Joe Biden's Energy Policy's Effect on the Houston Economy (Austin: closing, taxi)

[WRM20]

Originally Posted by gwarnecke

Fair point about the Innovation District. It may turn out to be a success. To me it doesn't really build on Houston's strengths, though. When we have a ton of underutilized office space in Westchase and the Energy Corridor near affordable housing with good schools (and still convenient to the inner loop), why build more? I get that some people and companies prefer urban settings, but they would probably pick Austin over Houston anyways.

And on a personal note, I was sorry to see that Sears go. When I was a Rice U student without a car, before Uber was around, it sure was convenient to have a department store a couple stops away on the rail line.

The innovation district is located where it is because Rice University already owned the land, which was acquired 70+ years ago. When Sears wanted out of their lease, it worked out well for the new district.

[ParaguaneroSwag]

I think we have yet to see the worst of the country’s recession. Regardless of who wins. The stimulus Bill issued months ago was nwcwssary but it came at a time with little to no real activity and companies used it just to survive with barely nough actual revenue to stay alive. Mass layoffs are becoming a thing again. We have to wait it a bit and see what’s going on and how we respond.

[LocalPlanner]

Originally Posted by ParaguaneroSwag

I think we have yet to see the worst of the country’s recession. Regardless of who wins. The stimulus Bill issued months ago was nwcwssary but it came at a time with little to no real activity and companies used it just to survive with barely nough actual revenue to stay alive. Mass layoffs are becoming a thing again. We have to wait it a bit and see what’s going on and how we respond.

We should remember that much of the white collar O&G layoffs are still to come, and because those jobs are so high-paying, the multiplier impacts on local economies are large. Granted, Houston and the nation managed to get through 2015-16 because the rest of the economy was healthy, but it's still something to keep in mind.

[VitaminB12]

I believe there's still another supercycle left in the O&G sector as the next few years we'll see a continuation of lack of investment until a lot players drop out (companies and countries) and supply/demand stabilize. I'm still bullish on natural gas globally as the infrastructure is there but demand will take a few years.

COVID can be a double edged sword for Houston as I think regardless of president bio-sciences will enjoy a flood of federal money due to COVID. TAMU, Rice, UT, and the TMC are investing in building out programs and office space the will be nicely timed with the current crisis. No reason why we can't use COVID in a positive manner.

[ParaguaneroSwag]

Originally Posted by VitaminB12

I believe there's still another supercycle left in the O&G sector as the next few years we'll see a continuation of lack of investment until a lot players drop out (companies and countries) and supply/demand stabilize. I'm still bullish on natural gas globally as the infrastructure is there but demand will take a few years.

COVID can be a double edged sword for Houston as I think regardless of president bio-sciences will enjoy a flood of federal money due to COVID. TAMU, Rice, UT, and the TMC are investing in building out programs and office space the will be nicely timed with the current crisis. No reason why we can't use COVID in a positive manner.

UH is being left in the dust in biosciences. Perhaps they’re establishing their mwd school since the others are always chosen Ahead in collaboratives

[VitaminB12]

Originally Posted by ParaguaneroSwag

UH is being left in the dust in biosciences. Perhaps they’re establishing their mwd school since the others are always chosen Ahead in collaboratives

That's fine.... UH needs to focus on being a better overall university, which isn't to dismiss the improvements it has made over the decade.

[ParaguaneroSwag]

Originally Posted by VitaminB12

That's fine.... UH needs to focus on being a better overall university, which isn't to dismiss the improvements it has made over the decade.

Agreed. Maybe one day they’ll catch up after the med program gets going.

[ParaguaneroSwag]

Shell is shutting down Louisiana refinery and focusing on low carbon future. Good news for us, bad for Louisiana. Which goes to show you, the hardest hit by the transition to renewable energy will be industrial towns.

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...shut-down.html

[WRM20]

Originally Posted by ParaguaneroSwag

Shell is shutting down Louisiana refinery and focusing on low carbon future. Good news for us, bad for Louisiana. Which goes to show you, the hardest hit by the transition to renewable energy will be industrial towns.

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/...shut-down.html

They are shutting down one of 3 facilities. They will still have a refinery and another chemicals operation near Baton Rouge.

[JL]

I really wished Tesla would’ve picked Houston as their other site. I would gladly leave the O&G industry to work for them.