O R G A N I Z I N G C O M M I T T E E
TEXAS A&M CONFERENCE ON ENERGY: 2019 PANELISTS
If you wish to participate as a panelist on the following topics, please send an email to tamuers@gmail.com with your request.
Panel I: How will increased US exports of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Crude Oil impact global energy prices?
The renaissance in the oil and gas production of the United States over the past decade has been nothing short of remarkable. This was fueled by a continuing gusher from the US shale oil patch—which has turned the US into the world’s largest oil producer. The country is pumping almost 11 million barrels per day (bpd) breaking the 1970’s record of 10 million bpd. In 2015, the 40-year-old crude oil export ban was repealed, and crude exports have increased steadily since then. Despite the fear US would need dozens of liquified natural gas (LNG) import terminals to meet its energy needs, the US became a net natural gas exporter in 2017 with exports quadrupling to 1.94 billion cubic feet per day within just one year. Whether this increase in exports will help or hurt the US economy is a debated question. Proponents of crude and LNG exports argue that projected increases in production will raise domestic supply enough to offset exports and prevent domestic prices from significantly rising. Critics counter that domestic production will not be enough to make up for exports, resulting in significantly higher natural gas and refined product prices for US consumers. This panel will strategically address export policy and market trends and their influence on crude and natural gas prices in the US.
Moderator
Dr. Ahmed Ali
Assistant Professor of Architecture; Fellow, Center for Health Systems and Design; Fellow, Center for Housing and Urban Development; Department of Architecture, Texas A&M University
Panelist 1
Dr. Joseph B. Powell
Chief Scientist – Chemical Engineering Shell
Panelist 2
Ron Sherga
Circular Economy Program Director BP
Panelist 3
Dr. Christine Daugherty
VP of Sustainable Agriculture and Responsible Sourcing Pepsico
Panelist 4
Bruce Wilcoxon
Senior Industry Affairs Leader Baker Hughes, a GE company
Panelist 5
Lisa Marckewza
VP, Brand and Strategy Evoqua Water Technologies
Panel II: Toward a Sustainable and Circular Economy
In today’s world, production generally moves in a linear model – resource extraction, product manufacturing eventually leading straight to a landfill. Instead of using a linear business model, companies are increasingly attempting to use resources in closed loops. This economic model is called the circular economy, and it aims to keeping products, components, and used materials at their highest utility and value throughout the entire supply-chain. Several policies based on the circular economy have already been extensively implemented in the European Union, thus paving the way for a carbon-neutral economy. However, in the United States, companies and policymakers are reluctant to implement such policies due to differences in ideologies and business practices. This panel will significantly address these challenges in the broader context of U.S. manufacturing and consumption practices, existing policies, and industries’ and consumers’ mindset. The panel will also address the role of design in activating circular economy practice.