Keeping track of issues associated with my natural resource utilization is important to me, but it’s time consuming!
In consuming natural resources, I try to be consistent.
Well, at least I try to think about the impact of my natural resource utilization.
Given that, here are some references:
Natural gas is a relatively clean burning hydrocarbon, and we utilize a lot of it to produce the energy we use in home and commercial space and water heating and electricity generation for lighting.
Industry utilizes natural gas for these energy applications as well, but also uses it as a raw material, or directly in the process of manufacturing products for the market. Products that include the direct use of natural gas include: paper, fabric, plastic, metals, chemicals, anti-freeze, fertilizer, petroleum, stone building materials, clay, glass and pharmaceuticals.
Specifically, according to the Energy Information Administration, in 2010, End Users in the United States consumed 23,775,388 Million Cubic Feet of natural gas.
Given this, our growing population, and the desire to grow our economy, the market will demand increased natural gas production (Drilling).
As a matter of fact, President Barack Obama made an important reference to that fact in his 2012 State of the Union speech. Albany Times Union, Drillers get lift from Obama's State of the Union Speach.
Of course, by definition, my use of natural resources impacts that environment which will effect you.
Consequently, the government regulates this process. I believe that regulators try to balance the market (my consumption needs, environmental impacts on you, and industry’s economic goals).
Journalists like Pam Zubeck from the Colorado Springs Independent do a great service to us (and her customers) by keeping us informed about industry, regulators and the elected governmental officials who manage this market. Reading her article, Close-Up, provides a great example of this process.
From the reporting in Ms. Zubeck’s latest article, Still In Control, regarding the recent ruling on oil and drilling regulations established by El Paso County and its Commissioners, it looks to me like the market for natural gas (my demand, production, as well as for issues and ideas related to environmental concerns) has been established.
In other words, the natural gas that I demand will be provided by the market through increased production – drilling.
I believe I can affect this market in three ways:
1. Try to be knowledgeable about my natural resource utilization and what it takes to serve my demand.
2. Vote.
3. And, most importantly, conserve.
I’m going to turn down the thermostat on my natural gas furnace, and try not to use peak, natural gas generated electricity when I run my microwave, coffee pot, clothes dryer, and electric oven all at once.
