The Rising Influence of Rising Affluence

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Probably should put that note in context. Priorities change with knowledge gained and scientific advances. Hewlett and Packard were big supporters (still are through their foundations) of Stanford science and engineering schools and that includes their earth sciences dept which included one of the top exploration and petroleum schools in the country. Those were set up a long time ago when there was little thought about climate impact. They spent top money to get guys like Hank Ramey. Almost all the super majors and many national oil companies also put up big bucks for programs. Now that there is data, priorities and funding direction has to change with it. In fact, one of the heirs is married to the former pet eng dept head and top DOE officials. Franklin Orr. Besides the stuff is not cheap to mine and pipe. It is far better for the Canadians to go after their oil shales and they have it.

https://engineering.stanford.edu/about/heroes/david-packard
https://engineering.stanford.edu/about/heroes/william-hewlett