbine components here, too? Let's build the items needed to develop our wind resources right here in Wyoming. This is doable. Such manufacturers are looking a Wyoming now, and I am a supporter. This is an example of how we build on Wyoming's natural advantages to diversify our economy and create jobs.
I am skeptical about man-made global warming without more and better science; but I am not skeptical about growing demand by our energy customers for cleaner coal and gas, and I am not skeptical about our oil industry's need for carbon injection technology for enhanced oil recovery. Improved technologies provide a benefit to companies and help them remain profitable.
Wyoming is on the cutting edge of many technologies. We have laws in place and projects underway. Technology will help keep our energy industry competitive. I would look favorably on legislation sent my way to foster science and commercial applications--remembering that advances in energy technology will only occur if energy companies remain profitable.
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