<DrumBeat: September 27, 2007The Oil DrumDrumBeat: September 28, 2007>

146 comments on Declining net oil exports--a temporary decline or a long term trend?

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Leanan on September 27, 2007 - 1:10pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

Interesting.

I've often wondered whether the USGS scientists bought the party line.

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westexas on September 27, 2007 - 1:18pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

FYI--no comment on whether my guys are at USGS, but that does not detract from his point and your point.

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SthPacific on September 27, 2007 - 1:48pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

USGS proudly brought to you by ExxonMobil, DaimlerChrysler Corp. the El Paso Energy Foundation, German Coal Mining Association, Edison Electric Institute, Cyprus Minerals Co., Western Fuels Association and Intermountain Rural Electric Association

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andrew on September 27, 2007 - 11:54pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

Just because it is sponsored by the oil industry, doesn't mean that internally is can't know about PO - if PO is rely happening soon, then it would be in the oil industries best interest to find out about, and model the outcomes from, PO. (what they share to other people is another kettle of fish)

I guess my point is that who sponsors a group doesn't mean that certain views can't be held, just that they can't be freely expressed to people outside that group.

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vtfarmer on September 28, 2007 - 7:57am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

I would think that is even worse: to be able to know how bad things are and not be able to tell people.

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dunewalker on September 27, 2007 - 11:21pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

One of my good college buddies majored in geology, then embarked on a career with the USGS, some 30 years ago. We've kept in touch through the years, getting together now & then. He's published almost 100 papers in his field of expertise. A few years ago, as I was discovering the concept of peak oil & its possible ramifications, I emailed him at work to get his take on the subject(he has always been free to use his work email address to correspond). His curt reply was that some of his colleagues believed in p.o., others were not concerned. I have not heard from him since.

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team10tim on September 28, 2007 - 1:15am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

The "I have not heard from him since." was kind of cryptic. How long ago was this? And have you written back since?

Tim

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dunewalker on September 28, 2007 - 10:27am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

tim, sorry, should have been more clear. we were in the habit of corresponding at least a few times a year up until that exchange. no, i have not written back since, as the tone of his email seemed clear to me ("not interested in discussing this issue further"). several months to a year would not have been unusual to pass, but 3 years is. in the past he has been more than interested & willing to discuss his geology projects and views with me. this just came across to me in two ways: "oh no, my buddy has been caught up in this crackpot idea of peak oil" and/or "this is something i don't want to be caught dead expressing an opinion on"

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olepossom on September 28, 2007 - 3:12pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

Then just call him up and see if you can buy him lunch. Couldn't hurt.

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