Researcher Encourages Student Contributions To Energy Debate

Dr. Doug Carlton is finding answers to the problem of maintaining an independent perspective in the realms of energy and the environment.

Recently he gave a presentation at an Honors College Council General Body meeting encouraging students to consider working with the Collaborative Laboratories for Environmental Analysis and Remediation or C.L.E.A.R.

The independent research team consists of graduate and post-graduate students led by Dr. Carlton and director Dr. Kevin Schug. It focuses on collecting groundwater measurements to provide neutral data to companies needing to investigate the environmental impact of anthropogenic processes — like unconventional drilling.

“As a country we’re sitting at a pivotal point as to which basket we want to put our eggs in,” said Dr. Carlton.

He also said neutral research is important because it gives an independent perspective on issues surrounding energy and environment that could often be biased.

Dr. Carlton is also involved in organizing a symposium at this weekend called Responsible Shale Drilling in conjunction at Earth Day Texas 2017, where various organizations will meet to discuss the environment and the energy industry. Green activists and energy companies will be there to address a diversity of issues. Former Texas Governor and U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry will also be attending.

With two sides of the energy industry — renewables and fossil fuels, Dr. Carlton said the former has gained a lot traction and proponents argue that it will become an energy mainstay. On the fossil fuel side, businesses argue that the infrastructure is already there.

As both industries have capital in place, there’s financial gain for the people doing the research, which is why Dr. Carlton believes it’s crucial to be a third-party player in the general energy debate.

“Locally, nationally for the country and even globally, the opportunity to be an objective voice into actual findings with no perceived notions [is] worth going into,” he said.

To connect with Dr. Carlton for research opportunities, email him at doug.carlton@uta.edu or go to the C.L.E.A.R. website for more information.

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