November 2024, Vol. 251, No. 11
Features
SGA Chair ‘Incredibly Bullish’ on Future of Natural Gas
By Michael Reed, Editor-in-Chief
(P&GJ) – Scott Hallam, who currently serves as Boardwalk’s president and chief executive officer, joined the organization in September 2023. He brings with him over two decades of upstream, midstream and downstream knowledge of the natural gas industry.
Previously, Hallam’s wealth of experience included time as a senior vice president at The Williams Companies, Inc. and he has held various leadership roles in Operations, Commercial, Engineering, Construction, Environmental, and Safety. Earlier in his career, he served as general manager of Utica Operations at Access Midstream and as manager of Development and Operations at Chesapeake Energy.
Hallam is the executive chair of the Southern Gas Association (SGA) Board of Directors. Hallam also serves on the Board of Trustees of the United Way of Greater Houston and on the Board of Directors of The Santiago Partnership.
Recently, the SGA chief took time out to answer a few questions from P&GJ on his role with SGA, and what the organization hopes to accomplish for the industry in terms of improved safety, the public’s perception of the industry, regulatory challenges and other topics.
How did you get into the business, and what made you want to make natural gas your career?
I’ve been in the energy industry for 25 years, and honestly, it has gone by really fast. My journey is unique – my first job out of college in the 90s was not what you might expect.
I was doing air dispersion modeling and emission calculations, working on environmental issues. Who would have thought those skills would still be relevant today in helping me lead an energy company? It is ironic but also exciting to see how those early experiences shaped my career.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work in upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors, including roles with a production company, local distribution company, and downstream LNG. I’ve been an operations supervisor, developed gathering and processing assets in Utica and Marcellus, and even had the opportunity to manage offshore gathering in the Gulf Coast.
However, the area that has really drawn me in is the natural gas transmission and storage space. The ability to develop and operate assets that serve upstream production and simultaneously deliver to downstream markets is fascinating. This industry has diverse and complex challenges and opportunities that invite creative and strategic thinking.
Since joining Boardwalk last year, I’ve been continually impressed with the people, the assets, and the culture. It’s been an amazing ride, and I am looking forward to what is ahead for all of us.
How did you get involved with SGA, and what did you gain most as an association member?
My involvement with the SGA started early by participating in committees, taking various training classes and attending several conferences. SGA gave me access to other early career professionals while learning from others with more experience.
The ability to connect with professionals and industry leaders who are passionate about advancing the natural gas industry has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve gained not only deep industry insights but also a strong network of peers who are working together to solve some of the most pressing challenges we face.
What are the top priorities for SGA this year, and how have these changed in the past few years?
This year, our focus is on driving energy reliability by strengthening and growing the natural gas industry. We also emphasize workforce development to ensure the next generation of energy professionals is ready to lead. While safety and operational excellence have always been at the core, there’s now a growing need for us to actively insert ourselves into the conversation around the future of energy. It is essential to share our story and tell our truth, ensuring that people understand the critical role we play in driving a reliable and sustainable energy future.
What do you feel members gain most for their participation?
The value members get from SGA goes beyond technical knowledge. Participation opens doors to leadership development, helps implement policies into operational application, and gives the chance to build long-term relationships.
In today’s rapidly changing energy landscape, having access to a network of peers facing similar challenges and opportunities is invaluable. That collaborative spirit helps our members position themselves relative to industry trends and regulatory changes.
On the topic of safety, how are SGA and its members working to improve pipeline and job safety?
Safety has always been and will continue to be our top priority. SGA and its members are working together to enhance safety protocols through continuous improvement, advanced technology, and comprehensive training programs.
We are leveraging data analytics to predict potential risks and focusing on fostering a safety-first culture across all businesses. By sharing best practices and lessons learned, we ensure that our workforces have the tools and knowledge to maintain the highest safety standards.
How should the industry go about strengthening its perception by the public, particularly in the face of growing opposition?
Public perception is a continuous opportunity for our industry, especially regarding energy sustainability and reliability. I believe the key lies in transparency, education and performance. We must engage with communities, policymakers, and other stakeholders to communicate natural gas's role in achieving a balanced energy future.
It’s important to highlight our efforts to reduce emissions, innovate in technologies, and ensure energy reliability as part of the broader energy landscape. Building trust through consistent, honest dialogue is essential.
What would you most like to see accomplished during your time as the organization’s head?
I hope to leave behind a stronger, more resilient industry – one that’s well-positioned for the future. I’d like to see us continue advancing on safety, reliability, and sustainability. Specifically, I want to see more industry collaboration regarding technology adoption and regulatory alignment. Strengthening public trust in natural gas as an essential part of the energy mix is another key objective. It’s also important to see SGA help foster the next generation of leaders who will carry this industry forward.
You spent a fair amount of time talking to people in the natural gas industry. Is there a consensus outlook for 2024 and beyond?
We are incredibly bullish on the future of natural gas. Natural gas is not just a transitional fuel but a cornerstone of the energy mix for the long haul. As a reliable, abundant, and low-carbon option, natural gas is well positioned to support energy security and significantly reduce emissions.
Looking ahead, we see immense opportunities to further strengthen the role of natural gas in a cleaner energy future. We are confident that with the right investments, candid conversations and innovations, natural gas will continue to provide the affordable, reliable energy that consumers and industries need while contributing to a more sustainable and secure energy future.
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