Balancing Natural Gas Policy--Fueling the Demands of a Growing Economy. Volume 1, Summary of Findings and Recommendations

摘要

By letter dated March 13, 2002, Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham requested the National Petroleum Council (NPC) to undertake a new study on natural gas in the United States in the 21st Century. Specifically, the Secretary stated: Such a study should examine the potential implications of new supplies, new technologies, new perceptions of risk, and other evolving market conditions that may affect the potential for natural gas demand, supplies, and delivery through 2025. It should also provide insights on energy market dynamics, including price volatility and future fuel choice, and an outlook on the longer-term sustainability of natural gas supplies. Of particular interest is the Councils advice on actions that can be taken by industry and Government to increase the productivity and efficiency of North American natural gas markets and to ensure adequate and reliable supplies of energy for consumers. There has been a fundamental shift in the natural gas supply/demand balance that has resulted in higher prices and volatility in recent years. This situation is expected to continue, but can be moderated.