This Election, Energy Challenges Swept Under Rug

"This election season, neither party's energy positions are saying much."

Tackling carbon emissions (and a push for alternative fuels) was considered an early priority of the Obama administration, and the House even passed "The American Clean Energy and Security Act" in June 2009.

That bill, focused on cutting carbon emissions via cap-and-trade and promoting of an end to fossil fuel dependence overall, has languished in the Senate for over a year. As economic recovery sputtered and Democratic approval ratings fell, GOP senators who once co-sponsored climate change legislation, like Sens. Lindsay Graham (S.C.) and John McCain (Ariz.), backed away from any energy bill with cap-and-trade, claiming it would hurt the feeble economy.

Meanwhile, oil-state Democrats like Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) straddled the fence, claiming potential job losses could result.

In this election season, neither Democratic nor Republican energy positions are saying much about cap-and-trade, and energy sector analysts say climate change policy may be a non-starter for years to come.

Although some environmental and progressive groups blame Pres. Obama and his Democratic allies on Capitol Hill for not pushing the issue, worldwide momentum on carbon emissions reductions came to a grinding halt.

Natural gas development, often discussed as a cleaner energy choice to reduce carbon emissions and the nation’s dependence on coal and oil, also languished, as climate change arguments faded and gas prices stayed at historic lows.

Development of onshore gas fields, like the Northeast’s Marcellus Shale, got bogged down in state and local political battles over land owners’ rights and environmental impacts, giving Washington little appetite to provide direction.

Stable oil and gasoline prices prices have kept consumers quiet and the pressure off Washington but any new stimulus spending could potentially mean big bucks for the energy sector.

Announcing Streetwise Live! Events
Source: Streetwise Reports (07/13/2020)

Streetwise Reports is offering 100 investors—at no charge—the opportunity to meet via Zoom with executives of precious metals companies as they discuss recent developments at their companies and upcoming catalysts.

"China's export quota could be opportunity for Canadian miners"

Latin America: Six Gold Juniors Amass 100M+ Ounces
Source: Marc Davis, BNW News (05/25/2010)

Latin America, the world's last great mineral frontier for prolific gold discoveries, is proving a godsend for some lucky investors.

Mexico: Gold's Next Powerhouse Player
Source: Marc Davis, BNW News (11/03/2009)

As the world's key gold producing nations struggle mostly in vain to replenish dwindling below-ground supplies, Mexico is bucking the trend in a big way.

Where Have All the Gold Mines Gone?
Source: Brent Cook, Exploration Insights (04/14/2009)

Given the declining global gold production, mining companies’ demand for reserve replacement and the acute dearth of new gold discoveries, there is no doubt that real economic discoveries will be exceptionally valuable. . .the opportunity for stellar profits is the best it has probably ever been. Identifying the few successes, however, will require vigilant and constant technical assessment of geology and drill results, always with an eye to mine economics.

Congo Completes Mining Review, Says Majors Quit Talks
Source: Reuters (12/20/2008)

"Review process is extended an additional 45 days to allow six companies to return to the negotiating table for direct talks with government ministers."

I haven’t spoken to my old mining stock friend, noted and universally respected gold stock guru, Bob Bishop, about Rare Element in a year, but I hear he is still a supporter and very large shareholder. I don’t believe he will hold it against me to remind you that this was one of his favorite holdings when he left the newsletter writing business. . .

It's Only the Beginning for Uranium
Source: www.financialinsights.com (06/03/2005)

Dr. Richard S. Appel, author of Financial Insights, first became bullish on uranium in mid-2003, when it appeared obvious that its supply versus demand equation was fated to seriously drive higher its price. Since then, a series of events in the uranium industry has led Appel to believe that uranium prices will reach never before seen levels.

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