Please note your affiliation and years of experience in the energy and/or environmental field.
I have been analyzing international trade of energy products for almost four years at the U.S. International Trade Commission. My portfolio covers a wide range of energy sources (including fossil fuels and their derivatives, uranium, and electrical energy) but most frequently looks at trade of crude oil, natural gas, and their midstream and downstream products. Before working at the USITC, I also interned for oil and gas analysts at the U.S. Department of Commerce and International Technology and Trade Associates (ITTA).
Any particular achievement/interest in energy/environment you would like to mention?
I am currently leading a project focused on electricity markets in New England, developing a report that will be delivered to the House Committee on Ways and Means early next year.
In your opinion, what are important issues facing the energy industry nowadays?
Obviously, one of the major questions right now is how the industry weathers the pandemic. But it also seems that the energy industry is at a crossroads as far as how it manages increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint. While the U.S. industry is competitive at supplying some relatively low emission fossil fuel products like natural gas, propane, and ultra-low sulfur diesel, more and more policy goals are calling for rapid paths to carbon neutrality rather than incremental reductions in emissions intensity.
How long have you been a member of NCAC? Any particular NCAC memory you would like to share with us?
I have been a member of NCAC for about three years. In 2018, I participated in both the technical tour of the National Energy Technology Laboratory and Longview Power Plant and the tour of Marcellus Shale. The tour of Longview Power Plant was particularly interesting—while the plant operators touted its performance as a high efficiency, low emissions coal plant, the plant’s financial performance was a murkier story. Since our visit, Longview Power has emerged from a second bankruptcy and announced plans to add a gas-fired plant and solar panels at the site.