Luncheons

All-Convention Luncheon

The Offshore Imperative: Shell Oil’s Search for Petroleum in Postwar America

• Monday, April 21 - 11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

History offers precedents and examples that may help assess the challenges faced by today’s petroleum industry. In particular, the story of how Shell Oil Company turned the Gulf of Mexico into the most explored and developed offshore petroleum province in the world can provide a “usable past” for the oil and gas industry.

Tyler Priest, Ph.D., Clinical Professor and Director of Global Studies at the C. T. Bauer College of Business, University of Houston, will detail Shell Oil’s ability to recognize and address the offshore imperative that has now spread to other companies and regions around the world. Learn more ...

Division of Professional Affairs Luncheon

Leading the New Energy Revolution

• Tuesday, April 22 - 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Because of the confluence of increasing global energy demand, the pressures of public perception, the depletion of historic conventional reserves and the establishment of production from unconventional and previously inaccessible reservoirs, now is the time for the industry to show what it’s really made of. What’s going on in Texas can become a template for positive change in national energy fundamentals and perceptions.

The Honorable Elizabeth Ames Jones, Texas Railroad Commissioner, will present her perspective, as a regulator and policymaker, on how we can all make a positive contribution to the new Energy Revolution and enhance America's energy security. Learn more ...

Division of Environmental Geosciences Luncheon

The Changing Debate on Global Warming

• Wednesday, April 23 - 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Much of the past debate about global warming focused on whether or not it is occurring and, if it is, the causes. Dr. Eric J. Barron, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, will discuss how the debate is changing substantially, to one that is focused more on the importance of climate change to society and the steps that should be taken to adapt or mitigate climate change effects. Learn more ...

Energy Minerals Division Luncheon

Will Coal Burn Brightly in the Future?

• Wednesday, April 23 - 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The many misconceptions about coal harbored by the public and decision makers have hindered objective, dispassionate dialogue. Dr. Robert B. Finkelman will sort out fact from fallacy and examine evidence concerning the health and environmental effects of coal and coal combustion byproducts. Dr. Finkelman recently retired from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is currently affiliated with The University of Texas at Dallas. Learn more ...