Matthew Simmons
Matthew Roy Simmons (April 7, 1943[4] – August 8, 2010) was founder and chairman emeritus of Simmons & Company International, and was a prominent figure in the field of peak oil. Simmons was motivated by the 1973 energy crisis to create an investment banking firm catering to oil companies. He served as an energy adviser to U.S. President George W. Bush[5] and was a member of the National Petroleum Council and the Council on Foreign Relations.
For the TV character, see Matt Simmons (Criminal Minds).
Matthew R. Simmons
August 8, 2010 (aged 67)
Ellen Christine Loungee[3]
5 daughters
Roy William Simmons & Elizabeth Ellison[3]
Simmons, who lived in Houston, Texas, died at his vacation home in North Haven, Maine, on August 8, 2010, at the age of 67.[6][7] The death was ruled "accidental drowning with heart disease a contributing factor".[8]
Simmons was the author of the book Twilight in the Desert, published in 2005.[7] His examination of oil reserve decline rates helped raise awareness of the unreliability of Middle East oil reserves. He gave numerous presentations on peak oil and water shortages.[9]
Simmons believed that the Club of Rome's report, The Limits to Growth, is more accurate than usually acknowledged.[10]
Simmons was the founder of the Ocean Energy Institute in Maine.[11] His vision was to make Maine a leader in energy from offshore wind and ocean forces. The Ocean Energy Institute ceased operations in 2011.[12]
Wikileaks cable mention[edit]
The Guardian reported that Simmons was mentioned in a leaked U.S State Department cable dated November 2007:
COMMENT: While al-Husseini believes that Saudi officials overstate capabilities in the interest of spurring foreign investment, he is also critical of international expectations. He stated that the IEA's expectation that Saudi Arabia and the Middle East will lead the market in reaching global output levels of over 100 million barrels/day is unrealistic, and it is incumbent upon political leaders to begin understanding and preparing for this "inconvenient truth." Al-Husseini was clear to add that he does not view himself as part of the "peak oil camp," and does not agree with analysts such as Matthew Simmons. He considers himself optimistic about the future of energy, but pragmatic with regards to what resources are available and what level of production is possible. While he fundamentally contradicts the Aramco company line, al-Husseini is no doomsday theorist. His pedigree, experience and outlook demand that his predictions be thoughtfully considered.[20]