Natural Gas Key to National Security
Search for Oil Alternative, Based on National Security, Goal of Clean Energy
There is a new source of energy which is really a primary focus of the State Department right now,” said David Goldwyn, U.S. State Department Coordinator for International Energy Affairs. “And that’s natural gas”.
In an interview with Voice of America, Goldwyn says natural gas from shale is an excellent source of energy for many nations “so they’re not dependent on one country or one pipeline.”
The State Department recently hosted the Global Shale Gas Initiative to discuss expanding the safe use of shale gas. Twenty nations as well as US federal, state and local regulators met in Washington, D.C to discuss the importance of shale gas development for the 21st century.
In addition to helping the United States wean itself from its dependence on oil, the Obama administration believes that increased shale gas development will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Other studies have also concluded that increased shale gas production in the United States and Canada could also help lower the price currently charged by Russia and Persian Gulf countries.
“This is not only a huge boon for energy security and economic development,” said Goldwyn, “but also, potentially for climate security if countries are able to move away from older coal plants and to natural gas instead.”
As Coordinator for International Energy Affairs at the State Department, David Goldwyn is at the center of U.S. energy security policy. His office supports initiatives that reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil and also mitigate the impact of climate change.