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The Coalbed Natural Gas Alliance
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COALBED NATURAL GAS ADVOCATE RECEIVES NATIONAL
LOW-INCOME ENERGY AWARD Karen Brown, coordinator of the Coalbed Natural Gas Alliance (CBNGA) and partner of Energy Strategies and Solutions, LLC, was awarded the National Fuel Funds Network’s (NFFN) highest honor– the Sister Pat Kelley Achievement Award. The Kelley Award recognizes exemplary personal achievement in furthering NFFN’s objectives of increasing public awareness of low-income energy problems, advancing low-income energy policy and promoting charitable energy assistance. “Dedication and savvy thinking has made Ms. Brown well-deserving of such a prestigious honor,” said Carol Clements, chairwoman of the NFFN. In the history of The Kelley Award, Ms. Brown is the only recipient in the entire Rocky Mountain Region. “I am often criticized by environmental groups of supporting coalbed natural gas development, but I believe my work with the CBNGA is a continuation of my efforts to ensure affordable energy to all Americans and especially low income families,” Brown said. Brown remarked that the challenges faced by low-income folks and coalbed natural gas producers are very similar. “As an advocate for the poor, I often heard about how people on assistance were abusing the system, that they really did not need the help,” Brown said. “What I learned over 12 years of work in this area is that 95 percent of the people who apply for help are truly in need as a result of some temporary crisis or financial situation. It was the 5 percent that abused the system that were always pointed to as the reason to not provide help through cash assistance or weatherization support.” A similar phenomenon occurs today with the coalbed natural gas producers. “The environmental zealots say that most coalbed natural gas operators are abusing the laws and should be further regulated or put out of business,” Brown said. “Having worked with the energy industry as an explorationist for more than 12 years and seeing development first hand, I know that about 95 percent of the coalbed natural gas companies adhere to or exceed the regulations and policies at the state and federal level. Again, it is the 5 percent that don’t that are always pointed to by the environmentalists as reason to attempt to shut down the industry.” “It is amazing to me that what gets the media attention is only the 5 percent of low-income abusers or the 5 percent of coalbed natural gas abusers,” Brown said. “What about the 95 percent of both groups that do it right and are deserving of recognition and/or help?” Ms. Brown served as Executive Director of the Colorado Energy Assistance Foundation (now known as Energy Outreach Colorado) from 1991 to 2003. During her CEAF tenure, she was also NFFN Chairperson from 2000 to 2002 and NFFN Treasurer for three years. She also served two years on the Board of Directors of the National Low Income Energy Consortium. Under Ms. Brown’s leadership, the Colorado Energy Assistance Foundation (CEAF) grew to become one of the largest and most successful statewide fuel funds in the country. Some of her major accomplishments during her tenure include raising more than $70 million of private funding and creating an endowment at CEAF, providing assistance to more than one million of Colorado households. Additionally, Ms. Brown secured a national Ad Council Campaign, promoting energy efficiency and raising more than $3 million for a 3- year campaign. As Chairperson of the National Fuel Funds Network, Ms. Brown spearheaded initiatives that not only grew the organization, but helped to reposition NFFN as a premier national voice for energy assistance. Ms. Brown doubled the 2002 revenue, increased membership and increased advocacy with federal, state and industry leaders on behalf of low- income energy needs. Currently, Ms. Brown is the coordinator of the Coalbed Natural Gas Alliance, a position she has held for the past two years. Brown’s work for the CBNGA is a continuation of her work for the low-income population. She is ensuring an adequate supply of natural gas by educating and communicating the current responsible development occurring today, especially with coalbed natural gas development. In response to Ms. Brown’s award, Joe Icenogle, regulatory/public affairs manager of Fidelity Exploration & Production Company said, “Karen Brown deserves it. She is a very committed, hard working leader that we greatly respect.” Paul Weeditz, of Marathon Oil Company said, “This is great news!” Karen Brown is well-deserving of the award. We are pleased to be associated with such a strong advocate of both causes.” While Ms. Brown currently resides in Colorado, she and her husband will return to Montana where her roots are and where she can more fully apply her expertise and passion around energy issues. Ms. Brown and family would live in Montana today – except for the near extinction of any energy industry in which to find work where her passions lie. For more information about the NFFN, the Sister Pat Kelley Award and past recipients please visit their website at To learn more about the Coalbed Natural Gas Alliance
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