Oil, Gas, and Energy Commons^™

Hong Kong And The Future Of Green Energy, Kelly Deangelis

Senior Honors Projects

Hong Kong and the Future of Green Energy

Kelly DeAngelis

Faculty Sponsor: Wayne He, Chinese

Hong Kong, with a large, dense population that uses a vast amount of energy, has become China’s epicenter of trade and economic development. Currently, Hong Kong relies on nuclear power and fossil fuels for most of its energy needs. The growing concern of global climate change and the depletion of traditional fuel reserves inspired me to investigate the green technologies that have the potential to replace or supplement current energy sources.

The purpose of my project is to provide an informative and interesting assessment of …

Wind Turbine Project At The University Of Rhode Island, Auriane Koster

Senior Honors Projects

In the Fall of 2003, an initiative to develop and install a wind turbine on the University of Rhode Islands Kingston Campus was proposed by an undergraduate student, Courtney Blodgett. To spearhead this initiative, the Renewable Energy Club (REC) was created and recognized by the Student Senate, and support was received by the URI Offices of the President and Provost. The University recognized the benefits of investing in a wind turbine both in terms of money spent on energy costs, and in promoting research in renewable energy. Turbines are at the cutting edge of technology. This is the first such …

Fresh Water To Arabia By Vlcc-Fact Or Folly?, Joseph P. Power

Theses and Major Papers

Population growth, industrial development and the esoteric goals of national self-sufficiency in water and food propels the arid nations of Arabia in a voracious scavenge for alternative resources of fresh water as depletion and contamination of the natural aquifers have reached critical proportions. Desalination of sea water is currently the preferred alternative source of fresh water. Recent misgivings concerning the antroprogenic discharge of desalination effluent (i.e. high temperature and high saline water) into the semi-enclosed, epicontinental waters of the Arabian Gulf question the sustainability of this process. Demonstrable deleterious affects of such a process on the marine ecosystem of the …

The Role Played By Semisubmersible Exploratory Drilling Platforms As A Vector In Marine Biological Introductions, Sean S. Bercaw

Theses and Major Papers

Through discussion of Semisubmersible Exploratory Drilling Platforms and their role as vectors in marine biological introductions, this paper establishes a base of knowledge for future referral. Included in this project are details of semisubmersibles, their unique characteristics and operations, historical movements, past introductions, future operations, and continuing potential for invasions. The significance of semisubmersibles as biological vectors is further addressed. Three criteria will be used to assess the significance of the role of semisubmersibles in the introduction of alien species: first, what is the rate of SEDP movements over time; second, how are SEDP movements unique, and what role does …

Conflicts In Use: The Impacts Of The Oil And Gas Industry On The Herring Fishery In The North Sea, Cornelia Ann Pasche

Theses and Major Papers

The interaction of the herring (Clupea harengus) with the oil and gas industry in the North Sea is reviewed. The population crash of the herring in the early 1970's and the subsequent closing of that important fishery between 1977 and 1983 has drawn considerable attention to the influences, both biotic and abiotic, affecting the recruitment to the North Sea stock. Current accepted theory points to a change in oceanic current and the subsequent decrease in salinity in the North Sea region, resulting in a change in plankton availability for larval herring as the cause of the recruitment failure during the …

Netc Tank Farm Five Hazardous Waste Cleanup: An Investigation And Evaluation Of Cleanup Practices For Waste Oil Tanks At Netc, Newport, Ri, David J. Sisson

Theses and Major Papers

My intention in this paper is to focus on the "chronic" hazardous waste problem stemming from past disposal/storage practices. More specifically, to focus on two underground storage tanks at NETC which were used for the storage of hazardous waste (waste oil tanks). It is now common knowledge that old underground storage tanks throughout the country present a potential ground water contamination hazard which must be dealt with. Over the past decade naval installations have heightened their awareness of environmental responsibilities and implemented recycling programs for the disposal of paper, glass, etc. and have even established programs for fuel collection and …

Marine Spill Response Corporation (Msrc): How It Hopes To Fill The Oil Recovery Requirements Of The Oil Pollution Act Of 1990, Gerald P. O'Reilly

Theses and Major Papers

The establishment of Marine Spill Response Corporation (MSRC) is a direct outcome of OPA-90 which will have a substantial effect on domestic shipment, storage and traffic of oil. The ramifications of the law will be felt internationally and it has set a precedent for prevention of oil spills from tankers throughout the world. It will have a positive impact on the environment of the world. But it will be costly and the public will ultimately bear the burden of the environment impact.

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion: (Otec) Outlook For The Future, John M. Kroft

Theses and Major Papers

The temperature differential between the tropical ocean surface and deep waters represents tremendous energy potential. Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) systems represent an environmentally sound method to extract that energy resource. Included in this paper is a review of the history of OTEC, basic thermodynamic principles involved and major components of the system. The three basic types of OTEC systems are discussed, citing the various advantages and disadvantages of each. The resource extent and possible environmental impacts are examined from the U. S. perspective. After reviewing the conflicting ocean use interest involved, comparative cost calculations of energy types, and the …

Intergovernmental Relations And Ocs Oil And Gas Development, Gretchen Honan

Theses and Major Papers

Oil and gas exploration and development in federal waters off the coast of California have been a source of conflict between federal and state governments for a number of years. More recently local governments and local citizenry have joined in the battle to prevent development of outer continental shelf (OCS) oil and gas reserves. Between 1985 and 1986 the passage of thirteen local land use initiatives prohibiting or requiring voter approval of onshore facilities to service offshore platforms occurred. These initiatives reflect growing local dissatisfaction with the present legislative structure governing OCS development. From their perspective the existing OCS development …

An Analysis Of Offshore Safety During Oil And Gas Operations On The Outer Continental Shelf, James H. Collins

Theses and Major Papers

Trends in offshore fatalities and lost time accidents since the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 1978 need to be identified to allow an evaluation of the safety of offshore operations. Fatality and accident data between 1975 and 1985 are analyzed in the context of the Federal regulatory structure. The safety data generated for oil and gas drilling operations on the Outer Continental Shelf varies according to the source of the information. Modifications to accident reporting formats and data collection systems would benefit the offshore industry and the Government regulators in their efforts to improve operational safety. A major …

Products Tanker Shipping And Shipbuilding, Di Jin

Theses and Major Papers

First the entire products tanker market system, including the petroleum products market, products tanker shipping market and the products tanker shipbuilding market, is introduced. The relationship among principal elements is discussed. General information about petroleum products and products tankers is described. Then, the world petroleum products market and products tanker shipping market are examined referring to 1985 Drewry report. Finally, the analysis of products tanker shipbuilding market is made by analyzing the statistics of the products tankers ordered between 1980 and 1986 according to Fairplay orderbook. Major aspects, such as flag, owner, shipbuilder, vessel tonnage, dimensions, speed and engine, are …

Alternative Federal Outer Continental Shelf Oil And Gas Leasing Procedures: Lessons From Programs In Alabama And Texas, Christopher Watson Lynch

Theses and Major Papers

This study is a comparative analysis of the offshore oil and gas leasing programs of Alabama, Texas, and the Federal government. It focuses upon the legal and political, rather than resource, technological, or economic problems that have left the Federal program with a record of unmet expectations and growing frustration. The long history of turmoil that has embroiled the Federal leasing program since the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill and Arab oil crises is reviewed. The leasing and regulatory programs of Alabama, Texas, and the Federal government are outlined. Alternatives to current Federal procedures, reflecting State practices, are considered, including …

Maritime Boundaries Between Trinidad And Tobago/Venezuela/Barbados And Grenada - Its Impact On Offshore Oil, Patty Marajh

Theses and Major Papers

The future of the economy of Trinidad and Tobago is heavily dependent upon the exploitation of the hydrocarbon resources in its continental shelf. Trinidad's geographical proximity to the Venezuelan mainland is relevant because both states share the same continental shelf in areas not delimited by the 1942 gulf of Paria Treaty. The continental shelves of Barbados and Grenada also intersect and these areas have not been delimited and defined by any agreement. The current expansion of the exploration and exploitation of crude oil and natural gas have raised several problems within recent years. This thesis will focus attention to the …

Acid Deposition: Legal And Political Controversies, Noelle F. Lewis

Theses and Major Papers

Acid rain is more accurately referred to as acid deposition since acidity is deposited in both the wet and dry form. Acid rain results from the conversion of sulfur and nitrogen gases to sulfates and nitrates, respectively. In the United States, sulfur compounds are responsible for about two-thirds of the acidity in precipitation; nitrogen compounds, one-third. In 1980, man-made sources in the United States emitted approximately 26 million tons of sulfur dioxide and 21 million tons nitrogen oxides. Within the United States, the major sources of sulfur dioxide emissions, approximately 90-95% of the total, are electric generating utilities, industrial boilers, …

Fundy Tidal Power: A Need To Reassess The Environmental Framework Protecting The Transboundary Environment, Robert W. Rudolph

Theses and Major Papers

The concept of harnessing the tides for energy is receiving renewed attention in the maritime provinces of Canada and northeastern United States where a scarcity of indigenous energy resources exists. While proposals for several small tidal power facilities are being considered in Maine, in Canada, Nova Scotia officials are moving ahead with plans for a major tidal power project (4,028 MW) in the Minas Basin in the Bay of Fundy. The vast majority of the power generated from this facility is expected to be exported to the New York and New England areas which have a greater energy demand that …

U. S. Arctic Oil: A Perspective, William T. Decamp

Theses and Major Papers

The United States Arctic, for the purposes of this study, encompasses the seabed and subsoil under the resource jurisdiction of the United States, including the Bering Sea offshore, and the Hope Basin, Chukchi (Barrow Arch) and Beaufort (Diapir Field) Seas, and land territory north of the Brooks Range onshore. Although U.S. credibility with its Arctic allies would be enhanced by its becoming a party to the Law of the Sea Convention, this remote possibility is not a prerequisite for a successful U.S. Arctic Policy. It is more important that U.S. policy goals are perceived among its Arctic allies as being …

Fuel Saving Methods For The Commercial Fishing Fleet, Gerald H. Taylor

Theses and Major Papers

The Oil Embargo of 1973 emphasized not only how oil dependent the fishing industry has become but that the days of inexpensive energy had ended. Oil prices have risen dramatically, but so have the price tags on new technologies, labor, vessel renovation, new construction and the cost of procuring capital for making improvements. However, one must focus on the long range picture versus the short term snap shot. This can be accomplished by looking at two aspects of the problem. First, as costs increase so does the price of fish in the marketplace. There is a point however where the …

The Viability Of Imported Liquified Natural Gas As An Energy Resource, Richard L. Dick

Theses and Major Papers

As the United States enters the 1980's, the need for secure and efficient energy sources is rapidly moving to the forefront of our foreign and domestic policies. It is apparent that our existence, as well as that of our allies, is closely tied to the ability to secure energy resources. The importation of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), by specially designed ships, from oil exporting nations to energy consuming nations has been a highly touted energy resource. United States importation of LNG is not a cost effective energy resource due to: (1) dependence on foreign sources, (2) transportation costs including "hidden" …

Ward V. Coleman, Cert. Granted (Sub Nom. United States V. Ward): A Fifth Amendment Problem In The Enforcement Of The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, Mark Cohen

Theses and Major Papers

On March 23, 1975 oil leaked out of an oil retention pit at a drilling site owned by L.O. Ward. Ward was an Oklahoma wildcatter and the owner and operator of L.O. Ward Oil and Gas Operations. The spilled oil ran down a gully and into Boggie Creek. Boggie Creek is a tributary of the navigable Arkansas River. The discharge of oil from Ward's property therefore amounted to the discharge of a harmful quantity of oil within the meaning of Section 1321 (b)(3) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and also a harmful quantity within the meaning of regulations …

Oil And Gas Development On Georges Bank: The Responsibility Of Federal Agencies For Assessment And Mitigation Of Potential Impacts On The Ecosystem, Carolyn A. Griswold

Theses and Major Papers

Is it possible to provide adequate protection for the Georges Bank ecosystem as oil and gas exploration begins? The fishing industry and environmentalists say "no," but it is the resource managers who are faced with the task of predicting, assessing and mitigating impacts of development while at the same time managing resources and protecting fishery habitats. Much of this responsibility falls within NOAA; however, legislative mandates and agency responsibilities and goals mean that several other federal agencies are involved as well. This paper is an attempt to describe the potential impacts of oil and gas exploration on the Georges Bank …

State Government And Ocs Policy: An Analysis Of The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act And The Amendments Of 1978, Bruce Vild

Theses and Major Papers

An Energy Research and Development Administration report indicates that the United States is increasing its dependence on oil from the countries that participated in the 1973 oil embargo. Given the volatile situation in the Middle East at this writing, the Carter Administration's peace initiatives notwithstanding, this seems an imprudent policy. And, at a time when "Project Independence" is a recent memory, there is a great deal of irony in increased importation. It seems in the Nation's best interest to reverse that trend. Natural gas is also in demand, of course, especially in the Northeast during the winter. The best solution …

The Mining Of Coal In Bristol, Rhode Island: Potential Methodology, Impacts, And Evaluation Of Community Response, Norman Kahn

Theses and Major Papers

This report addresses the potential commercial mining of coal in the coastal community of Bristol, Rhode Island, with respect to methodology and community response.The attitude of the local community towards any mining proposal will greatly influence the course of development of the resource. In addition, maximum community participation is mandated by both Federal and State law (NEPA and the Rhode Island Coastal Zone Management Act, respectively) (7, 8). It is to be expected that the character of the response will be mediated to a great degree by the expected impacts of the mining operation. For this reason, the methods of …

Cost-Benefit Considerations In Routing Pipelines Through Offshore Fishing Grounds, James R. Sturges

Theses and Major Papers

The purpose of this work is to explore the technology and economics associated with the options which might be used to transport oil from Georges Bank with the least total cost objective in mind. First, we summarize background information on the existing usage of Georges Bank by fishermen and those offshore areas of greatest interest to the oil industry. A consideration of various alternatives of transportation to shore and their relative costs (and benefits) should allow one to get a handle, approximate as it may be, on which might be best for society as a whole in terms of least …

Impact Of Development Of Offshore Oil: East Coast Of South American Case Study, Aldo H. Brussoni

Theses and Major Papers

To analyze this Coastal Management problem it is convenient to have a regional overview of the entire South Atlantic Coast (South America). Go over some of its physical characteristics, the state of development of the offshore oil industry, the volume of its activities, and other related data, the recreational and the fishing industries, the population and its characteristics. This will develop a regional comprehension which is absolutely necessary to have in mind before analyzing the problems of any particular situation created in a country or an area of a country of the Southwest Atlantic Coast. After covering, very generally, all …

The Deepwater Port Act Of 1974, James C. Moses

Theses and Major Papers

During the past two years of the 93rd Congress, no less than eleven different bills were introduced to deal with the various aspects of deep-water port development. Much has been made of the supposition that with energy conservation, higher petroleum prices, import quotas and all the other gas-saving ideas in vogue, deepwater ports have become an anachronism of pre-energy crisis days, the days of world-scale 400 in tankers and dreams of million-ton ULCC's. The truth of the matter is that we shall still, for an indeterminate period, require imported oil, by the dictum of economics, it will come via the …

Regionalization As An Effect Of Offshore Oil And Gas Exploitation: A Case Study Of The North Sea, Mark J. Chittum

Theses and Major Papers

This study attempts to analyze whether oil and gas exploitation in a semi-enclosed sea will result in closer relations being developed in the region leading to the establishment of a special regime for that sea. The study area is Northwestern Europe which is centered on the North Sea. All the littoral states of Northwestern Europe have major interests in the North Sea, one of which is oil and gas exploitation. This study is developed through the examination of the activities in the North Sea, related to oil and gas production, which tend to join the region together followed by an …

The Energy Future: An Unanswered Question, Jeffrey A. Carver

Theses and Major Papers

The purpose of the following paper is to examine broadly some of the implications of the energy shortage, in terms of the following: the new kinds of technology being developed to tap alternative energy sources; the relationship between the energy shortage and the soon-to-be-felt shortages of other resources; possible effects of the energy shortage upon efforts to protect the environment; and social implications of the inevitable limitation to economic and population growth, at least on this planet. The paper is presented in two parts. The first will be a brief discussion of the major elements of the problem and a …

Deepwater Ports, Ronald Joel Calhoun

Theses and Major Papers

This paper is designed to provide an overview of the oil energy import problem and an analysis in a case study format of the various deepwater port alternatives for direct shipment and transshipment of foreign crude oil. This work was initiated prior to the recent expanded energy crisis and although touches on the problems of dependency of the United States to foreign crude oil, the various alternative sources of energy, the essence of this paper is an analysis of the various deepwater port considerations for the direct or indirect importation of foreign crude oil; specifically along the Gulf Coast.

Offshore Oil Interests Of The United States: An Overview, Scott H. Marstan

Theses and Major Papers

The following discussion focuses on the current situation as regards U.S. oil interests worldwide offshore. It divides into three general areas: 1) a general view of the scope of the U.S. oil companies' investments offshore, foreign and domestic, 2) an analysis of the recent rise to power of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the ensuing problems created for U.S. oil investments abroad, and 3) a brief history and a discussion of U.S. oil interests in the law of the sea as an expression of their concern for resolution to OPEC-like problems.

Oil Pollution And The Coastal State, J. T. O'Brien

Theses and Major Papers

It will be the purpose of this paper to pose and answer this question...How has the legal competence of a coastal state been strengthened with respect to that state's ability to prevent marine oil pollution? The question by implication presupposes that a certain change in legal competence is in fact occurring. The legal and historical baseline from which to gauge this gradual change will be established by reviewing past milestones in oil pollution law. A closer examination will then be made of recent evolutionary changes in both international and national oil pollution law subsequent to the Torrey Canyon Disaster of …