Jordan Soto of Hart Energy had only a few minutes with Kelcy Warren before he joined a fireside chat. Soto used them to ask three questions, and each answer revealed something different about the Energy Transfer executive chairman.

The setting was Hart Energy’s 50th anniversary and Hall of Fame event, held at the A.D. Players Theater in Houston and recorded for Hart Energy LIVE.

Question One: How Does the Honor Feel?

Warren answered with obvious surprise. He called the recognition a big honor and admitted he had no idea it was coming. “I mean, this came out of the blue,” he said. “I didn’t see this coming at all, and so I’m thrilled to be here.” He added that being placed in the same group as the other honorees felt remarkable to him.

Question Two and Question Three

Soto next asked whether any fellow honoree stood out for leaving a lasting mark on the industry. Kelcy Warren declined to choose. He said every person selected had made an impact, that he knew all of them, and that each was important in telling the story of energy. He credited the organizers with doing a great job.

The last question focused on advice for young people and Hart Energy readers. Here Warren’s tone sharpened. “I would say don’t believe any of this nonsense that we’re transitioning out of energy,” he said. “We’re not. That can’t happen, it’s impossible, but we are never going to run from the rhetoric.”

He then spoke directly to younger listeners. “So I would say for young people, don’t buy off on that. You’re too smart.”

Taken together, the three answers sketch a clear picture. Kelcy Warren appeared grateful about his own recognition, generous toward his peers, and firm in his belief that oil and gas will remain central to the economy. Soto thanked him for his time, and Warren replied that it had been a pleasure before heading off to the evening’s main program. Read this article for more information.

Learn more about Kelcy Warren on https://www.forbes.com/profile/kelcy-warren/