Maguire Energy Institute

Though not fully appreciated, a revolutionary energy source first discovered in Texas can spur economic development, increase U.S. energy security and improve the environment.   It's unconventional natural gas, or gas from shale formations.  With technologies first developed by Mitchell Energy and Devon Energy Corporation for the Barnett Shale formation of North Texas, shale discoveries have continued across the country.

The development of shale resources has spread from Texas to the Marcellus Shale encompassing much of the Northeastern U. S., as well as shale formations in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana, to name a few.   As a result of new exploration and drilling technologies and techniques, a 90-year supply of U.S. gas reserves is now estimated.

Developing natural gas resources will create well-paying, skilled jobs for those who want to work in the industry.  The exploration, production and transportation of natural gas will generate significant local economic activity and tax revenues in all of these areas.  Use of U.S.-produced natural gas in power generation, industrial activity, and transportation will make America's energy supply less vulnerable.  And natural gas has environmental benefits unmatched by other fossil fuels, producing less carbon emissions than coal and refined oil.

However, to promote long-term development of our resources, a favorable business climate is required. The purpose of this conference is to bring together the best minds to examine the potential of natural gas in the energy mix, and discuss the measures necessary to promote its development and further usage.

One focal point of the conference will be on issues of supply: why it has increased, distribution means, and foreign and domestic resources. Second, demand issues will be explored, with an emphasis on electricity generation and transportation. Environmental and national security issues will also be addressed.

The conference will be held on the SMU campus in Dallas on March 25. The welcoming speaker is President George W. Bush. An industry expert will deliver a keynote address at lunch. Approximately 300 people from the energy and transportation industry, academia, public policy arenas, and the media are expected to attend.

The conference is being sponsored by SMU’s George W. Bush Institute and the Maguire Energy Institute at SMU Cox School of Business.