Dr. Kathryn Clay, who is president of the International Liquid Terminals Association and holds a PhD in Physics from University of Michigan, knows a little bit about the world energy picture. Recently she spoke about the current and future outlook for fuels during a panel at the U.S. Energy Association’s Fifth Annual Advanced Energy Forum.

While liquid terminals may operate behind the scenes, they play a vital role in the world energy supply chain and are critical to getting fuels, agricultural products and other bulk liquid commodities where they need to be and when they need to be there. Kathryn told the audience that the U.S. could be a significant exporter of hydrogen produced from renewables if we can get permitting right.

Many ILTA terminal members partner closely with barge companies to keep goods moving in and out of their facilities, contributing to local economies and interstate commerce. Some ILTA companies like Canal Barge are both terminal operators and barge operators. These companies have a special appreciation for the importance of our national waterways network.

Two major winter storm systems brought a mix of ice, sleet and freezing rain to Houston and weather forecasters are calling it the region's worst in decades. Late last week, Houstonians rushed to prepare their cars, homes, and gardens for the storm but, despite these preparations, many in the Houston area are now struggling without heat or power. Our best wishes go out to all those residents in Houston – and the rest of Texas – as power companies, state and local authorities work to restore those essential services.