Recent US government actions indicate decisions are being made to support an energy agenda that does not match those of the American people.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has led the global oil and gas industry for some time, but it is possible that continued dominance has made these countries complacent.

The cost of services and supplies skyrocketed through 2008, but has not dropped significantly since the onset of the global recession. Major suppliers gathered at CERA Week to talk about where the industry has been, where it is today, and where they think it is going.

At a luncheon keynote address on Wednesday of CERA Week, Helge Lund, president and CEO of Statoil ASA, discussed the advantages of investing in gas development and a means of decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and securing energy security in the US.

Though the industry is still recovering from the global recession, there are opportunities for operating companies that have the foresight to invest through the downturn.

The reason? That country’s astounding demographic shifts, said numerous speakers at IHS CERAWeek in Houston.

It will take many decades for the U.S. to transition away from using fossil fuels for transportation, so oil and natural gas will continue to be important, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu told attendees at IHS CERAWeek in Houston. But, that transition must start soon, based on supply and demand trends, and the need to reduce emissions.

Provides potential for near-term CO2 cuts, but presents long-term challenges, study says.

China, Russia, and the Middle East will be key energy players going forward.