T. Boone Pickens on Energy Indepdence

“Start being informed about energy. Read everything. You need to assume responsibility for energy. We all do.” T Boone Pickens

Greetings from Day Three of the Women Presidents’ Organization. T. Boone Pickens is here talking about energy Independence and his rise in business. His manner is chatty and personable. It’s clear he feels very comfortable with a microphone and is good at playing to crowds.

My take-aways:

• Never discount luck for your success

• A strong support system is imperative for success

• America uses 25% of all the oil produced in the world with 4% of the population. Much of this oil comes from unstable regions or unfriendly governments. This is not wise.

• Begin with the end in mind. For example, he planned to elevate energy independence into the Presidential debates after getting little interest from George W. Bush.

• A new energy plan will be passed by August.

Pickens spoke passionately about luck – a factor that he credits to his very existence after he was delivered via emergency c-section by a surgeon that had only seen photos of it in a book. He also mentioned how imperative having a strong father was in his life.

Pickens quickly moved into what he is truly passionate about – reducing America’s reliance on foreign oil. He told many anecdotal stories (including one that was “off the record”). One that was on the record was his story about meeting with both presidential candidates to talk to them about our energy situation. Both candidates met with him and both listened thoughtfully. One thing that stood out about both meetings was that after meeting with Obama, Obama asked T.Boone “Do I say things about energy that make you feel uncomfortable?” T. Boone told him that his reliance on the idea of car battery cars wasn’t enough. New energy plans coming out of Washington DC have more wind, solar and natural gas in them and do not just rely on plug in cars as a fix-all. HR1835 is now in the House which includes Natural Gas in the bill and there is another plan working its way through the Senate.

You can find out more about the Pickens Plan, energy issues and educate yourself on his site here. Or just watch his videos at YouTube here.