Aubrey McClendon, the CEO of Chesapeake Energy, is one of the more open and aggressive natural gas marketers in the United States. He was one of the driving forces behind the establishment of American Clean Skies Foundation (ACSF) in 2007. He has been credited with helping to derail a plan by TXU to build 11 new coal fired power stations in Texas, the largest market for natural gas electrical power generation in the US.
I have to admire a man who recognizes that he is in a competitive business and is willing to invest the time and money that it takes to spread a message. He is firmly committed to the idea that natural gas is the bridge to a low carbon economy. In the above video, he clearly makes his case and throws down the gauntlet to his competitors in the fossil fuel industry.
Interestingly enough, I do not think I heard a single mention of either “nuclear” or “atomic” in the 20 minute interview. That is the way that some people treat the competitors that worry them the most – they resort to the silent treatment. Wonder how he will feel in 60 days, 6 months or 6 years about his choices? (If you do not “get” the allusion, watch the video.)
Did I mention that McClendon and his fellow gas producers have agreed to tax themselves at a rate of one penny per thousand cubic feet sold in order to build a $100 million per year marketing and lobbying war chest? (Again, watch the video!)
