The Biden administration’s Executive Order banning new leasing and permitting on public lands has many understandably concerned about the future of the U.S. energy industry but one expert says he is very optimistic moving forward despite the negativity of the new administration. Energy Economist Reed Page grew up in Roosevelt and Neola and currently works as the Director of Marketing Operations for Summit Energy based out of Salt Lake City. As a radio guest this week on Newstalk 104.5FM, Page said that Biden’s order doesn’t mean much and most producers already have leases and permits to keep them drilling. The order was “more symbolic,” said Page. “A big move and a lot of hand waving by the Biden Administration to show that he’s making good on campaign trail promises.” Still wasn’t that order just the beginning? Isn’t a ban on fracking next? While Page said a ban on fracking would be devastating to the United States economy, and especially so on energy producing regions, he does not think we’ll see any such ban. “I don’t see it occurring,” stated Page. “…We need our fuel and energy cost to be as low as possible during this time of recovery so I think it is off the table and they will find other symbolic ways of combating climate change.” When asked about the proposed Uinta Basin Railway, Page said he doesn’t foresee the Biden administration shutting it down but does worry it may prove challenging to get enough big producers signed on to get the shovels in the ground on construction. That said he is hopeful it can happen and said the rail has never had a better chance in the Uintah Basin than it has right now, calling it an absolute game changer for the Uintah Basin. Listen to the entire interview by visiting BasinNow.com and clicking on ‘Public Affairs’ under the Community tab. 
