Senior Director – Policy Analysis and Economics American Chemistry Council

Affiliation and years of experience in energy and/or environment:

My first introduction to energy issues and to NCAC was in 1998 when I joined the staff of the National Mining Association (NMA) as an economist. It was just after the Kyoto Protocol and climate change was the issue of the day. I’ve always been fascinated by networks, so energy economics was a natural extension. Following my time at NMA, I went to the American Chemistry Council. I had worked there briefly before going back to graduate school, so it was a homecoming of sorts. I swapped the energy producer perspective for that of an industrial energy consumer. Many are surprised to learn that chemical industry is the largest manufacturing consumer of natural gas and that shale gas development has made the US chemical industry more competitive than ever.

Any particular achievement/interest in energy/environment you would like to mention?

I’m interested in the nexus between energy, the economy and the environment and how industry can transform energy into the products that improve living standards around the world.

In your opinion, what are important economic/policy issues facing the energy industry nowadays?

It’s a tall order, but I think the greatest challenge for our profession is finding and promoting the right balance between energy production/consumption and environmental stewardship while simultaneously raising the living standards for a growing global population.

How long have you been a member of NCAC? Any particular NCAC memory you would like to share with us?

I’ve been a member of the NCAC for about 15 years. NCAC brings in great experts on a range of topics of both personal and professional interest. In addition, I always enjoy the great conversation during the lunches. There is a tremendous diversity of research, experience, and perspective among the members. I have also benefited from the issue seminars and field trips.