US Oil and Gas Association president says Silicon Valley is looking to invest in natural gas

"It's the baptism bootlegger coalition that's starting to evolve," President of the U.S. Oil and Gas Association Tim Stewart said.

By Charlotte Hazard

Published: October 9, 2024 4:08pm

President of the U.S. Oil and Gas Association Tim Stewart said Wednesday that Silicon Valley in California wants to invest in natural gas.

"[J]ust in recent months, Silicon Valley of all places has started to reach out to the oil and gas industry and say, 'Hey, what do you think?'" Stewart said on the "Furthermore with Amanda Head" podcast. "It's the Baptists and bootleggers coalition that's starting to evolve."

Silicon Valley is located in northern California and is most well known for being a hub for technology giants and innovation.

"I think the valley has come to realize they cannot get from here to there without energy...particularly without natural gas," Stewart said. "And if they take too long, then China will eat their lunch."

He explained that while the oil and gas industry disagrees with Silicon Valley on some political issues, they are still willing to work together.

"So if Silicon Valley's going, 'Hey, I can't wait seven years for a small, modular reactor to be built for us. U.S. oil and gas industry, what can you guys do for us?' And we say, 'We're here for you baby. You know we're here for you.'"