Since he said he will not be around for a second term, it's no surprise that outgoing US Department of Energy Sec. Spencer Abraham used his appearance at the National Petroleum Council's Dec. 1 meeting in Washington, DC, to summarize his tenure as energy secretary and to thank a group with whom he worked. But he also used it to make two mildly bold predictions.
Abraham told council members that he thinks Congress, with its larger Republican majorities in both the Senate and the House, will pass comprehensive energy legislation. He also said he expects approval of opening what he described as "a small part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge" to oil and gas leasing.
The predictions were bold, considering the energy bill hit a solid roadblock when it went to conference this year. As for ANWR, the idea of opening any part of it to possible exploration and development is anathema to federal lawmakers who accept environmental groups' arguments that it should remain off-limits.
Questions answered
Abraham is an experienced politician, however. Responding to a reporter's question following his talk on how the next Congress might overcome energy legislation obstacles in general—and the methyl tertiary butyl ether liability question in particular—he refused to offer specifics, but was optimistic that it would be accomplished.
"This is a serious issue, and I hope Congress and policymakers at all levels will take it on," he said. "I'm highly confidant that the votes will be there for a comprehensive energy bill, and that the ongoing challenges will be addressed."
As for ANWR, Abraham said that oil markets would have been significantly improved with the additional production if former US President Bill Clinton had not vetoed leasing authorization in 1995 when he was in office.
In remarks before NPC's presentation of its report on US refining capacity and inventory levels, Abraham said that ensuring adequate domestic refining capacity is vital to meeting the needs of consumers.
"I personally see these refining issues as needs to be addressed. The attention is long overdue," he maintained.
Accomplishments made
Among DOE's accomplishments during his tenure, Abraham mentioned its aggressive LNG effort, including negotiation of international agreements to improve transportation security, and initiatives to strengthen overseas energy investment opportunities for US companies.
He also cited the Yucca Mountain and other efforts associated with nuclear energy, initiatives to improve the nation's electric power systems, and research and development programs to make coal combustion cleaner, advance hydrogen fuel-cell technology, and develop clean diesel fuel.
Abraham also said that US President George W. Bush and his administration have made a big difference in the national government's attitude toward energy issues.
"Over the last 4 years, we've really begun to change the energy debate in a constructive way with the president's leadership," Abraham declared. "I think we can look forward to energy decisions in the future consistent with a balanced, reasoned approach."
