As president and CEO of the association since 1997, Parker has been responsible for representing and promoting the interests of 202 local energy companies that deliver natural gas before Congress and federal government agencies. AGA also serves as a conduit for disseminating information to and among member companies in the form of best practices programs in operational safety, financial outreach, marketing and communications. Prior to joining AGA, Parker was president of the Aluminum Association, a position he held since 1989.
Previously, Parker spent nine years managing public policy issues for the Edison Electric Institute where he served as an officer with responsibility for corporate affairs and government relations. His prior 17 years of government experience included service in a variey of senior positions at the White House, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Parker served on President Reagan's Board of Private Sector Initiatives, and is a member of the board of directors of the United States Energy Association, the Bryce Harlow Foundation and the Ford's Theatre. He is also active within the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100. Parker has a BA degree in Geography and an MA degree in Urban Planning from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.
Diverse, Domestic Energy is Key America’s onshore and offshore oil and natural gas production has an exceptional record of safety and environmental stewardship. We cannot discuss the issue of domestic oil development in a vacuum because natural gas development is part of that story. That said, the short answer is yes, any legislation should include provisions to encourage domestic oil development. And it is not only the oil and natural gas industry that supports domestic production. Developing a reliable and home-grown energy supply is also a vital part of our national security. Many citizens of the states in which it would occur strongly… Read more
Cap-And-Trade Not The Only Answer AGA’s position on climate change legislation is that our legislators can reach our nation’s energy goals sooner by recognizing the important role that clean, efficient and domestically abundant natural gas can and must play in combating climate change. Regardless of whether or not Congress passes a comprehensive climate bill, there are several important issues that it could address right now to help lower emissions and save energy. Congress should expand the existing Federal Trade Commission EnergyGuide labeling program for home appliances to include carbon footprint information. Clearly explaining the true carbon impact of major… Read more
Fuel Diversity is Key AGA’s position with respect to natural gas versus coal for electricity generation is: we need natural gas and coal for that purpose, just as we need to aggressively develop all of our other energy resources—nuclear, wind, solar and hydro, along with technologies that will maximize the utilization and efficiencies of each fuel. After all, demand for electricity will continue to grow, so our optimum energy strategy—both from a domestic-security and infrastructure-capability standpoint—is a flexible, diverse and regionally appropriate blend of electricity generation, in which natural gas plays a role, but so does every other fuel… Read more
Natural Gas Allocations Crucial Congress should treat all renewable energy sources equally, whether they are used to generate electricity or supplement natural gas supplies. The American Gas Association (AGA) commends Congress for keeping a spotlight on our nation’s energy issues by giving careful consideration to several different bills on the table right now, including Kerry-Boxer. By recognizing the role that clean, domestic and abundant natural gas can and will play in combating climate change, our legislators can help reach our nation’s energy goals sooner. AGA also urges members of Congress to take a look at the successful track record of… Read more
Nuclear Vital To Electricity Grid Fuel diversity in electricity generation is critical to the success of a sustainable grid, and nuclear power can and should play a key role in producing clean, baseload energy for the nation. But the reality is that the last new nuclear reactor built in America was 32 years ago—in 1977—and today, despite having received applications for 26 new nuclear reactors, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has yet to approve a single one, let alone the hundreds that would be needed to do the job that Sens. Kerry and Boxer seem to envision. The reasons are no… Read more
Natural Gas: Domestic, Abundant and Ready Right Now Senators Kerry and Graham’s recent opinion editorial, “Yes we Can (Pass Climate Change Legislation),” (October 11, 2009), and show of bipartisanship ignited thoughts that consensus on comprehensive climate change legislation this year might yet be possible. Admirable as that goal may be, we should not hold our breath. Regardless of how likely or unlikely it is that Congress will pass climate change legislation this year or next, or the year after, one thing is clear – climate change and the challenges and opportunities it presents are real and will be with us… Read more
One Size Does Not Fit All Natural gas used directly in America’s homes and businesses is the easiest and fastest way to achieve a low- or zero-carbon option In the findings section of S. 1733, Senators Kerry and Boxer state that “Creating a clean energy future requires a comprehensive approach that includes support for the improvement of all energy sources.” We could not be in stronger agreement. There simply is no silver bullet or one-size panacea to the dilemma before the nation and this Congress, and Senators Kerry and Boxer are to be applauded for recognizing this at the outset.… Read more
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