In a region shared by Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado, oil sands and oil shale deposits could provide an estimated 14-15 billion barrels of oil. To put this in perspective, Utah currently produces an annual 19 million barrels of oil. So 14-15 billion barrels isn't too shabby in comparison to the conventional production that Utah currently boasts.
Why aren't we developing these resources?
One must wonder, in light of these statistics, why Utah doesn't develop these resources? The answer from Dr. Nielson was fairly simple: it isn't as economically feasible to scale back on conventional production (i.e. petroleum) and switch to these unconventional methods and resources. With constant talk from the current administration about decreasing dependence on foreign oil, I am surprised that this state is not being sought out by the federal government for its energy potentiality. What is even more shocking is that approximately 70% of Utah land is federally owned. Maybe after the BP spill is cleaned up and people have time and want for research in new energy areas, there will be an increased focus on these unconventional resources.
We are attempting to change the world, but Sunnyside Elementary beat us to it
One of the best anecdotes of today's interview with Dr. Nielson was a story about a local classroom of elementary school students that came up with an idea that eventually led to a state-wide program. Obviously it left a lasting impression.
The program started as a school project brainstorming how to be environmentally friendly on a ground level. The students were learning about emissions, and how to reduce those emissions. With childhood innocence, they discovered that their parents and bus drivers were the key to saving the environment--and the idle free campaign was born.
The children started encouraging their community to turn off their engines and reduce idle-time in their vehicles. Eventually, this campaign grew in popularity and is now recognized by the governor and state legislatures. It is against the law to sit with your car idling, and a fine can result if a person is caught in the act. I have my "turn your key, be idle free" sticker to prove it.
This story was so fascinating and so inspiring. It proves that thinking consciously about the environment doesn't have to be on a polarized, Greenpeace, sensational level to be heard. All it takes is a little common sense, as Dr. Nielson put it, and awareness of the environment around you. It is local consciousness that can liberate a movement and inspire the masses--and all it took was a group of little kids to point that out.
This trip is reminding me why I want to be a professional storyteller...I love learning about people's stories!
