Alamo's Comments RSS Syndication from SeekingAlpha.com http://seekingalpha.comuser/232309/comments http://seekingalpha.com/article/178395-why-exxonmobil-took-the-nat-gas-plunge-now?source=feed#comment-814713 814713
It has the capacity to create good jobs that cannot be exported. It has the capacity to positively alter the trade imbalance. It has the capacity to clean our air while the country uses more of it and less coal, gasoline and diesel. It has the capacity to decrease our reliance on foreign sources---more often than not unfriendly sources--- for our primary transportation energy. and in the process enhances our national security.

Why aren't we utilizing this American treasure?

Better to support the world crude market controlled by OPEC, I guess. That quarter trillion dollars winding up in that market every year just might find better application here in these United States.]]> Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:42:39 -0500
It has the capacity to create good jobs that cannot be exported. It has the capacity to positively alter the trade imbalance. It has the capacity to clean our air while the country uses more of it and less coal, gasoline and diesel. It has the capacity to decrease our reliance on foreign sources---more often than not unfriendly sources--- for our primary transportation energy. and in the process enhances our national security.

Why aren't we utilizing this American treasure?

Better to support the world crude market controlled by OPEC, I guess. That quarter trillion dollars winding up in that market every year just might find better application here in these United States.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/177365-exxon-sees-natural-gas-as-major-source-of-future-energy-needs?source=feed#comment-803897 803897
There is no hype to the fact that we are sending over 250 billion dollars out of this economy to pay foreigners for the crude oil we import every year. With the current precarious state of the American economy we need to use our domestic NG reserves now. What in the hell are we waiting on? More pollution? More trade imbalance? More wars to "protect" our middle eastern crude reserves? ]]> Sun, 13 Dec 2009 13:21:53 -0500
There is no hype to the fact that we are sending over 250 billion dollars out of this economy to pay foreigners for the crude oil we import every year. With the current precarious state of the American economy we need to use our domestic NG reserves now. What in the hell are we waiting on? More pollution? More trade imbalance? More wars to "protect" our middle eastern crude reserves? ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/175801-gas-tax-will-thomas-friedman-silver-bullet-work?source=feed#comment-784692 784692
A possible benefactor could well be the natural gas industry.

Natural gas as CNG is 30 to 40 percent less expensive than either gasoline or diesel. As such, CNG could absorb such a fuel cost spike considerably less painful to the motoring public than gas or diesel could. We have seen as recently as last year that $4.00 gas and diesel costs will materially decrease the demand for those fuels. Although most were unaware of our true economic state a year ago, when $148.00 crude drove fuel costs through the roof, motorists cut back on the number of miles driven. Today we recognize our true economic status ("bleak" comes to mind) and as much as transportation figures into the cost of virtually everything, a 40 percent increase will be particularly painful. As the article stated, no one throughout the economy can escape that tax increase should it occur.

So how does CNG fit into this picture? Whereas CNG would cost about what we are now currently paying for gas or diesel (around $2.50 per gallon which this economy seems to tolerate) gas and diesel rising to $3.50 or more would get American motorists attention big time. I think much more so than the natural gas industry argument that it is a cleaner, mechanically superior American fuel that increases national security and would create thousands of new jobs. Forking over an extra $15 to $20 per fill up will get a lot of people's attention----some might even think an alternative fuel that's better and cheaper might be the answer.]]> Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:19:12 -0500
A possible benefactor could well be the natural gas industry.

Natural gas as CNG is 30 to 40 percent less expensive than either gasoline or diesel. As such, CNG could absorb such a fuel cost spike considerably less painful to the motoring public than gas or diesel could. We have seen as recently as last year that $4.00 gas and diesel costs will materially decrease the demand for those fuels. Although most were unaware of our true economic state a year ago, when $148.00 crude drove fuel costs through the roof, motorists cut back on the number of miles driven. Today we recognize our true economic status ("bleak" comes to mind) and as much as transportation figures into the cost of virtually everything, a 40 percent increase will be particularly painful. As the article stated, no one throughout the economy can escape that tax increase should it occur.

So how does CNG fit into this picture? Whereas CNG would cost about what we are now currently paying for gas or diesel (around $2.50 per gallon which this economy seems to tolerate) gas and diesel rising to $3.50 or more would get American motorists attention big time. I think much more so than the natural gas industry argument that it is a cleaner, mechanically superior American fuel that increases national security and would create thousands of new jobs. Forking over an extra $15 to $20 per fill up will get a lot of people's attention----some might even think an alternative fuel that's better and cheaper might be the answer.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/160510-natural-gas-stocks-the-ultimate-form-of-stored-solar-energy?source=feed#comment-775727 775727
Natural gas represents the present and is the best alternative fossil fuel available. The 50 to 100 years of current proven reserves now discovered should allow us more than sufficient time to solve the problems associated with harnessing solar energy directly and economically.

It's just a matter of time. We need to use that "battery" now.

As Ralph Nader said quite presciently, "If Exxon owned the sun, you could bet that we'd have solar"! ]]> Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:05:35 -0500
Natural gas represents the present and is the best alternative fossil fuel available. The 50 to 100 years of current proven reserves now discovered should allow us more than sufficient time to solve the problems associated with harnessing solar energy directly and economically.

It's just a matter of time. We need to use that "battery" now.

As Ralph Nader said quite presciently, "If Exxon owned the sun, you could bet that we'd have solar"! ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/171769-are-oil-and-natural-gas-cheap-or-expensive?source=feed#comment-752742 752742
Nuclear, geothermal, solar, wind, etc all have their problems (as does NG) but for our immediate needs, it poses the best solution. As soon as congress gets unbridled from the healthcare empasse and passes HR 1835 and the companion bill in the senate, S. 1408, it seems certain that President Obama will sign it into law. At that time, the transition to CNG primarily in the transportation sector, figures to take off.

Cap and trade legislation increases the environmental advantage NG has over coal in the power generating industry where it currently produces about 20 per cent of our electricity.

NG has an enormous advantage over crude oil due to its being an American domestic resource rather than a foreign commodity subject to an OPEC-controlled world market, so it doesn't have that built in $1.50 to $2.00 a gallon national security surcharge attached to it. As a transportation fuel it beats crude oil derived gasoline and diesel in every way measureable. Simply, its a vastly superior transportation fuel.

Waging a war, keeping the Straits of Hormuz open and pirates off those super tankers has its price---a very high price. ]]> Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:33:55 -0500
Nuclear, geothermal, solar, wind, etc all have their problems (as does NG) but for our immediate needs, it poses the best solution. As soon as congress gets unbridled from the healthcare empasse and passes HR 1835 and the companion bill in the senate, S. 1408, it seems certain that President Obama will sign it into law. At that time, the transition to CNG primarily in the transportation sector, figures to take off.

Cap and trade legislation increases the environmental advantage NG has over coal in the power generating industry where it currently produces about 20 per cent of our electricity.

NG has an enormous advantage over crude oil due to its being an American domestic resource rather than a foreign commodity subject to an OPEC-controlled world market, so it doesn't have that built in $1.50 to $2.00 a gallon national security surcharge attached to it. As a transportation fuel it beats crude oil derived gasoline and diesel in every way measureable. Simply, its a vastly superior transportation fuel.

Waging a war, keeping the Straits of Hormuz open and pirates off those super tankers has its price---a very high price. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/169143-world-series-of-crude-oil-winner-decides-winter-gasoline-prices?source=feed#comment-733971 733971
On the other hand there's the real possibility that utilizing our abundant natural gas reserves in the transportation sector could provide a measure of control through "demand" constraints. At the very least, transportation expenditures ought to be reduced in that scenario due to the complete disconnect in the equivalent heat value of the fuels: 8 gallons of gas or diesel at about $3.60 per gallon ($28.80) versus the current cost of a mcf of natural gas at $4.75. (I am aware that the gas and diesel price quoted are retail prices and the natural gas price is the comodity cost, but it illustrates an extreme unbalanced phenomenon in the two energy sources).

More demand---almost any additional demand can be expected to increase natural gas prices, but regardless it can double in cost and still be far cheaper than foreign sourced---and foreign priced crude. Include the adverse health and environmental aspects, the cost of keeping the Straits of Hormuz open, the Somalian pirates off the tankers and the shaky excuse of a democracy in Iraq and the cost of crude clearly becomes prohibitively expensive. Good for a bunch of terrorist-supporting sheiks and their Wall Street manipulating Buddies, but not so good for the average American driver and tax payer. Somewhere in this equation he ought to be considered. ]]> Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:23:19 -0400
On the other hand there's the real possibility that utilizing our abundant natural gas reserves in the transportation sector could provide a measure of control through "demand" constraints. At the very least, transportation expenditures ought to be reduced in that scenario due to the complete disconnect in the equivalent heat value of the fuels: 8 gallons of gas or diesel at about $3.60 per gallon ($28.80) versus the current cost of a mcf of natural gas at $4.75. (I am aware that the gas and diesel price quoted are retail prices and the natural gas price is the comodity cost, but it illustrates an extreme unbalanced phenomenon in the two energy sources).

More demand---almost any additional demand can be expected to increase natural gas prices, but regardless it can double in cost and still be far cheaper than foreign sourced---and foreign priced crude. Include the adverse health and environmental aspects, the cost of keeping the Straits of Hormuz open, the Somalian pirates off the tankers and the shaky excuse of a democracy in Iraq and the cost of crude clearly becomes prohibitively expensive. Good for a bunch of terrorist-supporting sheiks and their Wall Street manipulating Buddies, but not so good for the average American driver and tax payer. Somewhere in this equation he ought to be considered. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/159932-natural-gas-america-s-energy-salvation?source=feed#comment-731237 731237
That was a very painful episode and one that you couldn't imagine would not have spurred the nation to devise a plan to do whatever it required to make certain that it would never ever be repeated. We talked volumes but effectively did nothing. The Reagan Doctrine decreed that we spend billions building a military sufficient to "take" whatever oil we might need and use that threat to keep crude supplies flowing our way---an idiotic and utterly mindless approach that engenders world wide hatred, Islamic terrorism and "oil wars". There are monstrous costs for American tax payers in such a "plan" if you can call it such.

Now, almost 40 years later we are still strangled by the same dependency that we "enjoyed" at the time of that 1973 embargo despite the many warnings of the dire consequences it represented. The simple fact remains that "Big Oil" is not and has never been America's friend. They bought control of Congress and dictated through that body what our fuel "choices" will be and at what cost---they pull the strings and we dance. Now, at long last it appears that the natural gas industry is awakening to the fact that their worst enemy is in fact the Big Oil boys. The farther the gas industry gets from the crude oil people the better they will be. With the tremendous pressures generated by environmental activism the natural gas industry has much to gain from their much cleaner, domestic and superior product. Both coal and crude are vastly more polluting and less desirable than American natural gas.

While virtually no one believes that natural gas is the long term solution to the nation's energy dilemma, we must have mobility if our economy is to function and short term it represents far and away the best solution. Truly renewable energy sources are under development and it will take time before those energy sources have widespread application. As one commenter noted, the industry is "demand constrained" at present and that impediment can be remedied fairly quickly if the Congress acts in the interest of the American people (and not in the interest of the current American politician).

The Congress needs to pass legislation compelling the transition to a natural gas fueled transportation sector---and the President is waiting to sign it. The sooner the better]]> Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:24:14 -0400
That was a very painful episode and one that you couldn't imagine would not have spurred the nation to devise a plan to do whatever it required to make certain that it would never ever be repeated. We talked volumes but effectively did nothing. The Reagan Doctrine decreed that we spend billions building a military sufficient to "take" whatever oil we might need and use that threat to keep crude supplies flowing our way---an idiotic and utterly mindless approach that engenders world wide hatred, Islamic terrorism and "oil wars". There are monstrous costs for American tax payers in such a "plan" if you can call it such.

Now, almost 40 years later we are still strangled by the same dependency that we "enjoyed" at the time of that 1973 embargo despite the many warnings of the dire consequences it represented. The simple fact remains that "Big Oil" is not and has never been America's friend. They bought control of Congress and dictated through that body what our fuel "choices" will be and at what cost---they pull the strings and we dance. Now, at long last it appears that the natural gas industry is awakening to the fact that their worst enemy is in fact the Big Oil boys. The farther the gas industry gets from the crude oil people the better they will be. With the tremendous pressures generated by environmental activism the natural gas industry has much to gain from their much cleaner, domestic and superior product. Both coal and crude are vastly more polluting and less desirable than American natural gas.

While virtually no one believes that natural gas is the long term solution to the nation's energy dilemma, we must have mobility if our economy is to function and short term it represents far and away the best solution. Truly renewable energy sources are under development and it will take time before those energy sources have widespread application. As one commenter noted, the industry is "demand constrained" at present and that impediment can be remedied fairly quickly if the Congress acts in the interest of the American people (and not in the interest of the current American politician).

The Congress needs to pass legislation compelling the transition to a natural gas fueled transportation sector---and the President is waiting to sign it. The sooner the better]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/168495-betting-on-natural-gas-part-ii-investing-ideas?source=feed#comment-727214 727214
There appears to be overwhelming support in congress to transition this nation to one using compressed natural gas (CNG) in the national transportation sector although that body has been woefully slow to act. Quite possibly, at the end of the healthcare debate congress will get behind the CNG fueled transition issue.

Keeping the present 250 billion dollars currently being "exported" each year here in our economy has to be a powerful economic stimulous plan.

With 60 million homes in the US already served with natural gas and an increased availability of the home re-fueling units (Phill units) America could be driving on CNG relatively soon. Presently, those Phill compressors are too expensive to find widespread use, but I could see a situation where economy of manufacturing scale could make them more reasonably priced as well as more efficient. That potential 60 million market base should be a strong motivator.

Additional pertinent details on the positives of natural gas use in America can be found at :
America's New Natural Gas.com website]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:33:44 -0400
There appears to be overwhelming support in congress to transition this nation to one using compressed natural gas (CNG) in the national transportation sector although that body has been woefully slow to act. Quite possibly, at the end of the healthcare debate congress will get behind the CNG fueled transition issue.

Keeping the present 250 billion dollars currently being "exported" each year here in our economy has to be a powerful economic stimulous plan.

With 60 million homes in the US already served with natural gas and an increased availability of the home re-fueling units (Phill units) America could be driving on CNG relatively soon. Presently, those Phill compressors are too expensive to find widespread use, but I could see a situation where economy of manufacturing scale could make them more reasonably priced as well as more efficient. That potential 60 million market base should be a strong motivator.

Additional pertinent details on the positives of natural gas use in America can be found at :
America's New Natural Gas.com website]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/167096-natural-gas-etf-surges-while-real-estate-drops?source=feed#comment-722073 722073 CNG) or are in the process/planning stage of converting their fleets to CNG. Many municipal and state vehicles are following suit.

With Texas' air the most polluted in the nation that process has become a mandatory public policy and I look for it to continue and expand. With Texas' natural gas production at 25-30 percent of the national production there is no rational basis for doing otherwise.

It appears that the natural gas industry is finally beginning to realize that its worst enemy is "Big Oil". The adverse public opinion that that industry has had for years has been an anchor around the natural gas industry's much cleaner neck. OPEC is going to have to consider the competition that US natural gas reserves represent relative to the world pricing of crude. Going forward, the invariable transition to a US national transportation industry transition to CNG can and will put a serious dent in the current 25 percent of world crude demand that we currently account for.

Bottom line: as more and more school children ride to and from school on CNG powered busses, its just a matter of time before they begin driving CNG cars. Young people, well versed in environmental issues, will readily lead this certain coming change.

Natural gas' future looks bright indeed.]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:56:39 -0400 CNG) or are in the process/planning stage of converting their fleets to CNG. Many municipal and state vehicles are following suit.

With Texas' air the most polluted in the nation that process has become a mandatory public policy and I look for it to continue and expand. With Texas' natural gas production at 25-30 percent of the national production there is no rational basis for doing otherwise.

It appears that the natural gas industry is finally beginning to realize that its worst enemy is "Big Oil". The adverse public opinion that that industry has had for years has been an anchor around the natural gas industry's much cleaner neck. OPEC is going to have to consider the competition that US natural gas reserves represent relative to the world pricing of crude. Going forward, the invariable transition to a US national transportation industry transition to CNG can and will put a serious dent in the current 25 percent of world crude demand that we currently account for.

Bottom line: as more and more school children ride to and from school on CNG powered busses, its just a matter of time before they begin driving CNG cars. Young people, well versed in environmental issues, will readily lead this certain coming change.

Natural gas' future looks bright indeed.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/164713-how-much-natural-gas-remains-in-the-usa?source=feed#comment-704002 704002
These reserve figures place the US as the world's number 1 nation in the world gas reserves game.

Of course it's reasonable to suggest that higher gas prices will likely result in additional reserves. As several commentators have stated, natural gas exploration is a highly technical endeavor and hardly the willy nilly, hit or miss "wild catting" many people seem to believe it is. E and P companies---CHK, XTO, COG, DVN, ECA, etc have publicly stated that their drilling success rates aproximate 100 percent; ie,100 wells drilled and 100 wells commercially successful. This is a direct reflection of very sophisticated technology. With 3 D seismic surveys those operators KNOW what is down there prior to committing the 3.5 to 7 or 8 million dollars of BORROWED money on a gas well. In the oil/gas "patch" a true adage is: "If I drill, I hit". If anyone doubts this they might want to check the Texas Railroad Commission's website that recently noted 0 dry holes during the most recent reporting year. Fathom that. Not a single dry hole in the thousands of wells drilled in Texas.

The primary limiting factor in the exploration and production game is the cost and availability of capital in this capital-intensive industry. Like many say, "It takes money to make money". That is especially true in the exploration and production industry.

No one that has seriously studied the natural gas industry thinks that it represents a long term solution to our energy dilemma. However, it does afford us the opportunity to maintain our national mobility while solar, wind, wave, geothermal, hydrogen, etc overcome the problems that make those technologies available and economical. The inescapable fact is that natural gas is far and away the most superior fossil fuel we have.Whether we have 50 or 100 years reserves either way this ought to give our scientists and engineers the time they need to develop true renewable energy sources.

This nation can halve the tons of toxic pollutants belched into the atmosphere each day simply and quickly by transitioning the country to compressed natural gas. Natural gas is truly a national treasure.]]> Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:46:21 -0400
These reserve figures place the US as the world's number 1 nation in the world gas reserves game.

Of course it's reasonable to suggest that higher gas prices will likely result in additional reserves. As several commentators have stated, natural gas exploration is a highly technical endeavor and hardly the willy nilly, hit or miss "wild catting" many people seem to believe it is. E and P companies---CHK, XTO, COG, DVN, ECA, etc have publicly stated that their drilling success rates aproximate 100 percent; ie,100 wells drilled and 100 wells commercially successful. This is a direct reflection of very sophisticated technology. With 3 D seismic surveys those operators KNOW what is down there prior to committing the 3.5 to 7 or 8 million dollars of BORROWED money on a gas well. In the oil/gas "patch" a true adage is: "If I drill, I hit". If anyone doubts this they might want to check the Texas Railroad Commission's website that recently noted 0 dry holes during the most recent reporting year. Fathom that. Not a single dry hole in the thousands of wells drilled in Texas.

The primary limiting factor in the exploration and production game is the cost and availability of capital in this capital-intensive industry. Like many say, "It takes money to make money". That is especially true in the exploration and production industry.

No one that has seriously studied the natural gas industry thinks that it represents a long term solution to our energy dilemma. However, it does afford us the opportunity to maintain our national mobility while solar, wind, wave, geothermal, hydrogen, etc overcome the problems that make those technologies available and economical. The inescapable fact is that natural gas is far and away the most superior fossil fuel we have.Whether we have 50 or 100 years reserves either way this ought to give our scientists and engineers the time they need to develop true renewable energy sources.

This nation can halve the tons of toxic pollutants belched into the atmosphere each day simply and quickly by transitioning the country to compressed natural gas. Natural gas is truly a national treasure.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/162763-exxon-mobil-is-a-buy?source=feed#comment-687752 687752
XOM's proven reserves are decreasing at around 5 percent annually over the past 3 years and it is doubtful that that trend will not continue. What does their future hold in 15-20 years? Presently, their "strategic" thinking seems to be chasing around the far corners of the globe looking for increasingly difficult to find reserves and cutting deals with increasingly difficult to "negotiate with" foreign government bureaucrats. Both endeavors---finding reserves and then "enticing concessions from the controlling powers" is very expensive as well as extremely risky.

A far less risky and less expensive course would be to scrap XOM's wild goose approach and concentrate their money and energy toward buying a Chesapeake or XTO or other principle player in the domestic natural gas exploration and production game. At this time when low natural gas prices have depressed market caps throughout the E and P sector, when the US begins driving on CNG the value of those principle-player companies will quickly double at least.

Regardless, XOM's future is bleak if it continues its current direction. Are there any XOM share holders reading SA?

]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:17:19 -0400
XOM's proven reserves are decreasing at around 5 percent annually over the past 3 years and it is doubtful that that trend will not continue. What does their future hold in 15-20 years? Presently, their "strategic" thinking seems to be chasing around the far corners of the globe looking for increasingly difficult to find reserves and cutting deals with increasingly difficult to "negotiate with" foreign government bureaucrats. Both endeavors---finding reserves and then "enticing concessions from the controlling powers" is very expensive as well as extremely risky.

A far less risky and less expensive course would be to scrap XOM's wild goose approach and concentrate their money and energy toward buying a Chesapeake or XTO or other principle player in the domestic natural gas exploration and production game. At this time when low natural gas prices have depressed market caps throughout the E and P sector, when the US begins driving on CNG the value of those principle-player companies will quickly double at least.

Regardless, XOM's future is bleak if it continues its current direction. Are there any XOM share holders reading SA?

]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/143655-oil-natural-gas-ratio-still-extreme?source=feed#comment-550923 550923
That imbalance will likely tighten in the reasonably near future due to pending federal legislation currently winding its way through Congress.

Another major impact will come from the significant environmental advantage that natural gas has over the vastly more polluting gasoline and diesel fuels derived from crude oil.

As gasoline pump prices continue their upward climb, Americans will demand Congressional action and natural gas wins that battle. Barack Obama has indicated that he favors utilization of natural gas in the transportation sector. With re-fueling facilities in place and Detroit's head still vibrating from their recent melt down, I look for them to begin building NGVs by the millions. Corporate truck fleets are either converting to CNG (ie, AT&T) or seriously studying the conversion process (ie, Wal-Mart,etc). Municipal bus fleets in progressive cities across America are fueled with CNG as a ready means to cleaner air quality. I see the pressure to clean up the air in all cities to continue the move toward CNG vehicles (taxicabs, city delivery vehicles, sanitation depts, fire and police depts, ambulances, etc) materially increasing in the near term.

Virtually every American considers himself to be an environmentalist---so long as it doesn't cost much. CNG vehicles are environmentally positive and won't cost much more with the subsidies likely to be available.

The gas to oil price disparity seems certain to equalize in the next 24 to 36 months and the sooner, the better.
]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:25:43 -0400
That imbalance will likely tighten in the reasonably near future due to pending federal legislation currently winding its way through Congress.

Another major impact will come from the significant environmental advantage that natural gas has over the vastly more polluting gasoline and diesel fuels derived from crude oil.

As gasoline pump prices continue their upward climb, Americans will demand Congressional action and natural gas wins that battle. Barack Obama has indicated that he favors utilization of natural gas in the transportation sector. With re-fueling facilities in place and Detroit's head still vibrating from their recent melt down, I look for them to begin building NGVs by the millions. Corporate truck fleets are either converting to CNG (ie, AT&T) or seriously studying the conversion process (ie, Wal-Mart,etc). Municipal bus fleets in progressive cities across America are fueled with CNG as a ready means to cleaner air quality. I see the pressure to clean up the air in all cities to continue the move toward CNG vehicles (taxicabs, city delivery vehicles, sanitation depts, fire and police depts, ambulances, etc) materially increasing in the near term.

Virtually every American considers himself to be an environmentalist---so long as it doesn't cost much. CNG vehicles are environmentally positive and won't cost much more with the subsidies likely to be available.

The gas to oil price disparity seems certain to equalize in the next 24 to 36 months and the sooner, the better.
]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/143513-is-natural-gas-a-long-term-investment?source=feed#comment-549202 549202 MBTU) of natural gas currently costs about $4.12 while crude costs $12.59 for the same MBTU.

This 1:3 ratio cost discrepancy, would clearly seem to favor an escalation in natural gas prices even if crude costs come down a bit.

At 1:3, there's considerable leeway for heat purchasers to buy more gas and less crude. Throw in the environmental benefits inherent in natural gas combustion and something has to give. It should rather clearly result in an increasing demand for gas. With the glut in gas supply the adjustment expected won't be 1:1 ($12.00) but it is unrealistic to think prices will remain at $4.00.

The natural gas industry has to re-invent itself sufficiently to enable gas to be available wherever crude oil is. When that conundrum is solved ----and it's primarily in the transportation sector that crude is the king pin---natural gas will be the clear winner and $4.00 natural gas will be a distant memory. ]]> Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:37:17 -0400 MBTU) of natural gas currently costs about $4.12 while crude costs $12.59 for the same MBTU.

This 1:3 ratio cost discrepancy, would clearly seem to favor an escalation in natural gas prices even if crude costs come down a bit.

At 1:3, there's considerable leeway for heat purchasers to buy more gas and less crude. Throw in the environmental benefits inherent in natural gas combustion and something has to give. It should rather clearly result in an increasing demand for gas. With the glut in gas supply the adjustment expected won't be 1:1 ($12.00) but it is unrealistic to think prices will remain at $4.00.

The natural gas industry has to re-invent itself sufficiently to enable gas to be available wherever crude oil is. When that conundrum is solved ----and it's primarily in the transportation sector that crude is the king pin---natural gas will be the clear winner and $4.00 natural gas will be a distant memory. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/136730-loss-of-manufacturing-jobs-prevents-normal-recovery?source=feed#comment-498046 498046
HR 1835 is the NAT GAS Act that materially supports a national transition to natural gas as CNG for transportation fuel. Implementing the infrastrustural changes such a transition would/will require will create millions of American jobs that likely will be singularly American. No outsourcing, or little if any, will be involved. Such a monumental shift will change things up considerably, effectively and positively.and indoing so put millions of Americans back to work.]]> Sun, 10 May 2009 16:12:36 -0400
HR 1835 is the NAT GAS Act that materially supports a national transition to natural gas as CNG for transportation fuel. Implementing the infrastrustural changes such a transition would/will require will create millions of American jobs that likely will be singularly American. No outsourcing, or little if any, will be involved. Such a monumental shift will change things up considerably, effectively and positively.and indoing so put millions of Americans back to work.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/131496-saudi-khurais-field-looks-like-easy-oil-may-be-gone-from-arabia-too?source=feed#comment-467783 467783
But one of these days though, the collective wisdom of the coporate giants' share holders will as rapidly begin to wake up and ask, "Why such a program"? Especially at a time that they have found the "fruit" of their chase--both the low hanging as well at that higher up in the tree. With the enormous profits realized over the past 100 years its past time to turn their attention toward a longer term solution to the world's energy problems. So far their "solution" has been to manipulate supplies, prices and propaganda as the situation requires.

While crude oil reserves continue to decline which translates into ultimate higher consumer costs those profits mentioned above should be used to develop new solutions to the world's absolute need for reliable, clean and affordable energy. Cut the obsfucation and get to the task of providing that energy. Wind, solar and natural gas are ready solutions for both the short and long term.

]]> Sat, 18 Apr 2009 16:23:38 -0400
But one of these days though, the collective wisdom of the coporate giants' share holders will as rapidly begin to wake up and ask, "Why such a program"? Especially at a time that they have found the "fruit" of their chase--both the low hanging as well at that higher up in the tree. With the enormous profits realized over the past 100 years its past time to turn their attention toward a longer term solution to the world's energy problems. So far their "solution" has been to manipulate supplies, prices and propaganda as the situation requires.

While crude oil reserves continue to decline which translates into ultimate higher consumer costs those profits mentioned above should be used to develop new solutions to the world's absolute need for reliable, clean and affordable energy. Cut the obsfucation and get to the task of providing that energy. Wind, solar and natural gas are ready solutions for both the short and long term.

]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/126391-open-letter-to-boone-pickens?source=feed#comment-431470 431470 There is no doubt whatsoever in my mind that we should be doing everything we can as a nation to develop natural gas as our primary transportation fuel.

The dollar drain on our economy; the negative foreign policy entanglements; the national security issues all represent crises that must be addressed and utilizing natural gas is a doable and available solution to solving those problems.

No one believes that natural gas is the ultimate energy solution, but we need to have a functioning mobile nation while we transition to solar, wind, geothermal and other sources of energy. If we have as the experts have stated, something like 50 to a 100 years' worth of natural gas reserves, that should give us a sufficient time to perfect future energy technology. (And install the infrastructure that will be required to support the new technolgy) Added exploration is INCREASING American gas reserves--not so for crude oil.

Continuation of the "policy" (?) of importing 12 million barrels of crude every day is endangering and ultimately bankrupting America not to mention the disastrous foreign policy catastrophies we have witnessed in support of such idiocy.

Congress must be forced or threatened into action as their inaction since the Arab oil embargo of 1973 rather proves they won't do a damn thing without holding their collective feet to the fire.

Thanks for the excellent post.

]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:56:46 -0400 There is no doubt whatsoever in my mind that we should be doing everything we can as a nation to develop natural gas as our primary transportation fuel.

The dollar drain on our economy; the negative foreign policy entanglements; the national security issues all represent crises that must be addressed and utilizing natural gas is a doable and available solution to solving those problems.

No one believes that natural gas is the ultimate energy solution, but we need to have a functioning mobile nation while we transition to solar, wind, geothermal and other sources of energy. If we have as the experts have stated, something like 50 to a 100 years' worth of natural gas reserves, that should give us a sufficient time to perfect future energy technology. (And install the infrastructure that will be required to support the new technolgy) Added exploration is INCREASING American gas reserves--not so for crude oil.

Continuation of the "policy" (?) of importing 12 million barrels of crude every day is endangering and ultimately bankrupting America not to mention the disastrous foreign policy catastrophies we have witnessed in support of such idiocy.

Congress must be forced or threatened into action as their inaction since the Arab oil embargo of 1973 rather proves they won't do a damn thing without holding their collective feet to the fire.

Thanks for the excellent post.

]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/112434-why-we-need-higher-gas-prices?source=feed#comment-341067 341067
We are facing a real energy crisis. Too many of these "comments" strongly suggest otherwise. If and when the too likely scenario of a significant disruption of the primary supply of crude in the middle east occurs, last summer's prices will look like the "good old days".

We don't need to wait on OPEC to get a workable production reduction agreement to double the present price to $70-$80 per barrell. They will get it sooner than later, and that success might well entice them to keep driving the price higher. If the world economy was not in the state of collapse that it now is OPEC would already have turned the screws on us. Their intent is to wring every last penney out of us, pure and simple. We beat them (along with the rest of the industrialized world0 to the punch by all falling into an economic black hole and ultimately reducing demand. Some consolation.

Geopolitical wars and environmental destruction coupled with economic ruin are the apocalyptic brothers of "cheap oil"

America needs to do better, and sooner than later. ]]> Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:51:29 -0500
We are facing a real energy crisis. Too many of these "comments" strongly suggest otherwise. If and when the too likely scenario of a significant disruption of the primary supply of crude in the middle east occurs, last summer's prices will look like the "good old days".

We don't need to wait on OPEC to get a workable production reduction agreement to double the present price to $70-$80 per barrell. They will get it sooner than later, and that success might well entice them to keep driving the price higher. If the world economy was not in the state of collapse that it now is OPEC would already have turned the screws on us. Their intent is to wring every last penney out of us, pure and simple. We beat them (along with the rest of the industrialized world0 to the punch by all falling into an economic black hole and ultimately reducing demand. Some consolation.

Geopolitical wars and environmental destruction coupled with economic ruin are the apocalyptic brothers of "cheap oil"

America needs to do better, and sooner than later. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/112173-chesapeake-energy-unable-to-rally-even-after-positive-news?source=feed#comment-337916 337916
Texas A&M's Chemical Engineering Dept has developed an economical technology to produce high octane gasoline and sulfurless diesel directly from natural gas. This process has been licensed to Synfuels Corp. in Dallas. (Apparently, Marathon is in the start-up phase of a similar facility for converting nat gas into gasoline in San Antonio)Synfuels currently is building a nat gas to gasoline plant in Qatar.
.
If the new congress and the Obama administration actively push CNG and subsidize CNG re-fueling facilities along the Interstate highway system, we will be driving (and trucking) on it sooner than later.

Subsidizing residential CNG "Phill" units to an affordable degree can also drive the demand factor.

Since all of these will create job opportunities for Americans and utilize an American fuel resource in line with the Obama administration's avowed intention to end our dependence on foreign oil and create millions of jobs, natural gas will likely be favored. ]]> Wed, 24 Dec 2008 23:49:36 -0500
Texas A&M's Chemical Engineering Dept has developed an economical technology to produce high octane gasoline and sulfurless diesel directly from natural gas. This process has been licensed to Synfuels Corp. in Dallas. (Apparently, Marathon is in the start-up phase of a similar facility for converting nat gas into gasoline in San Antonio)Synfuels currently is building a nat gas to gasoline plant in Qatar.
.
If the new congress and the Obama administration actively push CNG and subsidize CNG re-fueling facilities along the Interstate highway system, we will be driving (and trucking) on it sooner than later.

Subsidizing residential CNG "Phill" units to an affordable degree can also drive the demand factor.

Since all of these will create job opportunities for Americans and utilize an American fuel resource in line with the Obama administration's avowed intention to end our dependence on foreign oil and create millions of jobs, natural gas will likely be favored. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/111634-35-oil-steve-forbes-was-off-by-two-years?source=feed#comment-334705 334705
How right, Sir Winston's quoted comment above except we haven't heard from Stevie yet, explaining what intervening factor(s) caused his erroneous pontification.. or so)It's always those damn intervening factors that cause an otherwise dead on prediction to miss the target by a mile or 'er 2 years0

Why do these pompous asses comment with absolute certainty and then rarely, if ever, get called back to explain, "wha' happened"?
If they did ---and Forbes is only one of hundreds--that gives us non-stop spiels about what is certain to occur going forward do you think they would tell anyone? If there was an honest bone in their body the only cerain prediction they would make is, " I have no idea what the future holds".

I predict $86.23 oil in 6 months. Why? this is an amount my fingers typed on this key board and my fingers won't tell me what their rationale is. If the future proves otherwise blame my fingers. Right, Steve Forbes?]]> Sat, 20 Dec 2008 15:55:11 -0500
How right, Sir Winston's quoted comment above except we haven't heard from Stevie yet, explaining what intervening factor(s) caused his erroneous pontification.. or so)It's always those damn intervening factors that cause an otherwise dead on prediction to miss the target by a mile or 'er 2 years0

Why do these pompous asses comment with absolute certainty and then rarely, if ever, get called back to explain, "wha' happened"?
If they did ---and Forbes is only one of hundreds--that gives us non-stop spiels about what is certain to occur going forward do you think they would tell anyone? If there was an honest bone in their body the only cerain prediction they would make is, " I have no idea what the future holds".

I predict $86.23 oil in 6 months. Why? this is an amount my fingers typed on this key board and my fingers won't tell me what their rationale is. If the future proves otherwise blame my fingers. Right, Steve Forbes?]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/110107-6-natural-investments-in-natural-gas?source=feed#comment-328395 328395
At best it reflects very poorly on CHK's business practices assuming it was due to simply a clerical ommission. At worst, it suggests a very serious state of financial affairs. I am long CHK and would "like" to think the company is solvent. What IS the explanation Mr McClendon?]]> Sat, 13 Dec 2008 14:45:51 -0500
At best it reflects very poorly on CHK's business practices assuming it was due to simply a clerical ommission. At worst, it suggests a very serious state of financial affairs. I am long CHK and would "like" to think the company is solvent. What IS the explanation Mr McClendon?]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/110219-natural-gas-transportation-is-a-win-win-technology?source=feed#comment-327008 327008
The ethanol boondoggle enforces the law of unintended consequences. One intended consequence was the effect it had on running up the cost of meat, chicken, milk, bread products, grains of all kinds---fewer acres planted to grains other than corn and on and on. As well as getting a bunch of farm belt politicians elected and re-elected---talk about a massive bail out, the ethanol disaster was one in spades. But the Corn Belt enjoyed it during its short life and it kept a lot of construction workers--some of whom were American, employed building ethanol plants across the upper midwest. The farm lobby loved their handiwork as well but I digress.

At this time our precarious economy cannot afford the dollar drain that foreign sources of crude oil entail. Couple that with the cost of maintaining the world's largest military machine that's required to protect and ensure that supply and the cost is clearly prohibitive. And don't forget to throw in the cost of the "adventure" in Iraq to the tune of 3-5 TRILLION dollars according to Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz and its "doubly" prohibitive.

We need a better plan if we want to continue in the capacity we love to think of ourselves as, "Leaders of the world". We absolutely must get our economic house in order--hopefully first class order and as quickly as possible.

Utilization of the enormous natural gas reserves discovered in the last 10 years is a good first start. Whether the natural gas is used as a transportation fuel source as CNG or GTL is debatable---but the utilization is not and the necessity of powering our vehicles with an American fuel source is not as well. As several replys stated, there's nothing to "invent" except the national decision to get control of our economy and sinultaneously, improve our national security.

The "way" is right under our feet--about 2 miles or so-- we have to find within us the "will" to end our strangling dependency on foreign oil.

The "change" we need is to use American fuel, American wind and keep our money in our economy. Seems fairly simple from a policy standpoint, but as is often the case, the devil is in the details.

If we as a nation could go from scratch to the moon and back in less than 10 years powered essentially by strong leadership, certainly we can transform our national transportation system to one using vastly superior energy sources that are abundantly available---natural gas and wind.
]]> Fri, 12 Dec 2008 02:58:45 -0500
The ethanol boondoggle enforces the law of unintended consequences. One intended consequence was the effect it had on running up the cost of meat, chicken, milk, bread products, grains of all kinds---fewer acres planted to grains other than corn and on and on. As well as getting a bunch of farm belt politicians elected and re-elected---talk about a massive bail out, the ethanol disaster was one in spades. But the Corn Belt enjoyed it during its short life and it kept a lot of construction workers--some of whom were American, employed building ethanol plants across the upper midwest. The farm lobby loved their handiwork as well but I digress.

At this time our precarious economy cannot afford the dollar drain that foreign sources of crude oil entail. Couple that with the cost of maintaining the world's largest military machine that's required to protect and ensure that supply and the cost is clearly prohibitive. And don't forget to throw in the cost of the "adventure" in Iraq to the tune of 3-5 TRILLION dollars according to Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz and its "doubly" prohibitive.

We need a better plan if we want to continue in the capacity we love to think of ourselves as, "Leaders of the world". We absolutely must get our economic house in order--hopefully first class order and as quickly as possible.

Utilization of the enormous natural gas reserves discovered in the last 10 years is a good first start. Whether the natural gas is used as a transportation fuel source as CNG or GTL is debatable---but the utilization is not and the necessity of powering our vehicles with an American fuel source is not as well. As several replys stated, there's nothing to "invent" except the national decision to get control of our economy and sinultaneously, improve our national security.

The "way" is right under our feet--about 2 miles or so-- we have to find within us the "will" to end our strangling dependency on foreign oil.

The "change" we need is to use American fuel, American wind and keep our money in our economy. Seems fairly simple from a policy standpoint, but as is often the case, the devil is in the details.

If we as a nation could go from scratch to the moon and back in less than 10 years powered essentially by strong leadership, certainly we can transform our national transportation system to one using vastly superior energy sources that are abundantly available---natural gas and wind.
]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/110055-chesapeake-when-gas-prices-will-recover?source=feed#comment-325816 325816
Those hedges should be entirely sufficient to carry CHK profitably forward during the economic uncertainty going forward. Bottom line is the uncontrovertible fact that Aubrey McClendon has acquired very valuable undeveloped reserves and negotiated deals with companies that wanted a percentage of access to those properties. With the hefty cost involved in developing gas reserves I think it makes perfectly good business sense in sharing those costs while retaining half (or more) of the production when it does come on line.

The trick is "being firstest with the mostest", and when it comes to American unconventional natural gas reserves Chesapeake is at the top of their game. CHK and McClendon didn't become the top natural gas producer in the US by being stupid. ]]> Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:02:59 -0500
Those hedges should be entirely sufficient to carry CHK profitably forward during the economic uncertainty going forward. Bottom line is the uncontrovertible fact that Aubrey McClendon has acquired very valuable undeveloped reserves and negotiated deals with companies that wanted a percentage of access to those properties. With the hefty cost involved in developing gas reserves I think it makes perfectly good business sense in sharing those costs while retaining half (or more) of the production when it does come on line.

The trick is "being firstest with the mostest", and when it comes to American unconventional natural gas reserves Chesapeake is at the top of their game. CHK and McClendon didn't become the top natural gas producer in the US by being stupid. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/109565-what-is-the-longer-term-impact-of-weak-oil-prices?source=feed#comment-323251 323251
We need to use this likely brief fall in gasoline/crude prices to get the nation converted to natural gas as our primary transportation fuel.

Cleaner, cheaper and American. What's wrong with that picture?

I hope that Congress will get it in the undoubted tax payer funding of the Big 3 auto companies.]]> Sun, 07 Dec 2008 15:54:50 -0500
We need to use this likely brief fall in gasoline/crude prices to get the nation converted to natural gas as our primary transportation fuel.

Cleaner, cheaper and American. What's wrong with that picture?

I hope that Congress will get it in the undoubted tax payer funding of the Big 3 auto companies.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/106294-obama-s-first-move-on-the-economy?source=feed#comment-308361 308361
The lack of brains got us into this mess which now has triggered a world wide disaster like few have seen in their lifetimes and brain power is the means by which we can solve it.

If brains were money, Reagan, Bush1, Bush2, Gramm and Mccain together together raise a dime. Steal it, maybe though. ]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:07:02 -0500
The lack of brains got us into this mess which now has triggered a world wide disaster like few have seen in their lifetimes and brain power is the means by which we can solve it.

If brains were money, Reagan, Bush1, Bush2, Gramm and Mccain together together raise a dime. Steal it, maybe though. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/106332-the-pickens-plan-changes-its-strategy?source=feed#comment-308313 308313 cubic ft of natural gas (mcf) contains approx 1 million BTUs---these are the generally accepted heat values. Crude oil is currently priced at about $65 per barrell whereas natural gas is about $6.50 per mcf or 58 per cent the cost of crude.

Oxidizing (ie; burning) crude versus nat. gas is 75 per cent or more polluting than natural gas. Shipping crude 6,000 miles by tanker presents additional pollution problems---anyone remember the Exxon Valdez environmental disaster? Alaskans and Exxon Mobil certainly do.

The EPA has said that the Honda Civic GX was the least pollouting vehicle they have ever tested---including the Toyota Prius. Anyone interested in burning crude, diesel or gasoline in their kitchen stove? I don't think so.

With the foreign policy disasters directly traceable to our reliance on crude supplies that we have to control with our military---a very deadly and unsustainably costly "control", I frankly cannot imagine why anyone would support any continuation of that insane policy. As world oil continues to decline we can anticipate 2 things: 1) more militarism and 2) economic ruin.

It is an absolute certainty that we must maintain an efficient and affordable transportation system fueled by an American produced energy source. In the immediate short term natural gas as the preferential fuel is an almost providential solution. Its American, its abundantly available, its less expensive and far cleaner than crude oil based fuels--gasoline or diesel. 40 per cent cheaper and 80 per cent less polluting and all-American. Win, win, win and WIND!

We need to bow our collective American necks and demand this change now.]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:36:11 -0500 cubic ft of natural gas (mcf) contains approx 1 million BTUs---these are the generally accepted heat values. Crude oil is currently priced at about $65 per barrell whereas natural gas is about $6.50 per mcf or 58 per cent the cost of crude.

Oxidizing (ie; burning) crude versus nat. gas is 75 per cent or more polluting than natural gas. Shipping crude 6,000 miles by tanker presents additional pollution problems---anyone remember the Exxon Valdez environmental disaster? Alaskans and Exxon Mobil certainly do.

The EPA has said that the Honda Civic GX was the least pollouting vehicle they have ever tested---including the Toyota Prius. Anyone interested in burning crude, diesel or gasoline in their kitchen stove? I don't think so.

With the foreign policy disasters directly traceable to our reliance on crude supplies that we have to control with our military---a very deadly and unsustainably costly "control", I frankly cannot imagine why anyone would support any continuation of that insane policy. As world oil continues to decline we can anticipate 2 things: 1) more militarism and 2) economic ruin.

It is an absolute certainty that we must maintain an efficient and affordable transportation system fueled by an American produced energy source. In the immediate short term natural gas as the preferential fuel is an almost providential solution. Its American, its abundantly available, its less expensive and far cleaner than crude oil based fuels--gasoline or diesel. 40 per cent cheaper and 80 per cent less polluting and all-American. Win, win, win and WIND!

We need to bow our collective American necks and demand this change now.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/106141-what-s-oil-s-future?source=feed#comment-307217 307217
If the Big 3 auto mfgrs receive the bail out money they need to stay afloat, the government and the environment forces must dictate the roll over to CNG powered vehicles as well as the mandated requirement that a national re-fueling infrastructure be implemented.

The sooner this alliance comes together the better for all Americans.
Utilizing OUR fuel; an abundant fuel and considerably cleaner burning (think about cooking with gasoline versus natural gas in your kitchen stove) will create millions of jobs and keep BILLIONS of dollars in our economy. This "roll over" will keep us rolling while the development of solar power is perfected---currently prohibitively expensive for widespread utilization nationally.

The first step is getting the re-fueling facilities in place and if those are built you can rest assured that the Big 3 will come---and quickly. They don't have much choice to do otherwise3]]> Sun, 16 Nov 2008 12:19:55 -0500
If the Big 3 auto mfgrs receive the bail out money they need to stay afloat, the government and the environment forces must dictate the roll over to CNG powered vehicles as well as the mandated requirement that a national re-fueling infrastructure be implemented.

The sooner this alliance comes together the better for all Americans.
Utilizing OUR fuel; an abundant fuel and considerably cleaner burning (think about cooking with gasoline versus natural gas in your kitchen stove) will create millions of jobs and keep BILLIONS of dollars in our economy. This "roll over" will keep us rolling while the development of solar power is perfected---currently prohibitively expensive for widespread utilization nationally.

The first step is getting the re-fueling facilities in place and if those are built you can rest assured that the Big 3 will come---and quickly. They don't have much choice to do otherwise3]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/97877-increase-of-state-controlled-resources-threatens-u-s-consumers?source=feed#comment-269590 269590
To think (or not to think in their case) that "Big Oil" would drop everything and chase around the most dangerous and anti-American areas of the world ---especially after the disastrous 8 decades, 'er years, of Bush and Cheney-- to time and time again, sail off to those "forbidden" lands, develop their oil and gas and then promptly get told to "hit the road" (which they undoubtedly built) bogs the mind.

Take ExxonMobil, Shell and ConocoPhillips with offices in Dallas and Houston virtually ignoring the vast natural gas resources within a 200 mile radius of those cities to risk their share holders' money chasing after thug government resources in virtually inaccessible places 10,000 miles away. And if and when those resources are developed represent a prime nationalization project as soon as the oil and gas starts flowing. It's too absurd to even contemplate.

In fact though it just might not be coincidental that those "Big Oil" boys continue to perpetuate this world wide scheme. It gives them a ready explanation for high energy costs. They develop; the thugs expropriate and sell the crude by the boatload back to Big Oil's refineries who then pass the costs on to American consumers.

This absurdity can be ended. Demand that Congress push natural gas infrastructure build up. When Americans can either fill their cars in their own garages or up the street at the corner fuel station, that national debacle will be ended.

But relying on the Russians, the Venezuelans, OPEC and others with names we cannot even pronounce, much less spell to "provide" our transportation fuel will, and is, bankrupting this nation.

Natural gas is our way out of this trap and we need to take immediate advantage of it.]]> Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:17:09 -0400
To think (or not to think in their case) that "Big Oil" would drop everything and chase around the most dangerous and anti-American areas of the world ---especially after the disastrous 8 decades, 'er years, of Bush and Cheney-- to time and time again, sail off to those "forbidden" lands, develop their oil and gas and then promptly get told to "hit the road" (which they undoubtedly built) bogs the mind.

Take ExxonMobil, Shell and ConocoPhillips with offices in Dallas and Houston virtually ignoring the vast natural gas resources within a 200 mile radius of those cities to risk their share holders' money chasing after thug government resources in virtually inaccessible places 10,000 miles away. And if and when those resources are developed represent a prime nationalization project as soon as the oil and gas starts flowing. It's too absurd to even contemplate.

In fact though it just might not be coincidental that those "Big Oil" boys continue to perpetuate this world wide scheme. It gives them a ready explanation for high energy costs. They develop; the thugs expropriate and sell the crude by the boatload back to Big Oil's refineries who then pass the costs on to American consumers.

This absurdity can be ended. Demand that Congress push natural gas infrastructure build up. When Americans can either fill their cars in their own garages or up the street at the corner fuel station, that national debacle will be ended.

But relying on the Russians, the Venezuelans, OPEC and others with names we cannot even pronounce, much less spell to "provide" our transportation fuel will, and is, bankrupting this nation.

Natural gas is our way out of this trap and we need to take immediate advantage of it.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/96685-why-drill-baby-drill-does-not-translate-into-effective-national-energy-policy?source=feed#comment-262738 262738
So if there is a national reliance on natural gas by Americans for some, much, or virtually all of the nation's transportation needs, that increased demand will of course benefit me directly.

That said, I believe that any energy source that is American based will have a tremendously beneficial effect on our economy. Especially so if that primary energy source can be provided at a reduced cost to that of an increasingly less available source, ie, gasoline and diesel. Adding the significant benefits that natural gas brings to the environment should make it our number 1 transportation fuel of choice.

No matter how much additional oil is discovered, it is not going to be done cheaply so the massive capital costs involved will require that those costs be passed directly to the consumer. It's not a reach to look forward and see future pump prices at $5.00, $6.00 or more. Under the rosiest of scenarios, the OCS and ANWR exploraton might supply us with another 4 or 5 years' crude supplies at the present rates of consumption---that's 1500 to1800 days. What then? Can we have additional nuclear plants permitted and operational in this time frame? Hardly in this environmentally conscious atmosphere. 1000 MW power generating plants---under the best cases require 5 to 10 years' construction time without considering the permitting headaches involved. We can though, build up the re-fueling facilities that will support a compressed natural gas (CNG) transportation system in less that 5 years time if we embrace it on a national basis.

Boone Pickens said yesterday before the National Press Club that 10 strategically located re-fueling stations could enable a heavy truck to go coast to coast---3500 miles.

Its abundant, clean and 40 percent less expensive that gasoline but the thing that recommends it above all is the simple fact that it is 100 percent American. Keeping a significant portion of that annual $700 billion dollar cash flow out of OPEC's greedy hands and into American hands is the best aspect of it by far. ]]> Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:37:10 -0400
So if there is a national reliance on natural gas by Americans for some, much, or virtually all of the nation's transportation needs, that increased demand will of course benefit me directly.

That said, I believe that any energy source that is American based will have a tremendously beneficial effect on our economy. Especially so if that primary energy source can be provided at a reduced cost to that of an increasingly less available source, ie, gasoline and diesel. Adding the significant benefits that natural gas brings to the environment should make it our number 1 transportation fuel of choice.

No matter how much additional oil is discovered, it is not going to be done cheaply so the massive capital costs involved will require that those costs be passed directly to the consumer. It's not a reach to look forward and see future pump prices at $5.00, $6.00 or more. Under the rosiest of scenarios, the OCS and ANWR exploraton might supply us with another 4 or 5 years' crude supplies at the present rates of consumption---that's 1500 to1800 days. What then? Can we have additional nuclear plants permitted and operational in this time frame? Hardly in this environmentally conscious atmosphere. 1000 MW power generating plants---under the best cases require 5 to 10 years' construction time without considering the permitting headaches involved. We can though, build up the re-fueling facilities that will support a compressed natural gas (CNG) transportation system in less that 5 years time if we embrace it on a national basis.

Boone Pickens said yesterday before the National Press Club that 10 strategically located re-fueling stations could enable a heavy truck to go coast to coast---3500 miles.

Its abundant, clean and 40 percent less expensive that gasoline but the thing that recommends it above all is the simple fact that it is 100 percent American. Keeping a significant portion of that annual $700 billion dollar cash flow out of OPEC's greedy hands and into American hands is the best aspect of it by far. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/95271-the-case-for-natural-gas-powered-transportation?source=feed#comment-254271 254271
But regardless of my meager involvement in the natural gas industry, I would be for any rational, doable plan that will lessen our strangling dependency on OPEC. Can anyone explain the sanity in sending our "petro-dollars" to provide the financial means to fund Islamic terrorists? Simply, there is no sane explanation.

With the recent so-called "unconventional" natural gas discoveries, reservoir engineers--the guys that calculate what gas formations are capable of producing have indicated that currently there is enough American natural gas at current usage rates to power this nation for as long as 118 years. If those projections are overly optimistic half their projection would be almost 60 years---surely a more than sufficient time to develop to develop solar based alternatives.

Natural gas as compressed natural gas (CNG) is a cleaner, cheaper and abundant motor vehicle fuel and All American to the Boone 'er, Bone! The quicker we convert the country to CNG the sooner we can give OPEC that one finger salute. For me, that can't come too soon.]]> Sun, 14 Sep 2008 16:36:51 -0400
But regardless of my meager involvement in the natural gas industry, I would be for any rational, doable plan that will lessen our strangling dependency on OPEC. Can anyone explain the sanity in sending our "petro-dollars" to provide the financial means to fund Islamic terrorists? Simply, there is no sane explanation.

With the recent so-called "unconventional" natural gas discoveries, reservoir engineers--the guys that calculate what gas formations are capable of producing have indicated that currently there is enough American natural gas at current usage rates to power this nation for as long as 118 years. If those projections are overly optimistic half their projection would be almost 60 years---surely a more than sufficient time to develop to develop solar based alternatives.

Natural gas as compressed natural gas (CNG) is a cleaner, cheaper and abundant motor vehicle fuel and All American to the Boone 'er, Bone! The quicker we convert the country to CNG the sooner we can give OPEC that one finger salute. For me, that can't come too soon.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/94856-5-stocks-to-buy-if-obama-wins?source=feed#comment-251492 251492
Natural gas or compressed natural gas (CNG) is so clearly a superior transportation fuel to that of foreign sourced gasoline that the only thing ---and it's a big 'thing" at this time, is in- place re-fueling infrastructure before it can become our national transportation fuel of choice.

CNG is cleaner, cheaper, abundant and produced in America. CNG offers us the opportunity to get OPEC off our necks forever while we solve the problems associated with direct solar use.

No more "oil wars" please---crude oil is not only dirty it's also very deadly! ]]> Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:59:14 -0400
Natural gas or compressed natural gas (CNG) is so clearly a superior transportation fuel to that of foreign sourced gasoline that the only thing ---and it's a big 'thing" at this time, is in- place re-fueling infrastructure before it can become our national transportation fuel of choice.

CNG is cleaner, cheaper, abundant and produced in America. CNG offers us the opportunity to get OPEC off our necks forever while we solve the problems associated with direct solar use.

No more "oil wars" please---crude oil is not only dirty it's also very deadly! ]]>