SILVER SPRING, MD – With energy supplies tightening and need for vehicle-powering liquid fuels continuing apace, how are we to reconcile the gap between supply and demand? As part of Montgomery County’s Rethink Montgomery Speaker Series, a federal energy information officer will highlight the outlook for and challenges to our fuel supply on Thursday.
A. Michael Schaal, director of the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Oil and Gas Division, will discuss his office’s primary focus—producing the annual outlook for oil, natural gas and biofuels – as well as the consequences of a 2007 landmark act on transportation fuels.
In the context of the current oil spill in the Gulf, Schaal’s information on energy projections is particularly relevant.
As director of the energy division overseeing oil and gas information, Schaal plays a watchdog role on fuel supply and demand. Fuel demand, thanks to new energy efficiency standards, is expected to flatten as we head into the 2020s, Schaal notes, partly thanks to the 2007 federal Independence and Securities Act, which requires car companies to meet a fuel economy standard of 35 miles per gallon for vehicles by 2020 and for gas stations to sell an increasing amount of biofuels. In his presentation, Schaal will explain the impact of the Act, both nationally and regionally.
Schaal also will discuss the expectations for the renewable fuel supply, such as biofuels and cellulose-based fuels.
Previously, Schaal worked as a professional engineer with Bechtel Corporation of San Francisco, where he was involved in economic analysis, engineering, construction, and operations of first-of-a-kind facilities, and as a consultant with Energy Ventures Analysis, Inc., advising clients on natural gas and power sector issues.
Schaal received his B.S. in electrical engineering from the California State University in 1986, and his Masters degree in Mineral Economics from The Pennsylvania State University in 1995.
Continuing education credits (AICP certification maintenance credits) are pending for planning professionals.
Who:
A. Michael Schaal
What:
ReThink Montgomery Speaker Series – Energy
When:
Thursday, May 27, 7:30 p.m.
Where:
Park and Planning Headquarters auditorium
8787 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring
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