From: TAMU Times
Posted: August 19, 2014
By: Daniella Wiedel, Texas A&M University School of Law Communications Specialist
FORT WORTH, Texas - The U.S. is one of the biggest producers – and in turn, consumers – of energy. Just this year, the U.S. became the number one producer of both oil and gas in the world.
Texas A&M University School of Law Associate Professor Gina Warren traveled to Buenos Aires earlier this summer to learn what this means to other countries and also to share her research on sustainable energy development. Her mission was to acquire a better understanding of Argentina’s anticipated energy boom and, in turn, open the conversation for sharing resources related to Argentina’s energy development.
“For the first time in decades, Argentina is a net importer of energy and its energy needs are expected to continue to grow,” she said. In the coming years, Argentina plans to install at least two large, hydroelectric facilities in the southern Santa Cruz province. In addition, the country plans to commence significant exploitation of oil and gas from the Vaca Muerta shale play located in the Neuquén province. By some estimates, the Vaca Muerta is the third largest reserve of oil and gas in the world.
On this trip, Warren’s passion for the study of energy, teaching and helping others internationally came to life. Natural resources must be developed in an environmentally- and socially-sound manner, she said. This can be accomplished through detailed studies, scholarly research, and enacting laws and policies to ensure compliance.
“This is something we’re still working on. The U.S. doesn’t have this all figured out,” Warren admits. “The goal is that with collaboration, interested parties can gain a better understanding of the challenges facing each nation, honestly assess the lessons learned from prior energy development, and identify sustainable solutions for our global future.” Warren said.
“Building relationships like the ones Professor Warren has created in Argentina broaden our students’ educational opportunities and can lead to international collaborations that strengthen our faculty,” said Dean Andy Morriss.
In the fall Warren will be the adviser to the Texas A&M University Energy Law Student Association, brand new this fall semester. She will also be the co-chair of the Texas A&M Journal of Real Property Law.
Warren’s primary research focus is on sustainable energy, hydropower and climate change. For more, visit her SSRN author’s page.
 Professor Gina Warren with Lilian Castillo-Laborde, Professor of International Law at the University of Buenos Aires and full member to the Argentine Council for Foreign Relations (July 29, 2014)
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 Professor Gina Warren with Jorge Gebhardt, Director of the Tax Department (far right) and Esteban Aguirre Saravia, senior associate (far left), both of the firm Aguirre Saravia & Gebhardt in Buenos Aires, Argentina (July 28, 2014)
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 Professor Gina Warren giving a presentation to the law firm of Perez Alati, Grondona, Benites, Arntsen & Martinez (Buenos Aires, Argentina), on the lessons and challenges to U.S. shale development and production (July 30, 2014)
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