Episodes
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In a recent interview, David Blackmon spoke with Juan Arteaga, a senior analyst at Enverus Intelligence Research, about a pivotal report on future demand for generation capacity in the U.S. power grids. Arteaga discussed the discrepancy between Enverus's forecast and Ercot's projections, revealing that their analysis predicts a more modest increase in peak load demand compared to Ercot. Arteaga explained that their approach involves detailed modeling of various load drivers, including behind-the-meter solar and data centers, to provide a more accurate and transparent forecast.
The conversation also touched on the implications for Texas’s energy mix, highlighting a continued reliance on solar, batteries, and natural gas to meet future demand. Arteaga emphasized that their machine learning models forecast significant growth in solar and battery capacity but acknowledge that natural gas will still play a crucial role due to its reliability and dispatchability. The interview concluded with a discussion on the importance of these insights for policymakers and the potential for future engagement to ensure accurate planning and decision-making in the energy sector.
Highlights of the Podcast
00:16 – Juan Arteaga’s Background
01:01 – Overview of the Report
05:15 – Ercot's Demand Forecast vs. Enverus Analysis
08:47 – Explanation of Behind-the-Meter Solar
10:53 – Data Centers and Power Generation
13:30 – Future Energy Mix for Ercot
14:10 – Machine Learning Model for Project Viability
17:17 – Importance of the Report for Policymakers
21:41 – Closing Remarks
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In this engaging discussion, David Blackmon, Stu Turley, and special guest Larry Schweikert delve into a variety of topics ranging from recent historical events to the intricacies of the 2024 election. The conversation begins with a nostalgic reunion between David and Larry, touching on their shared belief in Trump's 2016 victory. Larry, praised as "America's history teacher," provides insights into the X-30 hypersonic jet simulator, the dynamics of the Democratic Party, and the significance of voter registration trends. They also explore the potential implications of Kamala Harris’s vice presidential candidacy and the challenges of switching candidates.
As the discussion progresses, the focus shifts to more technical and political issues, including election logistics, media bias, and the financial impact of college sports on universities. Larry and David touch on the future of energy, with Larry expressing skepticism about green energy's immediate economic effects and predicting potential actions by Trump if re-elected. They conclude with a look at Europe's energy future, battery technology, and the impact of Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter on free speech. The conversation is rich with historical perspective, current affairs, and personal anecdotes, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.
Highlights of the Podcast
00:39 - Background on Larry Schweikert and his books.
01:38 - Historical context and recent events.
02:49 - Discussion on Joe Biden's presidency
04:40 - X-30 research plane experience.
06:02 - Electoral Insights and Predictions
08:44 - Shifting Electoral Dynamics
13:45 - Voter Registration Trends
19:12 - Challenges with printing ballots and logistical issues.
20:46 - Implications of early voting and deadlines.
21:50 - Hypothetical scenarios with Biden and Harris.
23:06 - Media and election structures.
28:07 - Impact of journalism schools.
29:50 - Journalistic standards over time.
32:02 - Media's role in historical events.
33:45 - University influence on media and society.
35:30 - Sports trivia and Larry's academic experiences at ASU.
37:39 - Issues faced by student-athletes and financial instability.
39:01 - Political predictions and energy policies.
44:15 - Elon Musk and the impact on free speech.
45:18 - Europe's energy future and green energy debates.
46:30 - Future of the automotive industry and fuel alternatives.
48:36 - Personal car stories and nostalgia for muscle cars.
50:55 - Closing remarks and plans for future discussions.
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Missing episodes?
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Angela Wilkinson, Secretary General of the World Energy Council, emphasized the importance of a systems thinking approach, noting that these transitions are multifaceted and involve significant societal changes. She highlighted the necessity of collaboration and practical action, pointing out the differing approaches between the U.S. and Europe in addressing energy challenges. Dr. Wilkinson stressed that energy transitions are not merely about replacing technologies but require a deep understanding of socio-economic contexts and overcoming social opposition to achieve progress.
Concerns were raised about the feasibility of energy transitions within democratic societies, with critiques of certain energy policies as authoritarian and calls for nuclear energy as a sustainable solution. Dr. Wilkinson responded by advocating for an inclusive approach considering diverse regional needs and the importance of managing energy transitions across generations. Using the metaphor of the "Energy Olympics," she illustrated the need for sustained, intergenerational effort and diverse capabilities to achieve successful energy transitions.
Highlights of the Podcast
00:47 - Purpose of the World Energy Council
04:01 - Challenges in Energy Transition
08:06 - Role of the International Energy Agency (IEA)
13:01 - System Costs and Social Challenges in Energy Transition
16:17 - Realism of Energy Transition
18:15 - Future Projections and Practical Action
19:04 - Oil and Gas Decarbonization
20:20 - Energy Transition Challenges in Democratic Societies
22:42 - Comparing US and European Approaches
24:20 - Licensing Delays and Property Rights
25:12 - Adapting to Climate Change Realities
28:03 - Energy Transition as an Olympic Pentathlon Relay
29:34 - Closing Remarks
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A seasoned expert in the oil and gas industry, Armando Cavanha, discusses Brazil's energy landscape, the impact of political tensions on energy projects, and the challenges of attracting foreign investment. The conversation highlights Petrobras's pivotal role in offshore ventures and explores the complexities of the energy transition, emphasizing the indispensable role of oil alongside renewable energy sources.
The discussion extends to Brazil's natural gas needs, the significance of hydropower, and the burgeoning electric vehicle market influenced by Chinese imports. Armando also sheds light on Brazil's ethanol and biofuel programs, underscoring their importance in the nation's energy mix. The episode delves into the global trade implications, the environmental impact of exporting polluting industries, and the current political climate in the United States, revealing the critical intersection of energy policies and geopolitical developments. This thought-provoking dialogue offers a comprehensive look at the future of energy in Brazil and beyond.
Highlights of the Podcast
00:09 - Introduction and Guest Background
01:14 - Political Tensions Impacting Energy Projects
02:03 - Brazil's Natural Gas Needs and Sources
03:40 - Challenges of Investment in Brazil
06:21 - Success of Petrobras in Offshore Investments
08:25 - Energy Transition and Irreplaceable Oil
08:37 - Main Uses of Natural Gas in Brazil
12:35 - BRICs Alliance and China's Influence
15:28 - Electric Vehicle Market in Brazil
17:00 - Ethanol and Biofuels in Brazil
18:21 - Global Trade and Emissions
19:38 - US Political Climate and Energy Policies
26:12 - Conclusion and Future Discussions
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In this episode of The Energy Question, David Blackmon talks with Iowa Congressman Zach Nunn about the state of play related to this year's elections, along with national security and energy policy in the nation's capital.
A sixth generation Iowan, Cong. Nunn was raised in a family of public school teachers, nurses, and farmers. While growing up, Zach helped out on his family’s Century family farm raising sheep, poultry and growing row crop. He was raised on Des Moines’ east side and went to Southeast Polk High School before attending Drake University. He went on to get master’s degrees from the Air Command and Staff College and the University of Cambridge.
Zach served our country for almost two decades in the United States Air Force. As an airborne intelligence officer, Zach flew recon missions off the coasts of Russia and China. After 9/11, he deployed three times to the Middle East and flew over 700 combat hours. He served as Director of Cybersecurity at the White House’s National Security Council combating cyber-attacks from foreign adversaries. Zach currently serves as a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
Following his active duty military service, Zach served in the Iowa House of Representatives and the Iowa Senate. While working in the state legislature, he helped pass the state’s largest tax cuts three times over, growing Iowa’s economy and putting more money back into the pockets of Iowans.
In Congress, Zach continues to be a pragmatic problem-solver pushing common-sense policies to benefit Iowans in all 21 counties he has the honor of representing. He serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Agriculture Committee where he is bringing Iowa’s big voice in the insurance industry and agricultural industry to our nation’s capital. Nunn also serves on the General Farm Commodities, Risk Management and Credit subcommittee and the Commodity Markets, Digital Assets and Rural development subcommittee.
Zach is honored to call Bondurant his home and is happily married to wife Kelly and dad of six kids, two of which are adopted.
Enjoy!
Highlights of the Podcast
00:30 - Congressman's Background and Greeting
00:59 - Congressman's Roles and Responsibilities
02:18 - Cybersecurity Threats and National Defense
03:22 - Legislation and Bipartisan Support
05:31 - Daily Briefing at the White House
08:22 - Supply Chain and Critical Infrastructure
10:40 - China's Influence and Rare Earth Minerals
13:57 - Rare Earth Resource Discoveries
14:43 - China's Market Manipulation
16:38 - LNG Infrastructure and Russia
20:08 - Iowa's Political Landscape
23:10 - Impact of California and New York Residents Moving to Iowa
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In this episode of The Energy Question, David Blackmon interviews the visionary former CEO of Burlington Resources, Bobby Shackouls. Bobby took over as CEO of BR in the mid-1990s, assuming command of a large independent producer that had struggled financially the previous two years.
By 2005, Shackouls and his team had built BR into a $32 billion enterprise whose management philosophy related to cost control and capital discipline remains one of the dominant models in the industry today. That list notably includes Travis Stice, the current CEO at Permian Basin giant Diamondback Energy.
David worked for Shackouls and BR through the duration of his time as CEO, until the company was bought by ConocoPhillips in a deal that closed in May, 2006.
Since retiring from BR, Shackouls has maintained a keen interest in current events and continues to advocate as a voice of sanity on energy policy and climate alarmism.
Enjoy this discussion.
Highlights of the Podcast
00:09 - Introduction and Background
02:15 - Transition to ConocoPhillips
04:03 - Leadership and Management Philosophy
06:36 - Challenges in the Energy Industry
09:40 - Capital Discipline and Industry Evolution
11:57 - Oil Industry Health
13:29 - Climate Change Concerns
14:56 - Global Energy Usage
17:18 - Vehicle Preferences
19:00 - Political Knowledge
21:48 - Regulatory Impact
23:25 - Generational Views
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In Episode 103 of" The Energy Question" David Blackmon interviews Jerry Greenwich about the hidden mechanisms of innovation and their implications for the energy sector. They discuss how current advancements often involve refining old technologies rather than groundbreaking inventions, with examples like electric vehicles and renewable energy sources. Jerry emphasizes the need for deep, sustained thinking and experimentation—what he calls the forward plane—to achieve true innovation in energy generation, storage, and distribution.
Jerry also highlights the importance of recognizing the moral and ideological dimensions influencing energy policy and innovation. His book, "First Invisible, Then Obvious," offers a framework for fostering creativity and long-term investment to tackle complex problems in energy and beyond. This conversation sheds light on how we can cultivate these abilities to drive meaningful progress.
For a thought-provoking discussion on technology, energy, and policy, tune in to hear Jerry's insights and expertise.
Highlights of the Podcast
01:08 - Jerry Greenwich's background
03:46 - First invisible Then Obvious
08:07 - Little thing of fourth plane and generation
08:36 - Back Plane
09:50 - Creation of This Forward Plane Type Thing
10:42 - The experience in my own life
13:24 - The Forward Plane building activity
14:34 - Representation, Precedes, Comprehension
16:42 - The Hungry Don't Get Fed
17:35 - Creativity and Innovation
20:22 - What's going on in the energy space
24:45 - Dumb Data
28:26 - About Papyrus
31:16 - The writing system and the writing medium
33:54 - The initial premise of principle dynamic processes
35:35 - Social Message
37:16 - The emotional side of things
40:12 - The Civil Servants
43:02 - When you spend money like a Drunken Sailor
45:09 - The Overton Window
49:33 - The abiotic story of oil
52:02 - The ideas in the book
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The Energy Question: Episode 102 - Kathleen Sgamma, President of Western Energy Alliance
In Episode 102 of " The Energy Question" The Kurdistan Workers' Party, commonly known as the PKK, is officially designated as a terrorist organization by several countries and international organizations. This includes the United States, the European Union, Turkey, and NATO, among others.
The PKK has been involved in an armed struggle against the Turkish government, seeking greater autonomy and rights for Kurds within Turkey. The designation is due to its history of violent activities, including attacks on civilian and military targets.
Highlights of the Podcast
01:00 - Little background on its history, membership, and its mission
02:47 - Federal issues
05:24 - Natural capital accounting
06:42 - The Department of Interior
08:52 - When President Trump came in 2017
10:57 - Joe Manchin
14:34 - Disproportionately impact to small producers
19:57 - Methane regulation
22:29 - The UK and Europe
23:57 - The White House, considering declaring a climate emergency
26:43 - Zero emissions
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In Episode 101 of " The Energy Question" South African energy expert Hugo Kruger is back for a return engagement. In this episode David Blackmon interviews Hugo about current energy happenings in South Africa and across the Global South.
Enjoy!
Higlights of the Podcast
00:40 - A wealth of information
01:15 - The second largest circulation in the country
03:34 - The government is choosing who's going to win
05:06 - The flagship companies for these countries
08:14 - The insurance costs on to the poorest households
10:17 - The U.S. and all these gas
11:23 - The system is so complex
13:56 - The U.S. you still have the fluctuating rates
16:32 - The highest intensity of coal use in CO2
18:11 - The most flexible meter method
20:52 - The Cape of Good Hope
24:21 - A democracy that's doing the right decisions
25:23 - The Russian supply away from the Germans
27:03 - The message they sending to Europe
28:04 - The presidential elections
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In Episode 100 of " The Energy Question" Michelle Manook, CEO of FutureCoal, discusses the organization's mission to represent all aspects of the coal value chain and the need for responsible energy policies. The conversation covers topics like the importance of baseload power, the impact of shipping disruptions on the coal industry, and the challenges of transitioning to renewable energy sources. Manook emphasizes the importance of factual, non-emotional discourse in shaping energy policy and invites engagement with FutureCoal through its website and LinkedIn page.
Highlights of the Podcast
00:48 - FutureCoal: Membership and mission
02:59 - Demand for coal being driven by developing nations
03:40 - Energy Security, reliability and affordability are critical
04:21 - The Energy Trilemma is not solved, contrary to popular belief
06:49 - The Global South is firmly focused on energy reliability, affordability and security
08:22 - The enormous cost of the transition
11:36 - What a new modern coal plant actually does in terms of emissions
14:49 - The conversation around energy in general
15:43 - Responsibility in the power generation space
18:14 - The energy debate lacks facts
20:48 - Shipping disruptions
23:02 - The nature of coal players
24:24 - The future coal platform
27:52 - Current technology
29:03 - Challenging the notion of what is responsible policy, investment, etc.: How do we define reposibility?
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In Episode 99 of "The Energy Question" David Blackmon interviews the great Tom Nelson, one of the finest debunkers of climate-related disinformation working today, and co-producer of Climate: The Movie.
Highlights of the Podcast
00:26 - Climate The Movie
05:09 - Bad weather
06:09 - CO2
07:05 - Climate change
08:28 - Clean Power Plan
11:27 - Whole idea in California
12:33 - The electric vehicles industry
15:47 - Goal of the climate alarm movement
19:54 - The climate scam
20:44 - Unabated coal fired power plants
23:17 - Climate crisis
23:57 - Cloud seeding in Dubai
25:07 - Hertz
27:44 - The US was way worse in the 70s than now
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In Episode 98 of "The Energy Question" Gifford Briggs the Gulf Coast Regional Director for the American Petroleum Institute (API). David Blackmon discuss various topics including Briggs' role at API, the oil and gas industry in the Gulf Coast region, carbon capture and sequestration initiatives in Louisiana, offshore leasing challenges, state-specific issues, and hurricane preparedness. Briggs highlights API's coordination efforts with emergency management officials and the industry's commitment to safety and energy supply during hurricane season.
Highlights of the Podcast
00:45 - The American Petroleum Institute API
03:13 - The Louisiana oil and gas industry
04:43 - A tremendous cross-section of what's happening in the industry
07:06 - A tremendous service industry in south Louisiana that's worked offshore
13:53 - Oil and natural gas to other sources of energy
15:43 - The EPA in advance their regulatory and legislative frameworks
20:58 - The public was demanding electric vehicles right now
25:45 - The companies and the emergency management people
27:48 - The efforts of state associations
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In Episode 97 of "The Energy Question" Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, discussing the role of energy in society, the challenges of the energy transition, and the implications of climate policies. Wright shares insights from his company's "Bettering Human Lives" report, challenging conventional narratives on climate change and advocating for a fact-based approach to energy discourse. The conversation touches on topics like the shale revolution, property rights, and the potential consequences of current energy policies. Wright encourages engagement in public dialogue and provides resources for further exploration of these complex issues.
Highlights of the Podcast
01:11 - Liberty Energy
03:28 - The shale revolution
05:56 - Great American gifts
08:07 - Report
11:03 - An achievable goal
13:13 - Germany's giant industrial powerhouse
14:36 - Major energy crisis
18:21 - The climate crisis
23:17 - Let's be honest
26:38 - The shrinkage in exploration spending
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In Episode 96 of "The Energy Question" David and Doug delve into the future of nuclear energy, exploring its potential to meet growing power demands while addressing climate concerns. They discuss the industry's challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the need for policy support and public perception shifts to drive its adoption
Highlight of the Podcast
01:10 - Douglass Robinson's background
04:59 - The Nuclear Regulatory Commission
07:29 - Best in the nuclear world in the oil and gas
08:47 - First advanced nuclear reactor facility
10:16 - The reactor
13:17 - The safety record of the of the nuclear industry in the US
17:11 - A request for information
19:25 - ESG
22:07 - The Texas Energy Fund
23:53 - Clean air capture
25:15 - What would happen with nuclear if Trump wins this election in November?
30:17 - Three things happening
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In Episode 95 of "The Energy Question" Interviews Rye Barcott Marine Captain and founder of With Honor Action, a group aiming to promote bipartisanship in Congress. They discuss the decline of veteran representation in politics, the impact of polarization on governance, and strategies for fostering cooperation across party lines. Barcott highlights the importance of trust-building activities and the need for bipartisan approaches to address critical issues facing the nation.
Highlights of the Podcast
01:29 - Bipartisanship in the US Congress
03:39 - For Country Caucus
05:01 - Background in military service
06:31 - About their organization
09:45 - Simple kind of fact in human nature
10:44 - One of the things that has happened in Congress
11:26 - One of the reasons why we focus on veterans
14:05 - Real impact in the ability of members of the Congress
16:42 - Major world issues
19:21 - The Ukrainian frontline units
21:38 - The right type of people in office
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In Episode 94 of "The Energy Question" podcasts the oil and gas industry, featuring guests like Karr Ingham from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers. In a recent episode, they explored the Texas Petro Index, economic impacts, and technology advancements. They emphasized the industry's significance in Texas, and discussed regulatory challenges, government policies, and concerns about initiatives like the Green New Deal.
Highlights of the Podcast
01:18 - The purpose of the Texas Petro Index
04:59 - State revenue taxes from the oil and gas industry
08:22 - The global LNG powers
08:48 - Where the index stands right now
09:52 - The all time high of the Texas Petro
11:35 - Ne all time production records
13:38 - T benefit of the American people
15:37 - One of the key reasons for Texas success
17:22 - What's happening at the Alliance
20:30 - The Eagle Ford
22:21 - One of the very most effective voices for our industry in Texas
23:23 - The only Texans organization that directly plays in DC.
27:19 - Pieces of legislation from decades ago
29:23 - About the extraordinary economic impact of the industry in Texas
34:53 - The Texas Alliance of Energy Producers
35:53 - The great doctor Walter Williams
37:26 - The essence of trade and free trade and energy trade
38:47 - The Green New Deal
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In Episode 93 of "The Energy Question" podcast, David Blackmon interviews Dan Naatz, the Chief Operating Officer of the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), and Mallori Miller, the Vice President of Government Relations at BP. They discuss the challenges faced by the domestic oil and natural gas industry, including regulatory issues, the impact of federal policies on small producers, and the importance of advocacy. Knotts and Miller emphasize the need for regulatory certainty and encourage energy voters to stay informed about industry-related issues.
Highlights of the Podcast
02:13 - The big independent producers in the United States
03:19 - About the fact that IPAA is in a large way
05:30 - Part of the challenge in Washington
07:01 - The industry in Washington
09:57 - A big piece of the advocacy in IPAA
11:31 - The mature in Wyoming
14:08 - How many legislative days are left on the congressional calendar as it is today?
16:09 - The industry's independent producers
18:19 - The Washington Post Editorial
19:29 - The administration that's a frustration
21:23 - The impact on local economies
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In episode 92 of "The Energy Question," Stuart Turley and Doug Sandridge discuss the importance of nuclear energy in addressing global energy needs and climate change. They highlight the support from oil and gas executives for nuclear energy and share experiences advocating for it. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of diverse energy sources to meet growing demand and ensure sustainability. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage politically and financially in supporting energy solutions like nuclear power.
Highlights of the Podcast
02:29 -The Declaration of Oil and Gas executives
03:14 - The policy positions of all of the Democrat candidates for president
04:12 - The hurdles to net zero carbon emissions
05:07 - The Indian Point nuclear power plant in New York
06:01 - One of the foremost nuclear advocates in the country
07:44 - Spain just announced they're going to shut down the rest of their nuclear power plants
08:05 - Interviewed Grace Stanke
10:46 - The biggest funders of the Democratic Party
10:55 - The good news
11:39 - Nuclear folks in California
13:13 - The Wall Street Journal
16:06 - Germany to protest nuclear war
17:07 - Oil and gas executives
20:27 - Texas nuclear is a solid
22:34 - The EV charging hospital
23:35 - The United States
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In Episode 91 of The Energy Question, David Blackmon talks with Dr. Robert Brooks, the CEO of RBAC.
RBAC is the market leading supplier of global and regional gas and LNG market simulation systems. These systems provide industry analysts powerful tools for supporting investment and M&A strategy, environmental and sustainability goals, credible risk analysis, trading strategy and policy development and assessment. RBAC's products and expertise help companies go beyond the narratives and hype to identify the opportunities and define the risks inherent in the uncertainties of energy transition using reality and fact-based fundamentals and analysis.
Enjoy.
RBAC Website: www.rbac.com
Highlights of the Podcast
02:34 - Energy market simulation systems
05:14 - The company provides software products to the energy industry
07:47 - G2M2 Global gas market model
09:19 - The global LNG markets
15:22 - The transit agreement on Russian gas pipelines across Ukraine
18:35 - The resilience of the market
20:58 - Real major impact on the industry
24:07 - Southeast Asia could grow
27:39 - The U.S. domestic delivery system for natural gas
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In episode 90 of The Energy Question Podcast, David Blackmon catches up with Genevieve Collins, Texas State Director at Americans for Prosperity.
Highlights of the Podcast
00:55 - The Texas legislative session
03:25 - Americans for prosperity
05:06 - Unleashing American Energy
07:34 - The permitting process
11:27 - Real opportunity for innovation
15:06 - The problem for nuclear
17:23 - When Texas is energy dominant, America's energy abundant
17:42 - Genevieve Collins' outlook on this election this year?
22:52 - The illegal immigration situation at the border
27:47 - The story in the promise of Texas
In this episode, Genevieve gives us an update on her organization's current activities, including a new initiative it calls "Unleashing American Energy."
Enjoy.
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