The Telegraph: Obama says US to be major purchaser of Brazilian oil

President Barack Obama has pledged that the United States will be a "major customer" for Brazilian oil in the coming years amid continuing unrest in the Middle East.

"I have told her that the United States wants to be a major customer, which can be a win-win for both our countries," [Barack Obama said].

For more on this story click here.

Another stellar failure of vision that brings America energy security and independence.  Ironically, Brazil is nearly 100% energy independent, by producing 98% of its transportation fuel needs from biomass.  What is further adding insult to injury on the part of the Obama's move to increase oil imports from Brazil is the fact they are producing enough ethanol from biomass to become a net exporter of that as well.

When are the politicians in Washington going to get their priorities straight and answer the needs of the people with a clearly defined and effective energy security plan that unleashes domestic energy production in all areas, coal, natural gas, oil, biomass, and renewables?

We need to demand it, while recognizing American domestic energy development will create good-paying jobs and break the grip of foreign oil interests on our nation's economy and future.

What's under the hood of a natural gas vehicle?

Does LNG Place America at Risk?

Promoters of liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) ignore two large issues when seeking to incorporate LNG into the energy security mix. According to many energy and national security experts, LNG will actually increase dependency from the very countries which the United States seeks to reduce dependency—countries such as Russia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iran. Likewise, LNG loaded on naval tankers for importation to the U.S. or produced domestically at LNG facilities and transported to convenience stores for consumer use becomes high-value terror targets.

According to an Institute for Analysis of Global Security (IAGS) study, The Terrorist Threat to Liquefied Natural Gas: Fact or Fiction, a study found that “on 14 February 2007, the Saudi Arabian arm of al-Qaeda put out a call to all religious militants to attack oil and natural gas sources around the world.” Al-Qaeda plans to strangle the United States economy through severe disruption of foreign energy supplies imported for domestic use. This disruption will include LNG, as well as crude oil, tankers and land-based facilities.

As late as May 2009, LNG safety was called into question in Baltimore, Maryland, where “opponents of a liquefied natural gas terminal in eastern Baltimore County stepped up their attacks Tuesday, hosting an appearance by a former CIA officer [Charles Faddis] who said the $400 million project lacks critical safeguards and raises the specter of terrorism and piracy”, according to a news report in the Baltimore Sun.

That sentiment was shared by Maryland State Senator Norman R. Stone, Jr., who stated: “The possibility of terrorism or catastrophic accident outweighs the promise of jobs [and] Faddis' expertise ‘lends credence to what we know could happen here’".


In the Energy Bulletin, the world’s second largest insurer, Lloyd’s of London, warned earlier in 2004 about the risk of terrorist naval attacks against LNG and crude oil tankers. In voicing that concern, Peter Levene, said that if terrorist were able to successfully attack a LNG tanker it "would have the force of a small nuclear explosion”. This speech was delivered in Houston, Texas, where many LNG and crude oil refineries exist raising the concern about the construction of those types of facilities being built in Kentucky.

The risk created by the construction of LNG facilities and the utilization of LNG for transportation fuel presents major national security, environmental concern, and disaster response problems for federal, state, and local governments. From terror attacks to disaster response capabilities of local first responders, i.e. fire departments and emergency management, LNG alters the domestic energy landscape in a potentially negative fashion.

“Once ignited, as is very likely when the spill is initiated by a chemical explosion, the floating LNG pool will burn vigorously…Like the attack on the World Trade Center in New York City, there exists no relevant industrial experience with fires of this scale from which to project measures for securing public safety.”-- Professor James Fay, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A 2007 Government Accountability Office (“GAO”) report issued called into question the public safety should an LNG facility explode or become the target of terrorist attack. The GAO study showed that experts polled as part of that study agreed that “one to 1.25 miles was not a sufficiently conservative estimate to describe the heat hazard zone of an LNG related fire. If the experts who disagreed with this distance happen to be correct, it would put members of the general population located at the questionable threshold of 1.2 or 1.3 miles away from the site in a risky location.” Clearly, local volunteer fire departments would not have the manpower or resources should a LNG facility or fueling site explod or catch fire.

All evidence suggests the proper path for natural gas transportation fuel development leads to the use of compressed natural gas (“CNG”) or propane. Both CNG and propane represent an efficient, safe, and environmentally-sound transportation fuel source derived from natural gas. No environmental or hazardous dangers exist. In fact, CNG dissipates should a leak occur. It does not explode; being very similar to the propane presently used by thousands of consumers in their homes right now.

As a transportation fuel, CNG provides the same fuel benefits as LNG without the risk or the cost of storing and maintaining LNG. For convenience stores, CNG is a manageable and safe alternative fuel. It does not present a national security concern and can be produced domestically, without having to import vast quantities from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran or Russia.

According to the Natural Gas Alliance, the U.S. has over 100 years of domestic natural gas that can be utilized safely and efficiently for transportation fuel, without processing it into LNG. The solution for natural gas as transportation fuel is CNG. Safe, efficient, and secure, CNG provides a viable alternative fuel. We can develop CNG as a viable transportation without resorting to the use of LNG. With vast natural gas reserves, any move to import and transport LNG should be evaluated as to the grave risk of increased homeland terrorist attacks, as well as concerns for the safety of consumers and the protection of the environment. These concerns must be answered before any business or local government attempts to utilize LNG for transportation fuel.

On the road...

Hello from the Heart of Dixie! As I work with my partners to develop viable energy projects, in my travels I am encouraged more and more every day that people are ready to break the grip of foreign oil on the United States. People are really engaged. They are as concerned about energy independence as they are about healthcare.

Regardless of what your preference and belief in energy solution to our present problem, it's is clear that whatever we do it must include every facet of energy production and include every viable form of energy we presently have at our disposal domestically...and it requires that we devote REAL resources to developing revolutionary technologies that will transform our energy economy.

Today, we had the opportunity to first visit with my good friend (and next U.S. Senator from Kentucky) Trey Grayson--present Kentucky Secretary of State. He gets the need for energy security and independence. He understands that it will take all forms of energy--including coal--and doesn't shy away from that position (nor does he equivocate that position). Then, we left the airport rally and headed to Atlanta, Georgia, where we met with folks from Alabama, Louisana and Mississippi about the potential for utilizing natural gas for transportation fuels. Clearly, we must deploy technologies that are 1) proven and 2) are reliable domestic energy sources. The United States, notably the South and Midwest, have great reserves of natural gas, which will provide us the pathway to energy independence as a clean, efficient and reliable transportation fuel.

CNG Energy, LLC is making great strides in our efforts to develop this market to provide natural gas for vehicles. We are building every day and continue to work to conclude agreements that will provide dependable, cheaper transportation fuel and to create good-paying jobs for Kentucky, as well as the region we are developing.

I am truly excited about the potential that NGV provides for cheaper and cleaner transportation fuel--and the success the future holds for our company as we move forward.

I welcome you comments and questions about CNG and the great potential for the new energy economy.

The Economic Consequences of Waxman-Markey: An Analysis of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009

We can always rely on The Heritage Foundation to cut through the clutter to provide common sense solutions and analysis on matters of great importance. Please read the following analysis of the Waxman-Markey Energy Tax plan. This horrible piece of legislation will devastate every family, especially low and middle income families already hurt by the 2009 Great Recession.

"After a truncated debate and last-minute changes, the House of Representatives narrowly passed climate-change legislation on June 26, 2009, designed by Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Edward Markey (D-MA). The 1,427-page bill would restrict greenhouse gas emissions from industry, mainly carbon dioxide from the combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas."

For more information on this important legislation that will impact the lives of every single living American...and those yet to be born...click here.

Pike County Energy Company Funded for NGV Research

(PIKEVILLE,KY) Pike County-based CNG Energy, LLC, an alternative energy company, was one of the companies hosted by Governor Steve Beshear on Monday at a luncheon and press conference announcing their selection by the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation to receive a Kentucky New Energy Venture Fund grant for their natural gas-to-vehicle project.

The $30,000.00 grant will fund a technology and economic feasibility study to aid the company's planned commercialization of its natural gas vehicle business and utilization of natural gas resources throughout Kentucky as an alternative transportation fuel.

In partnership with the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research, CNG Energy, LLC will conduct a technical review which will evaluate proven technologies and processes; in addition, CNG Energy will work with leading business experts to determine the proper commercialization path for natural gas-to-vehicle conversion and transportation fueling systems, including how to harness underutilized natural gas currently not in production.
Local attorney Jamie Hamilton, a senior partner in CNG Energy, LLC, said he was excited about the prospects for the new energy venture.

"In my opinion, this grant will provide the framework to enable us to implement a solid plan for natural gas vehicles. We need alternatives to petroleum-based transportation fuels and natural gas is the most readily available domestic energy source that can be utilized for transportation fuel."

Natural gas vehicles promoters, such as T. Boone Pickens, say natural gas provides a more reliable, cleaner, cheaper, and cost efficient fuel to traditional transportation fuels.
Roger Ford, a senior partner in CNG Energy, LLC, points to the need for energy independence as a need to look at domestic energy sources for transportation fuels.

"When you look at where we need to focus the effort to reduce dependence on foreign oil, it is in the area of transportation fuels. Our dependence on foreign oil is increasing. When you look at what are the most viable resources, clearly natural gas is one source that is abundant, and environmentally sound. Natural gas has some transmission infrastructure in place to utilize it for transportation fuel supply," Ford said.

CNG Energy, LLC points to the success of its proposal that won the funding. The company met recently with Dr. Rodney Andrews and the staff at U.K. CAER to develop the specific scope of work for the study and is moving forward with the research on the project.

"We plan on building a solid set of deliverables--a plan that shows the best technology-- a plan that will be successful. Natural gas-to-vehicles is not experimental technology; it is being supported by both the public sector and by private industry worldwide. Thanks to support form Governor Beshear, Energy Secretary Len Peters, along with the Kentucky Science Technology Corporation, the Morehead State University Innovation Center, as well as Senators Mitch McConnell and Jim Bunning and Congressman Hal Rogers, Kentucky will be an energy leader. Through strategic partnerships and bi-partisan support, CNG Energy, LLC hopes to play a part in the effort," Ford said.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: 10 Questions on Energy for Governor Steve Beshear

In a continuing series of one-on-one interviews with opinionmakers, Kentucky Energy Forum recently had the opportunity to pose "10 Questions on Energy" to Governor Steve Beshear. In this exclusive interview, Kentucky Energy Forum presents Governor Beshear's detailed response to our questions.

Kentucky Energy Forum: In 2007, Kentucky passed landmark legislation to provide energy incentives for businesses looking to locate in Kentucky. While there have been some amendments to this law, in what ways would you propose, during the 2010 legislative session, to refine/to improve the legislation and to attract new industry to Kentucky?

Governor Beshear: Currently, the Energy and Environment Cabinet is developing and coordinating its 2010 legislative package for my review and approval. Just as in 2009, the cabinet’s proposed legislation will help implement my comprehensive energy strategy, Intelligent Energy Choices for Kentucky’s Future. Working with our state legislators and the Cabinet for Economic Development, we will certainly address new and refined incentives for retaining and attracting industries to Kentucky while at the same time keeping oversight on our state budget and revenue needs. This approach worked well during the 2009 special session and I believe it provides a template for the 2010 regular session. Once I finalize my legislative package for the 2010 session I will share it with all Kentuckians.

KEF: Should the Waxman-Markey Climate Change bill pass Congress and become law what impact do you think ‘cap-and-trade’ would have on the coal industry in Kentucky?

Governor: Per the 2007 – 2008 Kentucky Coal Facts, “Almost 92 percent of all coal consumed in the U. S. was in the electric power sector…” Essentially all coal- fired electric power generation will be subject to regulation in Waxman – Markey. In the short run, given that approximately 50 percent of the electricity generated in the United States is generated using coal, a plan to reduce greenhouse gases will impose costs upon utilities that rely on coal. The alternatives available in the near term to electricity generators to comply with the Waxman – Markey bill would be to: (a) reduce the use of electricity by demand response or similar programs; (b) switch to less carbon-intensive fuels (such as natural gas and biomass); or (c) buy credits to offset the carbon emitted by the generation. The cost of buying credits, which would be passed along to consumers in rates, would increase the cost of coal-fired electricity. All three near-term alternatives would decrease the demand for coal.

The long-term impacts upon the coal industry will depend upon the success of the research efforts into new carbon management technologies and the development of new ways to utilize coal such as coal-to-liquid transportation fuels and coal-to-synthetic natural gas.

KEF: Continuing the discussion on cap-and-trade, what is your plan to support the coal industry should cap-and trade legislation become law?

Governor: There are currently no controls available for the carbon dioxide emitted by power plants. However, the University of Kentucky’s Center for Applied Energy Research in partnership with the Energy and Environment Cabinet, and utilities in Kentucky have formed the Carbon Management Research Group to fund research and pilot projects to study the feasibility of retrofitting existing power plants to capture carbon and to study generation technologies that could more easily capture or reduce/eliminate the carbon emitted per kilowatt hour. In addition to the work on the carbon reduction and carbon capture, the Kentucky Geological Survey, the Energy and Environment Cabinet, and private industry have been actively researching the capacity for geologic storage (sequestration) of captured carbon in Kentucky.

Also, there are many low-carbon options available for powering electric generation (solar, wind, biomass, nuclear, hydro, etc.). As these sources are developed, and as demand for electricity is reduced by improved efficiency (both in consumer use and in generation/transmission), demand for coal for electric power generation will decline.

Supporting the coal industry at today’s coal production rate or higher will depend on developing the industries to produce higher value products such as liquid fuels and synthetic gas as proposed in Intelligent Energy Choices for Kentucky’s Future.

The success of all of these efforts will determine how the coal industry is impacted in the long run.

KEF: In seeking a diversified energy industry and positioning Kentucky to be a leader in a new green economy, what methods would you consider important to ensure Kentucky is a leader in this new green economy?

Governor: As laid out in Intelligent Energy Choices for Kentucky’s Future, I believe that Kentucky will have to succeed in several areas to remain a leader in the energy industry. We need to improve energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings, we need to develop our agricultural resources to augment coal in the generation of electricity and liquid fuels, we need to develop economic methods of capturing carbon dioxide so that our coal resources can be utilized to continue generating electricity and also to reduce our dependence on foreign oil for liquid fuels. We can also become a leader in manufacturing of new energy products such as solar panel and battery storage for automotive and utility use.

Our efforts in working with the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville and Argonne National Laboratory to secure a Battery Manufacturing Research and Development Center reflect Kentucky’s effort to lead in this direction.

Kentucky Energy Forum: In your opinion, what are the most viable energy technologies currently available to deploy to benefit Kentucky?

Governor: The most viable energy technologies are energy efficiency (to reduce wasted electricity generation and unnecessary demand for natural gas and liquid transportation fuels); biomass for co-firing in coal-fired electric power plants; nuclear electricity generation; electric cars; and coal-to-liquid (CTL) fuels. These technologies will support the Kentucky coal industry, and increase energy independence and national security by decreasing American demand for imported petroleum-based fuels.

KEF: To reduce costs for State Government, what measures are you taking to reduce energy use, increase energy efficiency, and to transition to alternative fuels?


Governor: To reduce energy usage and increase energy efficiency the state is moving forward on several fronts. These efforts complement strategy one (energy efficiency) in Intelligent Energy Choices for Kentucky’s Future.

As part of a process established under HB2 that passed in the General Assembly and I signed into law in 2008, all new state government buildings or major renovations must be built to LEED standards, with increasing levels of sustainability with increasing dollar amount invested. A core component of LEED certification is energy efficiency.

We are also utilizing Recovery Act funds for several projects: hiring staff to increase the amount of energy efficiency retrofits of existing state buildings through performance contracting; funding a Green Bank revolving loan fund that will support energy efficiency improvements to government buildings; installing energy management control software in 75 state buildings; and investing heavily to expand the existing Kentucky Energy Efficiency Program for Schools (KEEPS). KEEPS is designed to educate teachers and students on wise energy usage, provide an energy manager in nearly 80 school districts to help develop and implement energy management plans and expand technical support to schools. I have also directed that Recovery Act dollars be leveraged to fund solar power on one or two schools being designed as first-in-the-nation net-zero energy schools. These net–zero energy schools are designed to be so efficient they supply as much energy back into the power grid as they draw from the grid over the course of a year.

Additionally, I have set fuel-efficiency goals for state-owned vehicles in Intelligent Energy Choices for Kentucky’s Future to help improve the commonwealth’s energy independence from petroleum-based transportation fuels.

KEF: In what ways do you intend to target ‘energy stimulus funds’ for the greatest benefit to Kentucky?

Governor: Recovery Act funds are being heavily invested in energy efficiency and renewable energy. I am directing funds to be used to improve energy efficiency in state government buildings, schools, agricultural operations, homes, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, local governments and in the electrical grid itself. While not all Recovery Act applications from Kentucky have been approved to date, you can see a complete summary of projects that have been funded with a $52.5 million package under the State Energy Program on the Energy and Environment Cabinet Web site.

KEF: What is your view on the potential for synergy between the agriculture and energy industries to create co-generation opportunities?

Governor: The integration of agriculture and energy is essential for Kentucky to achieve success in a carbon-constrained economy. The Energy and Environment Cabinet is actively engaged with agricultural and academic interests on development of biomass resources in Kentucky. An announcement on the success of this synergy will be forthcoming.

KEF: What measures do you propose to aid Kentucky homeowners in becoming more energy efficient? Would tax credits and tax incentives play a role in that strategy?

Governor: I am proposing several initiatives to help make homes more energy efficient. I have directed the Public Protection Cabinet to review, for possible adoption, the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code, which US DOE estimates could reduce energy consumption nearly 12 percent, saving homeowners approximately $235 per year. Recovery Act funds will be used to support training for code enforcement officials, contractors and others in the construction industry on how to build better homes. Funding will also be provided for hiring HVAC inspectors.

I have worked with Secretary Miller and the Finance and Administration Cabinet to create a Clean Energy Corps that aims to provide weatherization services to 10,000 low- to moderate-income homes over the next three years. Recovery Act funding is providing $72 million to the Weatherization Assistance Program to improve low-income housing efficiency. To reach the middle- to upper-income households, a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program will be funded in partnership with the Kentucky Housing Corporation and utilities across the state. This program assists homeowners in identifying energy savings opportunities, helps them locate a contractor to make the improvements and verifies that the improvements were properly installed. The average household can expect a 20 percent reduction in energy usage. Kentucky already has a variety of tax credits and incentives for residential energy efficiency. Additionally, rebates provided by selected utilities and federal tax credits can provide up to 30 percent off on eligible home energy efficiency improvement projects. The Energy and Environment Cabinet is also applying for Recovery Act funds to establish a State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program that will provide Kentuckians rebates on their ENERGY STAR appliance purchases.

KEF: Do you consider the construction of coal-to-liquid facilities in Kentucky a realistic option in Kentucky? How would carbon capture and sequestration be managed?

Governor: Developing a coal-to-liquids (CTL) industry is not only realistic, it is highly desirable. It will greatly strengthen the American economy by reducing our dependence on imported oil. CTL will help cushion the American economy from possible supply disruptions and wild price fluctuations in foreign oil. At the same time, it will provide a reliable domestic market for coal, create thousands of jobs in the CTL plants themselves and generate additional thousands of indirect jobs supporting the industry.

Kentucky should displace coal to generate electricity by developing carbon- neutral electricity sources. In turn, that coal should be used to displace imported petroleum by manufacturing diesel fuel and gasoline from the coal. Compared to the current practice of generating electricity by burning coal and making transportation fuels from petroleum, Kentucky will achieve a 30+ percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions for each ton of coal diverted to CTL, WITHOUT carbon capture and sequestration (CCS). If CCS is ever proven to be a viable technology for carbon control, a 75 percent capture and sequestration of the carbon dioxide made during the CTL manufacturing process will result in an overall decrease in CO2 of well over 50 percent.

CCS from new CTL facilities can be accomplished for a fraction of the cost of CCS from existing coal fired power plants. First, most of the CO2 generated in a CTL facility is captured and compressed as part of the liquid fuels manufacturing process, so there is no incremental cost to accomplish that like there is in a traditional coal-fired power plant. Second, building the CTL manufacturing facilities directly on top of formations most likely to accommodate CCS will minimize the cost of sequestering carbon dioxide from these facilities.

SPECIAL REPORT: 10 Questions for Dr. Jack Ditty

In an effort to highlight the issues related to energy independence and security, the Kentucky Energy Forum is highlighting the candidates for District 18 State Senator in the special election to be held on Tuesday, August 25.

You may visit Dr. Jack Ditty's campaign website by clicking here.

QUESTION ONE

KENTUCKY ENERGY FORUM: Do you believe that tax incentives should be awarded to energy companies to encourage investment in Kentucky? (part one)

DITTY: Yes, we should make every attempt to encourage companies to invest here. Kentucky has the workforce and natural resources that are a perfect fit for energy companies looking to relocate.

KEF: Do you believe these incentives should be extended to promote increased coal mining and natural gas development? (part two)

DITTY: Yes, coal and natural gas will continue to be an integral part of energy production in the future, and these incentives will help companies to find new ways to burn coal more efficiently and safely.

KEF: Do you believe these incentives should be expanded to existing companies? (part three)

DITTY: Yes, we should protect existing companies that are currently providing jobs in our communities; they should not be excluded simply because they are already in Kentucky. Please provide detailed answers. Any incentives offered to companies should be performance-based and tied to new job creation.

QUESTION TWO

KEF: Do you support tax incentives for ‘thin-seam’ coal mining to encourage extraction of hard-to-mine coal?

DITTY: Yes.

QUESTION THREE

KEF: Do you support the general principal of cap-and-trade to lower air emissions and/or reduce the carbon footprint? Please explain you position in detail on this issue.

DITTY: Lowering air emissions is a worthwhile goal, but using a utility tax, and dressing it up as “cap and trade” is not the solution. Funding research that will create full-scale production methods that burn coal cleanly will significantly lower emissions at a faster rate than cap and trade. States like Kentucky will suffer dire consequences if a utility tax is passed. We have an electricity rate that is one of the lowest in the country, which helps us to attract business and create jobs. Cap and trade would, by some estimates, triple the average Kentucky electricity bill, while allowing New York and California to lower their rates.

QUESTION FOUR

KEF: How would you propose to encourage development of alternative transportation fuels in Kentucky? What would you view as the top three alternative transportation fuels?

DITTY: Funding performance-based grants will give companies the tools they will need to advance research that is underway in Eastern and Western Kentucky. Coal to Diesel, Coal to Synthetic Natural Gas, and Biomass

QUESTION FIVE

KEF: In your opinion, does the growing of industrial hemp present itself as a viable option for biomass feedstock? Please explain why or why not? What other sources of biomass feedstock do you consider as a viable feedstock?

DITTY: Hemp was at one point one of Kentucky’s biggest exports, but it has been over 150 years since hemp was grown on a commercial basis. Switchgrass or wood fiber seems to be the best feedstock for biomass energy production. Corn was under consideration, but the recent spike in corn prices due to ethanol production makes it a less appealing source.

QUESTION SIX

KEF: What role does energy efficiency play in a comprehensive energy plan for Kentucky?

DITTY: Everyone should take steps to consume as little energy as possible. This will result in lower utility bills, a cleaner environment, and higher quality of life in Kentucky.

QUESTION SEVEN

KEF: What steps should State Government take to reduce and/or improve energy use in its functions, such as transportation fuels and energy efficiency?

DITTY: We should make sure that tax dollars are spent in the most efficient way possible. Any state agency or equipment should be held to a higher standard when it comes to energy efficiency. Kentucky should lead by example and make every aspect of state government as efficient and productive as possible.

QUESTION EIGHT

KEF: Do you see renewable energy, such as wind, solar and hydro, as viable options for energy diversification in Kentucky? What would you do to promote implementation of these energy sources, if they are viable?

DITTY: Renewable energy is more suitable in other parts in the country, than in Kentucky. Our topography is not suited for wind and solar, and Kentucky does not have a large supply of running water that could be used to consistently supply electricity. However, if any renewable energy source is shown to be effective and consistent, they should be open to receive incentives just like any other source of alternative energy.

QUESTION NINE

KEF: What would you do to support energy workforce training and education, besides existing workforce development and higher education programs?

DITTY: I would push for an increase in focus on the science and math curriculum in our schools. Science and math have proven to be the cornerstone of creating a workforce that has the technical knowledge to compete in our rapidly changing workplace. I would also advocate to increase the number of programs offered by KCTCS that are specific to the energy field. Energy companies look for a workforce that is well skilled in math and science, and Kentucky can level the playing field when we are competing with other states for new industry by providing graduates with the critical knowledge needed to be engineers and technicians.

QUESTION TEN

KEF: Including specifics in your district, what impact does the energy industry have on your district? What future prospects are there for energy development in your district and how you would work to promote that development?

DITTY: Naturally, Ashland Oil is a great example of a company that has been an integral part of our community for generations. Ashland Oil has been able to survive all these years by paying attention to the changing landscape in which they operate. New processes are evolving every day and businesses have to be flexible and proactive to keep their company on the cutting edge. Our district has been, and we will continue to be tied to energy production. By finding ways to burn coal cleaner and extracting hard to reach oil and natural gas, we will utilize our abundant gift of natural resources in new ways, which will keep Kentucky competitive in the fight to make our country more energy independent.

Bill Needed to Spur Natural Gas Industry

By Roger Ford

A bill recently introduced by Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) is the type of bi-partisan efforts needed to spur efforts to expand the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel throughout the United States. Federal legislation will set the stage at the local and state level to build a viable alternative energy industry in America.

Natural gas is a clean, viable, and abundant alternative to petroleum-based fuels. In addition, it is significantly less costly than costs to operate gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles per mile driven. Natural gas presents an economically sound, environmentally-friendly, and technologically-viable alternative fuel that will promote energy independence and security for America and break the dependence of foreign control of our energy destiny.

Kentucky is one of a handful of states that would benefit from legislation to promote natural gas as a domestic energy source. As one of the largest producers of natural gas, Kentucky will provide the production source for the emerging natural gas infrastructure for a transportation fuels market. A vibrant and growing value-added industry, with natural gas as its feedstock, will create hundreds of good-paying jobs for Kentuckians, lessen dependence on foreign energy, and generate millions of dollars in additional mineral state taxes from the development of our vast natural gas reserves in East Kentucky.

The Menendez/Hatch Natural Gas Act (S. 1408) promises to extend the life of the CLEAR Act, which was part of the comprehensive 2005 Energy Policy Act. It would extend the life for credits for natural gas vehicles and natural gas filling infrastructure, as well as new incentives for the manufacturing of natural gas-powered cars and trucks.

Likewise, Kentucky energy incentives passed in the 2007 Special Session, and the subsequent amendments in following sessions, under the watchful eye of House Majority Leader Rocky Adkins, a strong supporter for energy independence and security, along with Speaker Greg Stumbo, Representative John Will Stacy, Senate President David Williams, and Senator Robert Stivers, and Senator Ray Jones, as well as the focused efforts of Governor Steve Beshear, demonstrate the bi-partisan approach that Kentucky leaders are taking to promote diversification and energy self-sufficiency in Kentucky.

The foundation has been laid for Kentucky to emerge as a leader in energy development and deployment of new energy technologies that incorporate all facets of energy development in a balanced manner.

Every Kentuckian should contact their elected officials at the state and federal level to encourage public support for this legislation. It is vital and necessary to the energy independence of America and that Kentucky experience the vitality and economic growth for our Commonwealth that a free market effort will bring from energy development.

Look for good news ahead for Kentucky as we move forward with projects that utilize natural gas, while generating the synergy to unite this crucial energy source with other energy resources abundant in Kentucky.