Toby Rice: Arrest Climate Change, Secure Energy for the World

[Editor's note: A version of this story appears in the June 2022 issue of Oil and Gas Investor magazine.]

He’s been called “Fossil Fuels’ Forthright Defender” by The Wall Street Journal. He’s been on countless morning news programs. He’s appeared at a plethora of events. In each case, Toby Rice, CEO of EQT Corp., has the same message for anyone who is listening: It’s necessary for the U.S. to “unleash LNG” to help decarbonizing efforts in the energy sector and to provide energy security for the nation, and the world, particularly in the wake of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.

The message may be starting to get through. Recent statements and actions from the White House and the Department of Energy indicate a recognition—even if begrudgingly—to produce more LNG for export. But is it enough? Can more gas actually be produced and exported given the dearth of infrastructure and LNG facilities, particularly in the northeast?

In advance of this summer’s DUG East Conference & Exhibition in Pittsburgh, Rice continued an ongoing conversation with Hart Energy about the rapidly changing nature of natural gas production, infrastructure buildout, messaging and decarbonization success.