Insight and inspiration in turbulent times.
In his new book Snake Oil, Richard Heinberg takes on overblown claims from both the oil and gas industry’s salesmen–its top executives, industry trade groups and PR firms–and its shills–fake think tanks, paid consultants, and captive analysts who are often quoted and interviewed (mistakenly) as independent experts.
Energy round-up: breaking through the government’s fracking mantra
What would you expect them to say? That’s the question you should ask whenever spokespersons for the oil and gas industry (or fake think tanks funded by the industry or analysts whose bread is buttered by the industry) announce a new find that is going to be a "game-changer.”
•A Texan tragedy: ample oil, no water •Fracking company wants to build new pipeline — for water •A New California Oil Boom? Drilling the Monterey Shale •Greenwashing Concerns Mount as Evidence of Fracking’s Climate Impact Grows •Fracking firm scaling back operation at Balcombe •Unfair Share: How Oil and Gas Drillers Avoid Paying Royalties
This week on Sea Change Radio, host Alex Wise talks with Heinberg about his book, titled Snake Oil: How Fracking’s False Promise of Plenty Imperils Our Future, and delve into the economic and environmental factors behind the natural gas boom, which to some is an important bridge fuel and to others is fool’s gold.
Never let the facts get in the way of a good story. That’s the credo of the oil and gas industry as it continues to lobby for increased oil and natural gas exports from the United States.
•Trouble in fracking paradise •Censored EPA PA Fracking Water Contamination Presentation Published for First Time •Wood Mackenzie Says Bakken & Eagle Ford Will Produce More than the Two Largest Fields in North America Combined •Bridge Or Gangplank? Study Finds Methane Leakage From Gas Fields High Enough To Gut Climate Benefit •This 7-Year-Old Is Banned From Talking About Fracking—Ever •Peak shale oil? What peak?
This conversation with reporters covering fracking in California and in the US highlights the dangers and potential of the natural gas bonanza.
I realize that this is a controversial assertion–that Saudi Arabian oil fields are not infinite–but it’s a possibility that is at least worth considering.
•Fracking Tied to Pennsylvania Water Woes by EPA Official •Industry Pressure Shuts Down EPA Fracking Investigations •EDF to exit US nuclear power over impact of shale gas •US shale threatens Saudi funding crisis and demise of OPEC •Fracking can take place in ‘desolate’ north-east England, Tory peer says •Bakken shale natural gas flaring tops $100 million each month
Steve Andrews interviews Martin Payne about the supposed death of peak oil…
•Wildcatting: A Stripper’s Guide to the Modern American Boomtown •Reports of the Death of Peak Oil Have Been Greatly Exaggerated •George Mitchell, a Pioneer in Hydraulic Fracturing, Dies at 94
