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Navigating LNG and Natural Gas: Industry Insights

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Our exploration of energy policy regulation reveals critically significant insights about the future landscape of natural gas and LNG. Discussions highlight the importance of education and communication as the industry faces various perceptions. We dive into the implications of new technology like frat coke, the realities of obtaining public trust, and the strategic engagement required to bridge the gap between energy policy and community understanding.

• Importance of understanding current and upcoming energy regulations 
• Insights on LNG and its critical role in clean energy transition 
• Discussion on frat coke and its impact on efficiency and sustainability 
• Public perception challenges and advocacy strategies for natural gas 
• Engaging with regulators and building relationships in the industry 
• The importance of transparent communication and community outreach 


Speaker 1:

Thanks for watching. Welcome to the new Energy Crew podcast. In this episode we're going to be diving all into energy policy regulation. What we discussed around the Crew Club Operator Mastermind Roundtable in Dallas on February 12th 2025,. Mastermind Roundtable in Dallas on February 12th 2025, where Emily Easley, the CEO of Novos Energy Advisors, came in to give a great discussion on, and the title of her topic was when the Molecule Meets the Electron Navigating Gas-Electric Integration and Policy Transitions in 2025. Now this conversation was a great conversation and we didn't stick to energy policy for the entire conversation, which is great because we went on a lot of different tangents and I think it all kind of wraps up into this better understanding of what's happening in the industry on a federal level.

Speaker 1:

So I guess, without further ado, let me give a little backdrop. I'm sorry, dropped my note taking thing. A little backdrop is I met Emily probably about a year and a half ago on LinkedIn. She noticed some of my content was talking about energy policy. She actually lives in Washington DC and started her own company and has been in the solar, the renewable space for over 20 years the renewable space for over 20 years. So having someone that works on energy policy in the federal level that not just does renewables but also grew up in the oil and gas environment because her dad was an oil and gas worker employee whatever His career was in oil and gas. So it was great to have her background, her perception and just her insights on understanding, kind of like, where the industry is, what challenges are out there, what's renewable landscape look like and bringing it all together and really sharing some great inside perspectives and also pulling the table to what's going on.

Speaker 1:

So in this episode we're really kind of diving into there's a couple of key things that we talked about, a couple of things. Number one LNG. We discussed the future of LNG with the new administration. What's going to be happening with that? All right. Natural gas as well. That's just a natural conversation that stems from LNG. What we have to do as an industry to not only change perceptions but also to kind of operate with, I guess, more focus on natural gas and communicating its benefit. All right, we talked about frat coke. Never heard of frat coke and what I'm going to cover is probably a very surface description of frat coke, but anyway, it was very interesting to hear new technologies coming out there. Number one to make fracking more efficient but also, potentially, can we recover more oil from the reservoirs below. We discussed industry perception, how to change that, how to navigate that and what we need to do as a collective to educate those out there that may not understand the benefits of hydrocarbons.

Speaker 1:

But also we went into many other tangents at the table and when I say tangents, I don't want to say this tangents in the negative way, like it took away from the conversation. If anything, these tangents were the spiciness, the chili. It only enriched the conversation. So let's get started. All right. First off, thanks for being here. Okay, I want to say the first thing we're talking about right now is we're going to talk about a little LNG. All right, we open up the conversation again.

Speaker 1:

There's some of these conversations you have to understand I am not an engineer by background. All right, I'm a great facilitator. I'm great at bringing people together and building people up. So when I speak to some of these subjects I might not, for example, like frat coke or or things like that. I might not be able to speak to the uh, the engineering, uh detailed. However, I'm just going to provide a quick overview and this is something that you can kind of take with you when you're engaging in conversations with your customers, with your clients, with your team, stuff like that. All right, hopefully you get some sort of insight from this.

Speaker 1:

All right, so we did talk about a net LNG. What's going to be happening with the new administration? All right, lng is becoming increasingly more important. All right, people are recognized as a cleaner energy source and its potential role to meeting future energy demand. All right, one participant around the table pointed out that there's significant debates right now surrounding LNG exports, particularly in relation to energy policies in the US and also the broader global market dynamics. All right, there's the impact of regulatory changes, and methane rules are pivotal in shaping the operational landscape for companies engaged in LNG activities. All right, so what are some key points that we kind of took from this? Obviously, the LNG landscape is changing. There was a pause on it with the previous administration. That seems to be living the new administration, so it seems that it seems that globally, people are accepting lng um transition away from the coal and the more of a quote greener energy source.

Speaker 1:

I think there was talking about maybe even rebranding or renaming it, which is kind of of goes to show to me. It's the silliness of it all. Um, when you have to rebrand or market something, um, to get consumer, not consumer, to get the populace on board. That just shows that education is not really there. All right, the influence on energy policy and LNG exports, particularly in relation to your EU, european Union's demand for cleaner energy alternatives. What is happening in the EU that's, uh that, energy alternatives. What is happening in the EU that's drawing more of an LNG demand, that's moving away towards the dirty quotations, the dirty hydrocarbons, and so LNG might be a great fit for this new green natural gas, whatever you want to call it. All right. So how can companies strategically engage in markets that are resistant to the adoption of natural gas? This is kind of when we got into this, okay.

Speaker 1:

So the next segment is natural gas. Let me talk about that first, and I want to go back to kind of how we can, as an industry or as people, or even if you're not in the industry, kind of understand the benefits of natural gas a little bit. Just kind of taking a minute to understand the physics behind it. It would probably move the needle a lot. Just basic communication and education, all right. So natural gas, hey, it's promised.

Speaker 1:

We also talked about that. We talked about kind of more of a broader discussion on natural gas. We heard you know perspectives on growing it as a viable, green energy source. Obviously, there's few emissions, it's a cleaner burn, it allows people to access cheap, abundant sources of energy, so I'm a huge fan of natural gas. Now, unfortunately, there's a lot of operators out there In the natural gas market that just wish the prices would tick up a little bit. Senses around the table that it's going to happen. No one really has a crystal ball, but it can only improve, apparently around the table. I think people around the table probably had a short memory, but there's a public sentiment around natural gas, both as a bridging fuel, but it also is a long-term solution. There's a lot of emerging technologies that support the continued use of natural gas, including advances in drilling, extraction methods and the necessity of effective communication about natural gas benefits to shift public perception and a policy is in favor.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so this is the part that we talk about kind of like what we can do to kind of engage with markets that are kind of resistant to natural gas and to natural gas. But the first thing is is that if we're not educating, then shame on us All right. So, number one education. Educating about this advocacy I think, with Chris Wright being as a secretary of energy right now, he's he's continued to do a phenomenal job about in this industry to promote the benefit of natural gas. Let's make it kind of everyone's opportunity to have conversations and again, these are conversations. These aren't one of these things, I'm right, you're wrong. These are just educational conversations with people who may not understand. This education can highlight its role in reducing greenhouse gas. Number one Its potential as a bridge fuel in transitioning to a quote of renewable energy. One person said that people slowly started to turn on natural gas as a greener source suggests that there's a shift in awareness when it comes to natural gas. So, again, continuing these conversations is completely important.

Speaker 1:

Another thing we can do community engagement. Building strong relationships with our communities, with our neighbors, is so crucial. Okay, companies can implement, you know, outreach programs and initiatives to showcase their commitment, but at the end of the day, I personally think you know, as an industry, we do a lot for the community. Obviously we need to continue to do that more, but at the end of the day, it's really just having a cup of coffee with someone that may not understand and may just kind of just want to learn a little bit more. And so, again, I'm thinking about when I first started off in the industry. I didn't know anything about energy, what it is, so I find it I've always pulled back when it's whenever I have this obvious mentality it's like, oh, you should know this. Again, people are not in this industry and it's up to us, it's up to you, to educate them, all right, and kind of ways, bring them across, have them understand a little bit more, all right.

Speaker 1:

Another thing we talked about to engage people that are resistant is have transparent communication All right. Transparency about operations, environmental impact and safety. That's going to be key in gaining trust, because Right now, historically, there is a cloak around the industry of it being dangerous, dirty, this and that. But what is the real realities of the industry? It's very smart, it's very technological forward, it's very people-focused, technology-focused AI automation. It's a fascinating industry to be a part of and I think it's up to us to kind of communicate that All right. Innovative partnerships we talked about collaborating with environmental groups, governments and other stakeholders to help build kind of a coalition of support. And another thing that we can do is technological investments. All right, showcasing advancements in technology related to natural gas extraction and usage, such as reducing methane emissions and improvement efficiencies, can change perceptions.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so, again, this is something I think we've talked about for a long time. I focus on this throughout my career, then I kind of lose focus. I focus in, I lose focus. But the importance of educating and being an advocate for a natural gas, because we are in an energy crunch right now, whether we feel it or not. Um, whether that's the cost of utilities, whether it's the power grid, uh, energy and consumption of energy and energy demand will continue to be an ongoing hot topic right now, and the quicker you can depoliticize it and make it more about the physics and more about the cost in relation to the consumer wallet, the more that's going to drive people to have these conversations. Again, I think being an advocate is something we all need to do a little bit more.

Speaker 1:

All right, so the another thing that we discussed was the energy policy and its impact. All right, so energy policy is obviously a crucial topic. We have a new administration. Uh, people are chanting drill, baby drill. Do they understand the implications of saying drill, baby drill? Probably not, cause that probably means a lot of unemployed people If it's drill baby drill, low commodity prices anyway. So don't give me all my soapbox about that. But because there is new administration, because energy policy and regulation will continue to affect how we operate anything from methane reporting to drilling permits to whatever it is following energy policy and understanding how to impact energy policy, I think is going to be continued to be important, if not more important, for the industries and companies in the industry to kind of get behind.

Speaker 1:

So how can you, as a company or as an individual, stay up to speed when it comes to energy policy and actually maybe try to influence energy policy where it makes sense? Um, I've, we all went through a period where energy policy in certain places in the european union are facing this, where energy policy does not reflect energy realities all right, and that's just something that we all face, okay. Um, so I think being involved as an energy policy and energy regulation is probably our duty as an industry, just because there's such a disconnect on energy realities and energy expectations, and a lot of times energy policy is written on energy expectations, not energy realities. So I think it's time for us to kind of lean in a little bit more. So how can you stay involved and up to speed when it comes to energy policies? All right. So, number one, your company should probably be staying informed about current and upcoming regulations. All right, obviously it's going to affect your operations, whether it's fines, whether it's how you operate, how you permit.

Speaker 1:

There was somebody at the table said you know monitoring. You know actually, emily said this monitoring. You know the federal register for draft proposed rulemakings. I mean, that can be critical for a lot of companies out there. So think about that. If something's coming down the line, you have the strategy to see what's happening coming down the line before it's even a rule.

Speaker 1:

All right, so you're staying abreast, you're staying up to date. You're staying on the cutting edge of what's happening in DC, all right, another thing that we can do is engage with regulators, engage with congressmen, engage with senators about the industry, about energy, about, maybe, whether it's education, whether it's about the realities, whatever it is, whatever floats your boat. I think you need it in all areas, all right. So building these relationships with you know people like Emily Easley, people like Ryan Walker, who's coming in to speak at Fort Worth, who's out of DC as well. So building these relationships from the operator side to also the federal side. The federal affairs side is extremely important just to know what's going on and also just to have an outlet, I guess as well.

Speaker 1:

All right, I'm commenting on regulations. Okay, companies can also can actually be proactive and respond to proposed regulations by submitting comments. I didn't even know this was possible until the roundtable. So, again, if you're a company, you can still get involved and still submit your own comments to any upcoming regulations might be coming out. All right, apparently, this is again whether it's uh, this is something we discussed around the table. I don't know. I'm not the next person, but there's people you can contact, like Emily.

Speaker 1:

Um, understanding policy incentives? All right. So there, while regulations are here to stay, that there's often incentives that are associated, tied to compliance, that could be beneficial for companies. So you could take these regulations to actually turn that into a business opportunity. All right. For example, understanding how policy can incentivize the use of natural gas over other energy sources and help companies take advantage of these incentives, while also advocating for changes that would further support their operations? Ok, and then the last thing you can do is just understand the importance of policy awareness, being saying a breast to it. Think about this, not just understanding kind of where the industry is moving, but think about that. You're going to be a value add if you understand what's going on when it comes to the DC energy policy. So a thorough understanding of how political dynamics kind of influence energy policy can prepare companies to adapt to changes quicker than others. And something that Emily discussed around the table, a lot of other operators discussed that listen, if you are reacting to energy policies and you're not being proactive about it, chances are you need more fines than you are going to have the ability to make revenue from it. So again, don't be reactive, be proactive. I know different companies face different challenges when it comes to staying abreast of all these different changes. Probably allocate one or two people to dive in lean more or establish those relationships in DC would help out a lot. Okay, all right Now changing speeds.

Speaker 1:

We talked about frat coke.

Speaker 1:

Does anyone out there know what frat coke is? Okay, I did it. Apparently it's. I don't know if it's a new technology, but some companies are using a frat coke which is a enable efficient resource extraction. Ok, I got to find out what frat Hold on a second. So let me go to actually find out what frat coke. Ok, frat coke, what is it? How it is, why it matters. I'm going to go real brief.

Speaker 1:

Frat coke is an innovative process that combines fracking with a production of high-value Coke. Not Coca-Cola, not Cocaina Coke All right. A carbon-rich byproduct derived from oil and gas resources? All right. Instead of wasting byproducts, it actually puts it back into the fluid for extraction. All right, the benefits and maximize apparently it maximizes resource efficiencies, uh, enhances sustainability, boosts economic value, supports us manufacturing All right, okay.

Speaker 1:

So listen, we talked about frat Coke around the table. Um, do I? Can I speak really in depth to frat Coke? No, I can't, but it was the first time I've heard of this and there were some super major companies out there that have started utilizing frat Coke to get better and apparently the feedback is that it works, that it's been beneficial, so that again, little movements in the needle like this that can reduce, you know, little percentages and improvements and efficiencies, is going to be the big changes, the big step changes that we have in this industry. So again, talking about that frat coke, look into it. I don't know. Maybe I'll get someone on to kind of dive in more deep on what frat coke is, so we can actually talk about it and I can understand a little bit more.

Speaker 1:

All right, so, so we, we talked about some other uh, takeaways around the table, um, and the reason why I like kind of diving into this, because at our, at our, at our events, at fruit club events, when we sit around the table no-transcript, it gives you better perspective of what's happening in the industry. So, number one, industry rebranding is crucial right now. There's a new administration, a lot of movement, a lot of movement. It could be a lot of resistance or a lot of acceptance. So again, rebranding in our industry is so crucial right now. Gone are the days of the dirty, dirty oil rig, the dirty roughneck, you know, throw in Shane. Now I'm thinking it's all about technology, it's about communication, automation. It's like a deep space industry. All right, deep space engineering industry. That's what we have to promote, all right, so again.

Speaker 1:

So another thing we talk about is the collaboration and shared knowledge Again. So another thing we talk about is the collaboration and shared knowledge. Our industry right now is in a time where we, historically, we always used to meet, we always used to have knowledge exchanges, we always used to get around the table and have these conversations. That's one of the benefits of a crew club, but the point is this it's not without plugging it. The point is this like opportunity and knowledge and magic happens with conversations, at the end of the day, I don't care who you're talking to, what you're reading, what class podcast book you're listening to, you're going to get more knowledge and more understanding out of conversations.

Speaker 1:

Ok, so these collaborations were between OFS companies or and operators need to happen sooner than later. Ofs companies and operators need to happen sooner than later. The reason why it probably should happen with OFS and operators is because the amount of capital, the cost of capital to spend on creating new technology is there and it's real, and a lot of companies are not spending the money on technology because operators are saying, hey, listen, that's not really what we need. That's not what we need. That's what we want to ask for, that's almost what we need, but it's not there yet. So starting at square one to understand the need and building a solution around that problem is going to help the industry. It's going to help operators and help service companies. It's going to be more of an alignment.

Speaker 1:

Okay, share knowledge. We had one great roundtable discussion in Oklahoma City about extended laterals, and it was great having so many various operators there that are doing extended laterals and sharing how they're getting to the depths and the lengths that they're getting to. Again, share knowledge, collaboration I can't be a bigger fan of this. I think that's how we move forward as an industry and as individuals. I mean, that's how you learn more. All right, and that's kind of why I'm doing this. Do I understand a hundred percent everything I'm preaching right now? Absolutely not. However, if I could share some knowledge with you, or maybe I might say you know, frat cook and you're like I know what this guy's talking about, I'm gonna look into that. That's what matters Pushing, pushing the industry forward and having this more understanding of an industry All right.

Speaker 1:

Building trust in relationships, trust, the foundation in public affairs okay. So, while perceptions can change very rapidly, all right. It was difficult to gain trust and so easy to lose trust, all right. So, industry professionals, we need to emphasize the importance of being truthful and transparent in our communications, okay. Whether that's through leadership, whether that's through community outreach or anything like that, all right.

Speaker 1:

And then the last thing we talked about I want to touch on is keeping data relevant. All right. As data analytics becomes more integral to industry operations, professionals must strive to create, maintain relevant data sets that reflect their unique challenges and opportunities. Customizing reports and analysis helps team make informed decisions that align with organizational goals. As a result, investing in data management and analytical capabilities should be a priority for companies wishing to derive meaningful insights. All right, well, that was, and I even forgot to mention who was at the table. I want to thank, first off, everyone who came to the table and provided their insights, their insights. I also want to thank our service companies who are sponsors of this event WorkRise, welldrive, aai Agency, strata, innovative Solutions, paragon and Encore Wellhead Systems.

Speaker 1:

It was a great conversation around the table. I loved how we started off with energy policy. We talked about LNG, natural gas. We talked about collaboration, trust, leadership, where we're going as an industry. So, again, the robustness of this conversation when it comes to what we need to do as industry, where we need to look forward, how to stay in touch with what's happening on the federal level. I really enjoyed it. I want to thank everyone out there for tuning into this Energy Crew podcast If you enjoyed it. Thank you for your time and we look forward to seeing you on future Energy Crew podcasts. Feel free to share this too, if you like. Thank you.