Abstract: Role of Petroleum in Nation's Energy Futures

H. H. Schmitt

There is obviously great need for a long-range approach on which to base our present actions related to energy. We can assume that the nation's energy future will consist of three specific, interlocking phases. First, there is the present crisis of energy supply. Second, there will be a transition phase which will last until renewable alternatives to fossil and fission fuels are available. Finally will come the gradual increase in the utilization of sources of renewable energy.

The duration of the crisis phase is dependent on energy conservation and the rate at which we produce from old or identify new sources of domestic petroleum. The most critical aspect of this phase is the need for early relief from the crisis of energy supply without unacceptable dependence on uncertain foreign supplies. It is clear that petroleum is the only energy source that can provide this early relief. The present lack of a national inventory of our potential reserves of petroleum is a major factor preventing a fully rational approach to foreign economic policy.

The transition phase of our energy future will see the need to terminate gradually the use of petroleum as an energy source and the second is the need to create the interim alternatives to petroleum. The most pressing reasons for these needs are the preservation of natural hydrocarbons for the agricultural and chemical requirements of future generations and the enhancement of the environment for all generations.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90979©1975 AAPG – SEPM Rocky Mountain Sections Annual Meeting, Albuquerque, New Mexico