Louisiana DNR: Natural gas is key to US energy future

No climate program should impose constraints or disincentives on US natural gas and oil production, said Scott Angelle, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources secretary.

Speaking to the Independent Petroleum Association of America’s annual meeting in New Orleans on Nov. 5, Angelle called everyone in the room an environmentalist when it comes to enjoying the outdoors. He said industry is open to innovation and technologies that promote a clean, safe environment.

But he also noted that industry is well aware how political debate around climate change policy could have serious implications for independents and for the country’s energy future.

Angelle and other speakers at the IPAA meeting agreed that no climate change policy should be adopted unless it assures the future production and use of gas.

IPAA literature reports that about 800,000 oil and gas wells operate in the US. These wells account for less than 1% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions, said an Inventory of US Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2006.