Chevron CEO Michael Wirth recently criticized the Biden administration for its approach towards the natural gas industry, which he described as “attacks on the natural gas” sector. His comments were made during a speech at the Gastech conference in Houston, where he underscored the critical role of natural gas, especially from the Permian Basin, in powering the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI). The Biden administration’s recent actions include launching a task force on AI Datacenter Infrastructure to coordinate policies that align AI growth with the government’s economic and environmental goals. Wirth argued that while these efforts aim to prevent power-hungry AI data centers from undermining U.S. climate goals, they might inadvertently restrict the energy supply necessary for AI expansion. Screw AI. Save energy. — Gordon Pattie (@GWPattie) September 18, 2024 Chevron, the second-largest oil producer in the U.S., is a big player in the Permian Basin, which straddles Texas and New Mexico. Besides the amount of energy required, what is never mentioned in the AI debate is that the data centers are a threat for the scarce safe drinking water supply used for server cooling. — Dikkie Uncut (@dikkie_uncut) September 17, 2024 He argued that such a moratorium could raise energy costs, threaten supply reliability, and slow the shift from coal to natural gas, ultimately leading to higher emissions. I just kept thinking of the boring company when posed with how to offload the nat gas. — thatOneGuy 🤔🏴☠️ (@thatcrypto_guy) September 16, 2024 Amidst the global push for decarbonization, Wirth called for a stable and predictable policy environment that would ensure natural gas remains a reliable energy source. He outlined three pillars for a balanced energy future: first, political support for gas as a key to a lower carbon future; second, recognition of the progress made in deploying new technologies and gas solutions; and third, understanding that the energy transition requires unprecedented innovation and collaboration. But what about the environmental costs of that cheap energy? I’m not convinced the US can just frack its way to AI supremacy. — SanctionsNut (@nutforcase) September 15, 2024 This policy could delay decisions on new plants until after the November 5 election, potentially impacting the future of U.S. energy exports. September 18, 2024: AI Experts Ready ‘Humanity’s Last Exam’ to Challenge Powerful Tech September 17, 2024: Lenovo Expands AI Footprint with New Servers in India and Cutting-Edge AI Lab September 17, 2024: OpenAI Launches Independent Oversight Committee to Prioritize AI Safety September 16, 2024: Google Rolls Out Gemini Live for Free – How Every Android User Can Use It September 16, 2024: Sam Altman Confirms OpenAI’s Non-Profit Structure Will Transform Next Year! For more news and insights, visit AI News on our website.
He defended the use of low-carbon natural gas over coal to meet the increasing energy demands of the AI sector, suggesting that leveraging natural gas is a more sustainable option.
This region is the largest U.S. oilfield and contributes to about 15% of the nation’s gas output. Wirth criticized the Biden administration’s decision to pause approvals for pending and future liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects, calling it a move that “elevates politics over progress.”
Wirth also cited data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicating that over a third of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 were due to coal combustion.
Wirth’s remarks come in response to the Biden administration’s January announcement of a pause on approvals for new LNG export projects, a decision praised by climate activists but criticized by the oil and gas industry.Check Out More AI Related Updates!
Chevron CEO Criticizes Biden’s Natural Gas Policies, Calls Fuel Vital for AI
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Digital marketing enthusiast by day, nature wanderer by dusk. Dave Andre blends two decades of AI and SaaS expertise into impactful strategies for SMEs. His weekends? Lost in books on tech trends and rejuvenating on scenic trails.Dave Andre
Digital marketing enthusiast by day, nature wanderer by dusk. Dave Andre blends two decades of AI and SaaS expertise into impactful strategies for SMEs. His weekends? Lost in books on tech trends and rejuvenating on scenic trails.
Key Takeaways:
Wirth emphasized that “AI’s advance will depend not only on the design labs of Silicon Valley, but also on the gas fields of the Permian basin,” highlighting the interconnectedness of energy resources and technological development.
He suggested that transitioning from coal to gas could be “the single greatest carbon reduction initiative in history.” Wirth stressed that “the case for natural gas is so strong that only politics can get in the way.”
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Digital marketing enthusiast by day, nature wanderer by dusk. Dave Andre blends two decades of AI and SaaS expertise into impactful strategies for SMEs. His weekends? Lost in books on tech trends and rejuvenating on scenic trails.
