At least there are some existing competitors for natural gas that technically are available to us today.  One of my investment sources referred me to Bush's Milwaukee speech::

Secondly, we need to reduce our reliance on natural gas for electricity generation. In other words, we've got to substitute other forms of power for natural gas if we expect to be able to maintain a manufacturing base that relies upon natural gas. And the best way to do that is to expand our use of coal, nuclear power and renewable sources of energy, like wind and solar.

Let me start with coal. Coal is by far our country's most abundant and affordable energy resource. It's estimated we've got more than 250 years of reserves. That's a lot, that's a lot. And I'm sure you recognize this, or realize this, but in Wisconsin, when you flip on the light switch, there's a 75-percent chance that electricity is generated by coal-powered plants. In other words, you use it here in Wisconsin.

Evidently in other deliveries of the speech he quoted that, paraphrasing because I can't find the transcript, just another source that quotes this; "Four principle sources power our homes and offices--1. 50% coal, 2. 20% nuclear, 3. 18% natural gas, and 4. the rest renewable, such as hydroelectric, solar and wind power".  So it's at least encouraging that we have existing and competitive sources for natural gas today,,,,whereas we are farther away from competitors for oil for transportation.

Another part of the transcript that was interesting and seemed to set the stage for advancements and capacity increases in coal and nuclear.

But we're getting closer to an interesting, important goal -- that by continuing to invest at the federal level, as well as encourage private investment, we will build the world's first power plant to run on coal that produces zero emissions by 2015. That will be a positive development for future generations of Americans. (Applause.)

I'd like to talk about nuclear power. Today there are more than 100 nuclear plants in America that operate in 31 states, including right here in Wisconsin. The plants are producing electricity safely, and they don't emit any air pollution or greenhouse gases. America hasn't ordered a nuclear plant since the 1970s, and that's the result of litigation -- or because of litigation -- and complex regulations.

It's interesting when you think about a country like France, however, they have built 58 plants since the 1970s; they get 78 percent of their electricity from nuclear power. It's an interesting contrast, isn't it? We haven't done anything since the '70s; this country has decided to recognize the importance of having renewable sources of energy that protect the environment, and 78 percent of their electricity comes from this form of energy. China has eight nuclear plants in the works, by the way, and plans to build at least 40 more over the next two decades.