Ron Ness, President, North Dakota Petroleum Council interviewed by The Crude Life Content Correspondent Genneca Houser
Ron Ness is the President of the North Dakota Petroleum Council and as such he has a unique vantage point for a view of the oil and gas industry and the issues facing it. Legislative policies, tax changes, cybersecurity – there are currently many areas of focus for industry professionals right now. For Ron, it’s about bolstering confidence in the industry and the hard-working people that comprise it. He says that the Bakken is a world-class asset, and the great North Dakota recovery goes to show it, noting all of the excitement buzzing in the atmosphere.
“I think the confidence that we can re-instore – that leads to that technology, that leads to that innovation, all of the things that you’re hearing in the subsequent sessions. Great ideas come from great minds and we’ve always been able to attract the great minds.”
Confidence may be hard to find in some minds that question what the future may hold if something like the Climate Tax were to be implemented. For Ron Ness, there’s no question; he doesn’t believe there’s even a chance the Climate Tax will move forward because of the detriment that could be done if it were.
“A carbon tax is gonna increase the cost of energy on consumers in America and I don’t think consumers in America want that. And as Secretary of State Pompeo said, it also puts us at a disadvantage to the rest of the world. So, why in the world would we tax carbon and…not only charge ourselves more for what we use everyday in energy, but also put ourselves at a disadvantage to our non-allies across the world. So, I’m not a believer that there’ll be a carbon tax…”
He may not believe a carbon tax is coming, but Ron says he does believe that everything that can be done should be done to increase value to the Bakken barrel. His motivation is a competitive edge more than anything; Ron wants the world to want the Bakken barrel which would increase investment and in turn that investment creates more opportunity for the state.For that goal, he says the future looks very good.
“The long term future of the Bakken is extremely bright.Now there are gonna be bumps in the road and bruises here and there but there is absolutely no question that this resource is incredible.”
In this bright future are plans for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). In fact, Ron called it the “great, next attraction of capital into the Bakken.” It takes a lot to make EOR happen, but Ron says that it is most certainly worth the effort. He goes on to talk about how using sequestered carbon for EOR is not a new thing – it’s just new to the Bakken because of the unique type of rock. That’s why the research and programs are so important.
“Putting the carbon into the rock, it stays in the rock and you get more oil, but putting the carbon into Bakken rock… gotta figure out how that works. What’s the best way to do it.”
Leaving us with a heavy question, Ron posed a final thought, “We know that we need energy and where’re we gonna get it? Are we gonna make it at home and create wealth and opportunity for our own people? Or are we gonna buy it from people who wake up everyday and want to kill us?”
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Sponsors, Music and Other Show Notes
Studio Sponsor: The Industrial Forest
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Weekly Sponsor: Great American Mining Co.
Great American Mining monetizes wasted, stranded and undervalued gas throughout the oil and gas industry by using it as a power generation source for bitcoin mining. We bring the market and our expertise to the molecule. Our solutions make producers more efficient and profitable while helping to reduce flaring and venting throughout the oil and gas value chain.
Weekly Sponsor: Maxwell’s Restaurant & Bar
Maxwell’s has been repeatedly recognized locally and nationally for its fine dining, warm hospitality, outstanding service and custom beverage selections.
Maxwell’s has been the recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 2012. The Award of Excellence is earned by establishments that offer a well-chosen selection of quality producers, along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style with over 100 labels offered.
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