(311b) Sustainable Energy and Chemicals: Past, Present, and Future

The last 40 years has seen the U.S. energy situation vacillate from gasoline rationing and concerns over Peak Oil, to projected energy and feedstock prices that were noncompetitive in global markets for chemicals production, to the economic revolution of frack gas and light tight oil. The importance of low cost energy and feedstocks in driving economic opportunity will be discussed relative to this history, along with the importance of sustainability in decision making to gain stakeholder buy-in and acceptance. Strategies for managing career paths and competencies despite changing targets and high uncertainty will be addressed.