MMS
CEA Marks One-Year Anniversary of Lifting of Offshore Energy Exploration Ban
Thursday, October 1st, 2009
WASHINGTON – October 1, 2009 One year ago today, a 27-year old federal ban on offshore energy exploration and production in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans was formally retired following an extraordinary outpouring of public support for expanded domestic energy production and relief from sky-high fuel prices. But while there is reason to celebrate the end of a policy that kept billions of barrels of American oil and trillions of cubic feet of natural gas under lock-and-key, it is clear that much more must be done to bring those resources to American consumers, which will create thousands of new jobs and help end our dangerous dependency on foreign energy.
Once the outer continental shelf (OCS) moratorium expired, the U.S. Interior Department began developing a new, significantly expanded offshore leasing program – with strong public support from the American people. In commemoration of the first anniversary of the lifting of the OCS moratorium, and in support of a new, robust 5-year plan, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) president David Holt issued the following statement:
“The overwhelming public support for a new and expanded OCS leasing program – as shown by the more than 350,000 comments supporting an expanded OCS program that have been delivered to the Interior Department over the last eight months – demonstrates that the American people have not forgotten the record energy price spikes of 2008 and remain committed to responsible domestic energy production. Opening new offshore areas for energy exploration and production will create thousands of new jobs, provide substantial benefits for the American economy and strengthen our national energy security.”
“On behalf of the 200,000 grassroots members and 125 affiliates of Consumer Energy Alliance, I am calling on Secretary Salazar to listen to the hundreds of thousands of American citizens that have asked for expanded offshore access and to request that he move forward as expeditiously as possible with an expanded OCS leasing program for 2010-2015. A clear majority of the American public has spoken on this issue in support of a new, expanded program.”
CEA has participated in more than 100 events over the past three months calling for increased American energy production – and delivered approximately 150,000 comments last month to Interior Secretary Salazar supporting a new OCS leasing program.
Over the past several years, public comments to the Interior Department have overwhelmingly favored increased offshore energy production. During the 2006 period, 72 percent of comments received during four separate comment periods favored increased energy production offshore. In 2008, 53 percent backed domestic OCS energy exploration. And, although MMS has yet to release any numbers publicly, early indications are that favorable comments will once again lead groups who are opposed to sensible offshore development by a sizeable margin. American consumers once again voiced clear support for increased energy production.
NOTE: Bloomberg reported in April that:
“The U.S. may have as many as 115 billion barrels of ‘technically recoverable’ oil in federal waters, a report today from the Interior Department found. The report, prepared by Interior’s Minerals Management Service and the U.S. Geological Survey, also said the Outer Continental Shelf contains as much as 565 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and that the Pacific and Atlantic coasts hold more than 1,900 gigawatts of potential wind energy.”
READ MORE:
North Carolina Offshore Energy Production Study: Click HERE.
South Carolina Offshore Energy Production Study: Click HERE.
Tags: CEA, Consumer Energy Alliance, energy, exploration, federal ban, Interior, MMS, moratorium, ocs, offshore
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CEA October 2009 Newsletter
Friday, September 25th, 2009
CEA Newsletter
Issue 31
Message from CEA President David Holt
September 21st marked the close of a nationwide public comment period by the Federal Government that allowed Americans to have their voices heard in the vital debate regarding development of U.S. offshore resources, including oil, natural gas and wind projects.
Though naysayers have received prominent placement in recent media reports, the real winners here are the overwhelming numbers of Americans who stood tall in favor of reasonable and responsible development of America’s offshore areas.
More than 360,000 positive comments were received by the government supporting a new 5-Year Plan for the development of resources off of America’s coastlines. This number, which accounts for more than 60 percent of the total comments received, sends a strong message to elected officials in Washington: Americans want more American energy.
Throughout the comment period, CEA stood strong in our support of offshore oil & gas drilling, as well as offshore alternative energy development. Working with our valued affiliates and individual consumers like you, CEA implemented a major campaign to get the word out about the importance of this effort and encourage Americans to comment and contribute to the discussion.
The tremendous results in favor of offshore development speak volumes. Washington has heard what you have to say. Your voice has made a difference in shaping American energy policy and will assist in leading the United States on a path of domestic energy development that will be good for the economy, Americans and the country.
CEA recognizes your hard work and we thank you for being part of our efforts to empower America! We consider you an essential part of our alliance and look forward to continuing to work with you to do what’s right for America and its citizens.
Yet, the work is not over. As we move forward from this great victory, CEA remains dedicated to working toward a national energy policy that fully leverages America’s abundant energy resources into new jobs, revenue and security for American energy consumers.
As part of this effort, please take part in our nationwide educational campaign – Secure Our Fuels, which highlights the damaging economic effects associated with the national Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) currently being considered by Congress. For more information on the Secure Our Fuels campaign, click here.
Again, thank you and congratulations! With your help, the tides are turning.
David Holt
President
Help Defeat Efforts to Ban North American Energy and Increase Prices at the Pump!
The Low-Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) is being sold to the American public as a way to blend transportation fuels with low-carbon alternatives so that tailpipe CO2 emissions can be reduced. But the fact is that affordable and reliable lower-carbon fuel options are not yet available. As a result, an LCFS simply will increase the cost of diesel fuel and gasoline and will place certain domestic supplies of transportation fuels off limits. Increasing the cost of transportation fuel and U.S. dependence upon foreign sources of petroleum is simply unsound energy policy.
Join our effort to defeat these measures, which would put an economic stranglehold on America and leave U.S. consumers stuck with higher prices at the pump. Send in your comments today!
Support Development of Alaska’s Offshore Oil & Gas Resources!
At a time when the American public is crying out for more domestic energy, Alaska has enormous untapped oil and gas potential, especially in its offshore areas. The waters off Alaska’s coasts hold about 27 billion barrels of oil and 132 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, according to federal government estimates.
To begin producing energy from these resource basins, the federal government must take action. Join us in our effort as we build public support for offshore minerals exploration and development in Alaska. Send in your comments today!
CEA Welcomes New Affiliate Members
CEA is proud to announce the addition of the many new affiliate members who have joined our alliance in recent months: Amway, Applied Fiber Manufacturing, LLC, EarthQuest Institute, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, The Fertilizer Institute, New England Fuel Institute and Santa Barbara County Energy Coalition. For a complete list of CEA’s valued affiliates, click here.
CEA Blog: Silent majorities and dressing for success
Check out CEA’s recent blog entry about the overwhelming amount of public support for developing America’s offshore energy resources, recently brought to light by the federal government’s collection of public comments on the issue. Join the conversation at CEA’s website. Read blog…
Consumer Corner: Tell Us How Energy Affects YOU!
Energy issues are important to all Americans – and they should be – because they affect all aspects of everyday life, including your businesses, your household costs and your free-time expenditures!
When you drive your kids to school in the morning or board an airplane for a vacation flight, you are affected by the energy policies that government officials in Washington put in place. Access to American energy resources affects your weekly grocery bill, how much you pay at the gas pump, your heating and cooling costs, the business decisions you make – every part of your life!
CEA wants to know your thoughts about how energy affects you. Share your energy story with CEA by sending an e-mail to info@consumerenergyalliance.org. We want to hear from YOU!
Wind Energy Could Cut Emissions in China By 30 Percent, Study Asserts
Switching to wind power for electricity needs could cut China’s emissions by 30 percent over the next 20 years, according to a recent study. Read article…
Venezuela and Russia Develop As “Comrades-In-Arms-And-Oil”
Ties between Russia and Venezuela are steadily growing stronger with increased economic development schemes, including energy and weaponry deals, between the two countries. Read article…
Affiliate Spotlight: Agriculture Energy Alliance
As farmers and agribusinesses face a looming crisis because of public policies that create demand for natural gas while restricting access to supply sources, the Agriculture Energy Alliance, which represents more than 100 growers and agriculture-related business, works to inform and educate Congress, the Administration and state-elected officials about the energy challenges facing the agricultural sector.
“The U.S. farm sector is being weakened by constraints on onshore and offshore natural gas development, even as global demand for food is growing every year,” says Coordinator for the Agriculture Energy Alliance Rosemary O’Brien, who also serves as Vice President of Public Affairs at CF Industries.
To address these concerns, AEA encourages elected and appointed officials to continue the good work begun in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and take further measures to reduce natural gas demand and increase natural gas supply.
“By increasing domestic natural gas production, we increase our food security,” explains O’Brien.
Ensuring the stable development of American natural gas resources is essential to maintaining a successful agricultural economy, according to O’Brien, because the farm sector depends on significant use of natural gas for food processing, irrigation, crop drying, heating farm buildings and homes, crop protection chemicals and nitrogen fertilizer production.
“With wise development and utilization of our own national energy resources, Congress can help ensure that farming remains an economically viable occupation,” she emphasizes.
As a member of Consumer Energy Alliance, AEA’s goal is to join with other like-minded groups to work on energy policy, specifically access to U.S. offshore production.
“CEA presented opportunities to work with a larger coalition and to enhance our policy goals in a very positive way,” O’Brien notes. “We have been excited to work with CEA since their leadership has shown creativity, enthusiasm and focus on complex energy policy issues.
“CEA is the type of group AEA likes to associate itself with as perseverance and working on shared goals is the only way to accomplish results. In short, CEA is solution-oriented. We work well with CEA, and we appreciate the quality of advice and input we receive from them and their collaborative efforts on behalf of their coalition.”
For more information on the Agriculture Energy Alliance, visit www.agenergyalliance.com.
Affiliate News: National Oilheat Summit Sees Bright Future For Industry
NEFI joined nearly every national, regional and state oilheat industry association, along with various industry leaders, for a national oilheat industry policy summit in Baltimore, MD on Tuesday, September 15th. The big news coming out of the summit – these various oilheat stakeholders are joining together to pursue a brave new future for the industry and its consumers.
Those attending the summit overwhelmingly approved a statement encouraging Congress and appropriate state bodies to help the industry move towards a “leaner, greener and cleaner” new product through adoption of an ultra low sulfur standard and expanded use of bio components. The group also embraced solar technology as a key component of the overall industry effort to lower the carbon intensity of heating oil applications.
The summit also heard many presentations on the benefits of pursuing a lower sulfur bio-blended product, supplemented with solar technology, as well as how best to “tell the story” nationwide. “It is an exciting time for the industry,” said Peter Carini (NEFI-member) of Champion Energy, New York, which was echoed by Robert Boltz of Pennsylvania, NEFI member Jim Townsend of Townsend Oil, and Don Allen of E.T. Lawson of Virginia, the moderator for the summit. He added: “As an industry, we face many challenges, but most of them can be met if we embrace this exciting opportunity to create a new product that will be environmentally responsible and competitive, ensuring that our industry is part of the solution to the energy, security and climate change challenges that face our Nation.”
Over 80 industry representatives participated in the Summit.
Affiliate News: NSBA Report Shows On-Bill Financing Improves Energy Efficiency
On September 16, 2009, the National Small Business Association released a report showing that small business collectively could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 259 million tons each year if they improved their energy efficiency by just 25 percent. The report, “On-Bill Financing: Helping Small Business Reduce Emissions and Energy Use While Improving Profitability,” goes on to highlight the significant savings small businesses stand to achieve through on-bill financing.
“This report obliterates that old paradigm that environmental conservation is anathema to economic growth,” said NSBA President Todd McCracken. “Quite simply, small businesses can increase their profitability while reducing their carbon footprint.”
On-bill financing is a mechanism that enables small businesses to work with their utility company to improve their energy efficiency. In practice, a local utility company identifies a small business with potential savings and evaluates their energy use and the company’s financial stability. The utility company then extends a low- or no-interest loan to the small business to make energy-efficient upgrades. The small-business owner repays the loan by continuing to pay the average monthly bill and any money paid in excess of what their actual costs are will go directly to pay down the loan.
Currently implemented in several states, on-bill financing programs have made thousands of loans to small businesses with unparalleled success. According to the report, energy-efficiency programs such as on-bill financing can help the average small business save $4,932—and oftentimes more—every year on its energy bills. The report also makes recommendations on how the federal government can help facilitate additional on-bill financing programs.
“The number one reason small-business owners cite for their inability to make their firms more energy efficient is cash-flow,” stated Keith Ashmus, NSBA chair and co-founding partner at Frantz Ward LLP, Cleveland, Ohio. “Programs such as on-bill financing can eliminate this very significant barrier many small businesses simply can’t overcome.”
NSBA has long held the belief that energy efficiency and entrepreneurial growth can and do go hand-in-hand. The current state of the U.S. economy makes it absolutely crucial to have government policies that foster, not hinder, entrepreneurial growth. With 29.6 million small firms—comprising 99.7 percent of all U.S. employer firms—small businesses stand to make significant, positive and lasting improvements to both the economy and the environment.
This report was sponsored by NSBA with funding from the Bipartisan Policy Center. Please click here to access the full report.
Since 1937, NSBA has advocated on behalf of America’s entrepreneurs. A staunchly nonpartisan organization, NSBA reaches more than 150,000 small businesses nationwide and is proud to be the nation’s first small-business advocacy organization. For more information, please visit www.nsba.biz
Tags: 5-Year plan, Agriculture Energy Alliance, American energy, CEA, CEA Monthly, CEABlog, Consumer Energy Alliance, David Holt, energy, gasoline, Minerals Management Service, MMS, natural gas, newsletter, ocs, October 2009, offshore, oil, Outer Continental Shelf, resource development, Russia, Venezuela, wind
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CEA Praises Bipartisan, Bicameral Congressional Efforts on Expanding Domestic Offshore Energy Production
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009
WASHINGTON – September 21, 2009 Following a letter from nearly 100 House Republicans, led by Reps. Doc Hastings (R-WA), Rob Bishop (R-UT), and Tom Price (R-GA), urging Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to move forward with a 5-Year offshore energy production plan that would expand safe American energy exploration, Rep. Dan Boren (D-OK), along with 15 other House Democrats, wrote the secretary recommending that his agency open the outer continental shelf (OCS) for responsible offshore energy development. Today, a bipartisan group of senators, led by Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and Byron Dorgan (D-ND), penned a similar letter to Secretary Salazar.
David Holt, president of Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), a non-profit, non-partisan organization that advocates an “all of the above” approach to securing, reliable energy, issued this statement:
“Thanks to many of CEA’s thousands of grassroots supporters and a clear majority of the American public, a year ago, the federal government made positive, and long overdue, steps toward balancing the nation’s long-term energy policy through lifting decade-old bans on safe and effective offshore energy production here at home.
“CEA praises the strong bipartisan, bicameral commitment from the congressmen and senators who have taken the concerns of their constituents about affordable energy and access to American resources directly to Secretary Salazar. The groundswell of support for increased domestic energy production continues to grow, and, as an organization, we’re grateful for the steadfastness on this issues that so many members of Congress and senators continue to demonstrate.
“As the Interior Department’s public comment period on the 5-year OCS plan came to a close today, we are hopeful and encouraged that these congressional letters, as well as the hundreds of thousands of supportive comments from every day Americans, will resonate with Secretary Salazar as he and his agency move forward in crafting a blueprint for our offshore energy production goals over the next several years.
“Thousands of good-paying jobs, stable energy prices for small businesses, working-families and retirees and less dependence on unstable regions of the world to fuel our economy will result from the developing domestic oil and gas, and renewable energy offshore. At the same time, we must focus on harnessing more wind, solar, coal, hydro, nuclear, biofuels and other alternatives and renewable energy forms, while using what we have more wisely, too.”
Tags: 5-Year, American energy, bipartisan, Bishop, CEA, Consumer Energy Alliance, David Holt, domestic energy, Dorgan, drilling, energy, Five Year Plan, gas, Hastings, house, Hutchison, Minerals Management Service, MMS, offshore, oil, republicans, Salazar
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CEA: More Than 325,000 Americans Tell Secretary Salazar to “Show Us the Energy”
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009
Holt: “What we need now, and what these letters demand, is decisive action from this administration.”
WASHINGTON – September 22, 2009 More than 325,000 American people sent letters to Interior secretary Ken Salazar over the past six months urging his agency to expand responsible access to critical energy resources offshore, and Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) helped deliver more than 150,000 of them. As the public comment period on Interior’s Draft Proposed five-year energy plan came to a close this week, CEA president David Holt issued the following statement:
“The unified voices of Americans concerned with rising, unstable and increasingly unaffordable energy costs cannot be ignored. Thanks to the hard work of so many CEA supporters – as well as other organizations committed to advancing policies that help put our nation on a path toward energy security and affordability – Secretary Salazar will have overwhelming public support on his side if his agency and the administration decide to move forward with a commonsense plan that allows the American people to access more of the energy resources they need, demand and rightfully own.
“While the closure of this comment period marks a very early step in what is designed to be a long, deliberative process, the volume and intensity of public response on whether responsible offshore energy exploration should be part of our energy future suggests the status quo energy policies of the past will no longer be an option in the future. What we need now, and what these letters demand, is decisive action from this administration – not an effort to pocket veto these critical offshore energy resources.
“As the process of developing a forward-looking, supply-oriented five-year plan continues to move forward, CEA will remain active in leading the charge for an ‘all of the above’ approach to securing our energy future – a future that includes renewable energy, conventional energy, and a renewed focus on conservation. CEA and its broad-based membership including transportation, agriculture, manufacturing, small business, chemistry, restaurants, retirees and energy providers will continue to provide a platform for the American people to make their views and voices heard in Washington.”
NOTE: Click HERE to view CEA’s official comment letter to MMS.
Tags: 5-Year plan, CEA, Consumer Energy Alliance, drilling, energy, Five Year Plan, gas, Minerals Management Service, MMS, offshore, oil, Salazar
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Alaska by numbers
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009
Advocates of increased domestic drilling have enough important battles brewing in the country’s lower 48 states to keep them busy. But it is important that we don’t inadvertently overlook Alaska, or dismiss it as a region where drilling is alive and well.
In some respects, drilling is alive and well in Alaska. The state accounts for almost 15% of total U.S. production and the Alaska Pipeline Service Company says it transports some 730,000 barrels per day.
But production is way down from its peak and the current capacity on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System is less than half the 2.1 million barrels per day shipped in 1988. This diminished capacity flies in the face of abundant reserves. The U.S. Minerals Management Service (MMS), which tends to err on the conservative side, estimates that there are some 27 billion barrels of oil and 132 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the waters off the coast of Alaska. That’s just about a third of all the oil estimated to lie beneath all the country’s offshore waters.
Oil producers in the Gulf of Mexico got some good news last month when a U.S. appeals court clarified an earlier decision and ruled that oil and gas projects initiated under the Bush Administration could go forward as planned. But that ruling left projects in Alaska’s Beaufort, Chukchi and Bering Seas in limbo. Although the federal government last year awarded $2.6 billion in leases in Alaska, those projects remain on hold, pending the resolution of some frivolous lawsuits.
Some of the country’s contested oil production sites would add incrementally to the domestic energy supply, and these incremental improvements are definitely worth pursuing, both for conventional and alternative sources of power. However the reserves in Alaska are so vast, they hold the collective potential to be a real game changer, helping the U.S. significantly reduce the oil it imports from overseas. The Chukchi Sea is considered the most underdeveloped source of offshore petroleum in the U.S.
One study by the University of Alaska estimated that Alaska’s outer continental shelf could produce nearly 1.8 million barrels a day, or 300,000 thousands barrels per day more than what we currently import from Saudi Arabia. The same study estimates there is enough natural gas in those waters to produce 13% of total U.S. demand.
It goes without saying that increased oil and natural gas production would create thousands of new jobs. Another important wrinkle in the case for more exploration and drilling in Alaska is that the Trans Alaska Pipeline System depends on it. Without the addition of new oil from Alaska’s coastal waters TAPS’ capacity could decline to the point that, by the year 2046, it could no longer be viable.
There may not be a quick resolution to the disputed leases in Alaska, but it is critical that we remain focused on this oil-rich region and continue a grassroots campaign to put pressure on lawmakers to make the decision that is right for the country’s energy security and its economy. The recent favorable rulings covering Gulf drilling show that these efforts do not go unnoticed. The Call to Action section of CEA’s Web site details why a strong domestic oil sector is critical. When writing to your Congressional representatives, feel free to use any of the attached text, or make the case in our own words. And thank you for all your help so far. It has made all the difference.
Tags: Alaska, alternative energy development, Consumer Energy Alliance, jobs, MMS, natural gas, ocs, offshore, oil, pipeline, revenue, TAPS
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Report: Offshore Energy Development Could Create 6,700 Jobs and Bring North Carolina up to $577 Million Annually
Monday, July 27th, 2009
As state struggles to meet massive budget shortfall, report confirms huge amounts of revenue exist safely offshore
Raleigh, N.C. – July 27, 2009 North Carolina could receive up to $577 million annually in revenue sharing payments from offshore energy development, according to a report to be released today by the Southeast Energy Alliance (SEA).
The report, which will be distributed prior to a panel discussion on North Carolina’s available offshore energy resources and the potential for federal revenue sharing, discusses job creation, economic growth and revenues that could come to the state if it chooses to participate in offshore energy development along the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and if Congress extends a royalty revenue sharing program to the state. Monies received from potential revenue sharing could ease future budget gaps, helping to fund critical health care needs, infrastructure and educational projects, such as roads, bridges and new schools, while maintaining North Carolina’s pristine beaches. These funds could also ease the state tax burden for North Carolinians.
Currently, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas receive 37.5 percent of the revenues collected by the federal government for offshore energy production. Onshore states, such as Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, receive 50 percent of the royalties collected for energy development on federal lands. If the Gulf Coast revenue sharing program was extended to North Carolina, exploration and production off the state’s coast could generate up to $577 million annually to the state budget.
The panel discussion will be hosted by the North Carolina Farm Bureau, the North Carolina Chamber and SEA. In addition to the host organizations, other panelists will include representatives from the North Carolina Petroleum Council, North Carolina Manufacturers and Chemical Industry Council, North Carolina Utility Contractors Association, Piedmont Natural Gas and the National Ocean Industries Association. Participants will discuss the state’s pivotal role in developing a new federal OCS exploration and production program-determining whether the program will include areas in North Carolina’s adjacent waters-as well as how the revenues generated from participation in the program could be used to strengthen North Carolina’s economy and create jobs.
“This report highlights a tremendous opportunity to boost North Carolina’s economy,” said Michael Whatley, executive director of the Southeast Energy Alliance, and a panelist at the discussion. “In addition to creating thousands of high-paying jobs and providing substantial benefits to the state’s economy, offshore exploration and production will generate significant revenues for state and local governments.”
The report also indicates that OCS energy exploration and production in North Carolina would:
- Create more than 6,700 new jobs;
- Increase the state’s gross domestic product by $659 million annually by 2030; and
- Generate approximately $148 billion in federal, state and local revenues. This includes $9.68 billion in government revenues between 2010 and 2030, or $484 million per year.
Bill Weatherspoon, executive director of the North Carolina Petroleum Council, who is also a panelist, said, “not only does offshore energy development create much needed direct and indirect jobs, we now know that royalty payments from a potential revenue sharing program would bring in millions to help fund schools and other state initiatives.”
“Nearly 7 out of 10 North Carolinians support the search for needed energy supplies; this is the time for our leaders to listen to the strong majority that support offshore exploration,” added Weatherspoon.
According to the report, the Minerals Management Service (MMS) maps and OCS assessments show that North Carolina’s adjacent waters, which comprise approximately 23 percent of the total Atlantic resource base, are projected to contain as much as 1.74 billion barrels of oil and 15.29 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. However, because of current federal law, seismographic inventory has not been conducted in years.
NOTE: To view the executive summary, click HERE. To view the full report, click HERE.
Tags: CEA, Consumer Energy Alliance, gas, Minerals Management Service, MMS, North Carolina, offshore, oil, payments, revenue sharing, Southeast Energy Alliance
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Call to action: CEA needs your help in securing greater supplies of offshore oil & gas!
Friday, July 10th, 2009
The country’s extreme dependence on foreign fuel is all the more stunning when you consider the abundance of untapped oil and natural gas that lies within our borders and below our coastal waters.
The federal government estimates conservatively that there are 288 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 52 billion barrels of oil in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). If those kinds of numbers make you glaze over, here’s a better visual: The estimated reserves would provide enough gasoline for 132 million cars and heating oil for 54 million homes for 15 years along with enough natural gas to heat 72 million homes for 60 years.
Alternatively, it could supply current industrial and commercial needs for 28 years, or all of the country’s electricity generating needs for 53 years. That’s a lot of fuel that wouldn’t have to be shipped here from somewhere else.
And none of that includes Alaska. The federal government estimates that the waters off Alaska hold about 27 billion barrels of oil and 132 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
This is oil and gas the country badly needs. Even under the most aggressive projections for the development of alternative energy sources, U.S. demand for oil and natural gas is expected to continue to grow for at least 20 years.
The process of selling offshore leases is a complex matter with a complex history that is outlined in more detail on our home page. The key point to remember, however, is that this is a critical time for determining the country’s energy development policy for years to come, and potentially reversing a moratorium on new offshore leasing that has been in place since 1983.
CEA’s members understand that a strong and steady supply of domestic oil will not only help reduce oil price volatility; it will support jobs and all the multiple industries that run on oil, while providing relief to families and small businesses. Now we need your help in making sure that message is heard loud and clear.
The Call to Action on our Web site outlines why more oil friendly policies are critical to our economy, and explains how you can help by writing to the Obama administration. Feel free to use the attached text, or to write in your own words about what greater domestic energy production would mean to you, your business and your community.
And please write soon. The public comments period closes in September.
Tags: Add new tag, CEA, CEA Energy Grass Roots, congress, Consumer Energy Alliance, Department of the Interior, energy, energy independence, energy policy, energy prices, energy supply, exploration, gas, government, MMS, natural gas, Obama, ocs, offshore, oil, Secretary Salazar, the Consumer Energy Alliance
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CEA July 2009 Newsletter
Wednesday, July 1st, 2009
CEA Newsletter
Issue 28
Message from CEA President David Holt
As summer continues in full-swing, Consumer Energy Alliance is also moving forward with a brand-new initiative – the CEA Journal, an online blog on our website dedicated to exploring current energy issues and effects on American consumers.
Through CEA Journal, we will highlight issues that are vital to all Americans. Some of these issues include the development of a comprehensive Five-Year Program for development of oil and gas resources as well as supporting utilization of Alaska’s vast resources. We need your help with these important concerns.
With the increased page views and reader comments we’ve received, CEA Journal is a hit, providing website visitors with information that they need and want to know about America’s energy situation.
Recent entries include: “Beyond Staycations,” “(Part of) the Answer is Blowing in the Wind,” “Small Businesses Rising to the Challenge” and “For Truckers, It’s Been a Long Haul.” In addition, the blog explores such diverse topics as the rising prices at gasoline pumps nationwide, energy-conscious car-buying and home weatherization. Energy hot points are also discussed, including: the debate over domestic drilling, greenhouse gas emissions and utilization of solar power.
In keeping with Consumer Energy Alliance’s mission of promoting a balanced American energy policy that includes ALL resources, the information provided in the CEA Journal is fair and the scope is wide.
Have an insight or comment that you’d like to contribute? CEA Journal enables readers to post messages about blog entries and issues important to them. We urge you to join in the discussion and make your voice heard. Every person in the country can play an essential role in shaping America’s energy policy and aid in formulating common solutions to stabilize energy prices and secure resources for America.
Take the first step to engaging in the open dialogue on America’s energy issues from the comfort of your home or office by visiting the CEA Journal today. View the CEA Journal online blog at CEA’s website here. Also, feel free to send us an e-mail or post a comment to the blog with suggestions about topics or simply to find out more about a certain piece of the American energy puzzle.
Consumer Energy Alliance’s goal is to achieve an American energy policy that works for Americans. We could not accomplish this without your strong and faithful support as well as your input on the issues that are important to you.
Want to receive timely updates? Follow CEA on Twitter, a free web-based networking site that allows users to receive instant updates of information. If you do not have a Twitter account yet, simply sign up here and begin following CEA.
We hope you enjoy CEA Journal and participate actively. We look forward to introducing many more interesting and useful initiatives, such as the blog, in the months to come.
David Holt
President
Support Development of Alaska’s Offshore Oil & Gas Resources!
At a time when the American public is crying out for more domestic energy, Alaska has enormous untapped oil and gas potential, especially in its offshore areas. The waters off Alaska’s coasts hold about 27 billion barrels of oil and 132 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, estimates MMS.
To begin producing energy from these resource basins, the federal government must take action. Join us in our effort as we build public support for offshore minerals exploration and development in Alaska. Send in your comments today!
Support the Five-Year Draft Proposed Program to Develop Offshore Oil & Gas Resources!
A significant domestic supply of energy can be safely and efficiently found right here off of America’s shores. The U.S. Minerals Management Service (MMS) currently administers the considerable energy resources contained in our offshore waters and wants to hear from you about offshore oil & gas and alternative energy development.
Opposition to offshore energy development is mounting. We need you to let Washington know you support reasonable access to America’s offshore energy resources. Send in your comments today!
Consumer Corner: Efficient Lighting Strategies
Did you know that the electric light bulb was invented just 130 years ago? Thomas Alva Edison invented the carbon-filament lamp in 1879. This invention ushered in an era of inventions and progress that led to our present-day world of technology and electricity dependence.
In the United States, about 15 percent of household electricity is used for lighting – mostly through the use of traditional incandescent bulbs. We use artificial light to meet all types of needs, including: ambient, task and accent lighting.
Using new technologies, you can decrease the electricity used for your lighting needs by 50 to 75 percent. Not only does that save you money, but it is also wise utilization of America’s resources.
Make use of these tips:
- More light is not always better – match your lighting needs to your tasks
- Use a dimmer switch to reduce costs
- Use energy-efficient light bulbs and systems to save energy
- Try “daylighting” – using natural light, when available, through the use of windows and skylights
Find out more about efficient lighting strategies from the U.S. Department of Energy here.
Nuclear Energy Institute: History of Nuclear Power & Industry Standing
The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) welcomed CEA into its offices in downtown Washington, D.C. for the July 18 meeting. NEI is the policy organization for the nuclear technologies industry and participates in both the national and global policy-making process. NEI’s objective is to ensure the formation of policies that promote the beneficial uses of nuclear energy and technologies in the United States and around the world. NEI joined CEA’s efforts last year and has developed a strong partnership with the Alliance on several initiatives.
Marshall Cohen, NEI’s Senior Director of State and Local Governmental Affairs, presented to the group of 40+ participants on the history of nuclear power and where the industry currently stands. Given the nation’s projected increase in electricity demands, the need for expanding our energy portfolio has never been more evident. Nuclear energy is a clean, reliable, and safe source of energy that currently provides the nation with almost 20 percent of its electricity. The nuclear power industry is working to re-license the existing fleet of reactors in the United States as well as develop projects to build a number of new reactors.
Mr. Cohen addressed questions regarding the issues surrounding the Nuclear Renaissance including the financial hurdles utility companies are facing, the new plant build preparation coming from the manufacturing community, the on-going “waste” issue, concerns over staffing the wave of new plants and national security issues associated with the fuel cycle.
NEI hopes to bring to CEA’s membership opportunities for economic expansion and support its programs. “NEI recognizes that CEA is a very important organization that represents a variety of groups consumed with the energy crisis throughout the U.S., and NEI is pleased to be working with them on energy policies important to companies, communities, and individuals,” said Marshall Cohen.
U.S. Western Public Lands to be Used for Utility-Scale Solar Energy Development
U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar recently announced consideration of dozens of areas of western public lands for large-scale generation of solar electricity. Read article…
Multi-Millions in Government Funds to be Used for Expansion of American Hydropower
Modernization of existing hydropower facilities within the United States will be funded with $32 million, recently announced U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu. Read article…
Affiliate Spotlight: American Chemistry Council
Representing leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) truly is the voice of the U.S. Chemical Industry.
“ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people’s lives better, healthier and safer,” says Vice President of Federal Affairs Marty Durbin, noting that the business of chemistry is a $664 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation’s economy.
ACC’s mission is to deliver business value to its members through exceptional advocacy based on enhanced member performance, high quality scientific research, communications, effective participation in the political process, and a commitment to sustainable development through member contributions to economic, environmental and societal progress.
“Every day, we advocate that the chemistry industry is essential to America,” Durbin maintains.
Energy issues are important to ACC, according to Durbin, because the American chemistry industry is energy-intensive. In fact, American chemistry is the largest of the energy-intensive U.S. manufacturing industries engaged in global trade.
“American chemistry uses energy to save energy. A forthcoming study will show that use of chemistry products saves three units of greenhouse gases for every unit emitted during the manufacturing process. From biofuels to hydrogen technologies, chemistry is at the heart of creating new and diverse energy sources.”
To compete effectively in global markets, ACC needs affordable, available, efficient and diverse energy, Durbin emphasizes.
“We use large amounts of oil and natural gas, not just to heat and power our facilities but as raw materials, or ‘feedstocks.’ The products of chemistry go into 96 percent of U.S. manufactured goods. Significantly, our feedstock consumption of energy does not emit greenhouse gases. We’re also a leading producer of clean electricity using combined heat and power systems.”
ACC supports the responsible development of clean and affordable American energy resources.
“That’s because public investments and other policies that support clean energy solutions drive demand for chemistry – speeding economic recovery – while helping us help the nation reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our industry is a major contributor to clean and renewable energy applications that reduce emissions,” explains Durbin.
“Chemistry goes into energy-saving and renewable energy products such as building insulation, solar panels, wind turbines, lightweight vehicle parts, compact fluorescent light bulbs, lithium-ion batteries, automotive and industrial lubricants, energy-efficient appliances, and many more.”
In terms of energy goals, ACC promotes several initiatives, Durbin points out.
“We support the development of a comprehensive energy policy built on energy efficiency and conservation, energy diversity (e.g. alternatives, renewables, carbon capture and sequestration, nuclear, combined heat and power) and expanded domestic oil and natural gas development. The United States will need each of these elements to bring about a more affordable, secure and diverse energy future, a globally competitive manufacturing sector and a lower-emission economy.”
Climate policy is a key issue for the American chemistry industry, particularly because of the energy link to climate solutions.
“A poorly conceived climate policy has the potential to encourage a significant increase in the price of feedstocks, reductions in the supplies available to energy-intensive manufacturers, and a shift of natural gas resources into electricity generation. We need well-conceived and integrated policies on both climate and energy.”
As a member of Consumer Energy Alliance, ACC recognizes that energy consumers are an important voice in the energy policy debate and education is one of the keys to sound policy.
“Working together, we can help educate policymakers and the public about the critical role energy plays in American manufacturing, and the consequences of energy policy for our national economy, security, and standard of living. We believe CEA is a key resource on the most important energy issues and can help encourage the development of a thoughtful, comprehensive national energy policy,” explains Durbin.
For more information on the American Chemistry Council, visit www.americanchemistry.com.
Tags: 5YP, ACC, Alaska, American Chemistry Council, CEA Blog, efficient, hydropower, July 2009, lighting, minerals management, MMS, newsletter, Nuclear Energy Institute, oil and gas, resources, solar
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CEA: Gulf lease sales generate millions for U.S. taxpayers, ensure long-term energy affordability for all
Wednesday, March 18th, 2009
HOUSTON – March 18, 2009 David Holt, president of Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), issued the following statement today after the Minerals Management Service (MMS) announced that energy-rich areas up for sale in the central Gulf of Mexico produced more than 475 bids and generated more than $700 million for the U.S. taxpayer:
“With our economy facing unprecedented challenges, today’s lease sale in the Gulf provides new hope that millions of new jobs, billions in new revenue, and a serious plan to ensure long-term energy affordability are well within our reach.
“The sale also marks the beginning of an important new chapter in the history of offshore exploration: the establishment of revenue-sharing partnership with the states. It’s a component we’ve fought hard to promote over the years, and one we’re convinced will lead to more energy for consumers, more revenue for taxpayers, and greater security for our nation.
“Lease Sale 208 didn’t result in a single drop of oil today, or a single unit of new natural gas – but it did produce more than $700 million for the American taxpayer. Such is the promise and potential of responsible offshore energy exploration. And now is the time to turn that potential into the affordable energy we need to put our economy back on track.”
CEA is a non-profit, non-partisan energy consumer group that has long advocated a national energy policy that focuses on creating a diverse portfolio of energy supplies, from wind to solar to biofuels to petroleum and clean-burning natural gas.
With more than 100 affiliated organizations and thousands of consumer-advocates, CEA’s mission is to expand the dialogue between the consuming and energy sectors to improve overall understanding of energy security and the thoughtful development and utilization of energy resources to help create sound energy policy and maintain stable energy prices for consumers.
Tags: biofuel, CEA, CEA Energy Grass Roots, Consumer Energy Alliance, consumer energy alliance grass roots, consumer energy alliance grassroots, Consumer Energy Issues, energy, energy policy, exploration, Minerals Management Service, MMS, natural gas, offshore, oil, petroleum, solar, wind
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CEA March 2009 Newsletter
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009
CEA Newsletter
Issue 24
Message from CEA President David Holt
A balanced approach to meeting America’s energy needs, including utilizing oil, natural gas and offshore wind resources, is the course that CEA consistently pushes forward as the best option for the country, its people, and our leaders.
Balance is one of the key components of stabilizing energy prices – so that consumers and businesses don’t experience rapid fluctuations in cost. To achieve the goal of stable energy sources and reasonable prices, we must put in place a commonsense, long-term approach for resource development.
Currently, the Five-Year Plan Draft Proposed Program to Develop Offshore Oil and Gas Resources is on the table and up for public discussion. Anyone who wants to let the government know that they support development of offshore oil and gas resources may do so by sending in comments to the U.S. Minerals Management Service (MMS).
CEA is calling for participation and through our “Call to Action”, you can send in your comments to make your voice heard on this important issue that is so vital to our country’s stability and security. Already tens of thousands of small business owners, consumer groups, and everyday Americans have visited CEA’s site to register their views. You, too, can make your voice heard. Take action!
Recently, U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced that his agency would extend by several months the current development and comment collection process for the new, supply-oriented, five-year energy plan.
Though we at CEA realize that the new administration in Washington would like to study this plan in greater depth, consider improvements, and allow as many Americans to comment on the plan as possible, we also believe that the time is now to handle the American energy crisis. From this perspective, any significant delay in securing a serious, robust energy strategy for our country would be disappointing.
CEA believes, supports, and promotes that we have the power to stimulate our economy, create new jobs, and bring in billions in additional revenue, by developing our untapped oil and gas resources. We also call for a balanced approach that would incorporate alternative resources, such as wind, solar, biofuels, and nuclear. But an easy, effective and important step is to open up areas previously off limits to offshore oil and gas exploration. By doing so, we open America up to a new world of opportunities, stability and security.
Join with CEA in supporting offshore oil and gas production as part of a balanced plan for developing American energy resources. We believe and we’re sure you’ll agree – it’s the right thing to do.
David Holt
President
Support the Five-Year Plan Draft Proposed Program to Develop Offshore Oil & Gas Resources!
A significant domestic supply of energy can be safely and efficiently found right here off of America’s shores. The U.S. Minerals Management Service (MMS) currently administers the considerable oil and natural gas resources contained in our offshore waters and wants to hear from you about offshore oil and gas development.
Opposition to offshore energy development is mounting. We need you to let Washington know you support reasonable accesss to America’s offshore energy resources.
Support Offshore Wind Power!
The Minerals Management Service is now accepting public comments on a final proposal to develop an offshore wind energy facility off of the Massachusetts coast.
The Cape Wind Energy Project has the potential to power more than 200,000 homes in Massachusetts.
Consumer Corner: New options for energy efficient homeowners
The recently-enacted stimulus bill provides significant changes to energy efficient tax credits available to consumers for home improvements, including roofing, insulation, windows and doors, central air conditioning, water heaters, residential solar and wind energy systems, fuel cells, and much more.
The bill highlights provides an extension of tax credits available for 2009 until 2010, a raise in the tax credit from 10 percent to 30 percent of the cost and an increase in the maximum tax credit available. The maximum tax credit for the two-year period (2009-2010) was increased to $1500, significantly higher than the previous max of $500. The cap does not apply to several improvements, including: solar water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, and solar panels.
Additional consumer information is available online from Energy Star, a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, which promotes saving money and protecting the environment by using energy efficient products and practices. Find out more…
Energy and the Domestic Steel Industry
The U.S. steel industry has the world’s lowest energy consumption per ton of production. As major consumers of energy (20 percent of production costs), and natural gas in particular, steel companies have been hit hard by high and extremely volatile prices.
The steel sector continues to make significant progress to further reduce energy use in steel production by improving energy efficiency. Despite the recent revitalization of the industry including heightened productivity, improved profitability and a voluntary reduction of energy intensity by 33 percent since 1990, these higher energy costs have a significant impact on the sector’s bottom line. The industry is currently conducting research into the next generation of iron and steelmaking technologies that will dramatically reduce or virtually eliminate CO2 emissions. These new “breakthrough technologies” are being developed, and if successful, will be available for commercial use in 15-20 years.
The industry believes that a comprehensive energy policy must embrace all forms of energy. Existing energy sources including nuclear power, wind power, off-shore exploration, and bio-gas – must all be further developed and deployed. Future energy from clean coal and sequestration technologies require further research and development to be deployed commercially at scale. A comprehensive domestic energy policy must pursue all of these options to ensure a secure and sustainable energy future for American manufacturers and consumers.
The nation has suffered too long without a forward looking energy policy. A main priority for the domestic steel industry is working with Congress to promote development of U.S. energy resources to help secure future economic growth. The foundation of a sound, comprehensive energy policy should:
- Provide all consumers with green, affordable, abundant and reliable energy. Greening the electrical grid is the fastest way to CO2 reduction and has the additional benefit of reducing the CO2 footprint of major electricity users such as steel.
- Reduce our dependence on foreign suppliers by exploring our own domestic supply and provide financial incentives for states allowing exploration and production off their shores;
- Grant targeted tax credits for investment in wind and other renewable energy projects;
- Encourage safe and clean nuclear power through regulatory streamlining and offering sufficient resources to solve the issue of nuclear waste; and
- Update and expand electrical grid/distribution network.
America must enhance the production of domestic resources to preserve the competitiveness of the U.S. steel industry.
Jennifer Diggins from the American Iron and Steel Institute contributed this article. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Ms. Diggins at JDiggins@steel.org.
Affiliate Spotlight: American Association of Petroleum Geologists
Dedicated to the energy and environmental geosciences, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) is the world’s largest scientific and professional association of geologists with more than 31,000 geoscientists in 116 countries.
Since 1917, the organization has been fostering a spirit of scientific research among its members and advancing the science of geology particularly related to petroleum, natural gas, other subsurface fluids, mineral resources and the environment.
“Our members are individuals who have specific educational and professional credentials,” notes David Curtiss, director of AAPG’s Geoscience and Energy Office in Washington, D.C. “We are not a trade organization and have no corporate members.”
“AAPG is about energy and environment, and our organizational focus is global. Our members work in industry, seeking to find and develop new energy sources around the world. Our members work in government, regulating industry activities and managing public lands on behalf of the people. And our members work in academia, advancing the science and educating the next generation workforce,” Curtiss says.
Energy supply sources throughout the world, including North America, are very important to both AAPG and its members.
“Roughly two-thirds of our members live and work in the United States, and we have large membership groups in Canada and Mexico, so North American energy resources are clearly important to AAPG members. But in a global market every supply source is important,” Curtiss explains.
When it comes to policy on energy issues, AAPG hopes to accomplish two goals, says Curtiss.
“AAPG seeks to provide policy makers with the best information possible on the science and practice of exploring and developing geological energy resources. Second, AAPG communicates to policy makers and the public its views on a variety of policy issues through its Statements. The issues include diverse topics, such as access to federal lands, federal R&D needs, geological data preservation, and workforce development.” (Read Statements from AAPG here.)
AAPG is active in enabling certification for its members and promoting the spread of member experts’ knowledge and ideas to others.
“Through our Division of Professional Affairs we provide certification opportunities for our members, and the Division’s Government Affairs Committee works to provide the knowledge and expertise of AAPG’s membership to policy makers and regulators,” says Curtiss.
Other branches of AAPG include the Energy Minerals Division, which focuses on non-traditional resources, geo-thermal, and coal, and the Division of Environmental Geosciences, which brings geological knowledge and methods to environmental problems.
AAPG is an affiliate of Consumer Energy Alliance in an effort to connect to those who use energy, such as consumers, and those who develop energy.
“AAPG’s focus is energy geoscience, and the needs and interests of our diverse membership. Being an affiliate of CEA connects our scientific and professional expertise through the economic value-chain to the end-user, the consumer,” comments Curtiss. “As each affiliate connects to CEA and learns about the other groups, the result is a realization of how policy issues affecting a specific affiliate in a different industry can actually impact the entire network.”
Being a part of the network that CEA facilitates is beneficial to companies, associations, and consumers, Curtiss points out.
“This is a unique perspective that cuts across typical stove-pipe thinking. It clarifies that energy, economic, and environmental policy cannot be developed in isolation, because they are interdependent. That is reality, and what makes CEA’s efforts to inform and educate policy makers and the public to these issues so vitally important.”
For more information on AAPG, visit www.aapg.org.
Upcoming Events: March Energy Summit in Houston
Houston, the Energy Capital of the World, is hosting a day-long energy summit, Americas Energy Future: Assessing Our Paths to Energy Security, on March 24 to bring together business executives, energy experts, public policy leaders, elected officials and more. Panels will discuss energy supply and demand; the role and impact of technology; infrastructure requirements and costs; public policy implications and solutions; and the future of federal energy policy. Find out more…
Tags: AAPG, American Association of Petroleum Geologists, biofuels, Cape Wind Energy Project, CEA, CEA Energy Grass Roots, clean coal, coal, Consumer Energy Alliance, consumer energy alliance grass roots, consumer energy alliance grassroots, Department of Energy, Department of the Interior, Energy Star, EPA, Evironmental Protection Agency, Five-Year Plan Draft Proposed Program, fuel cells, Geoscience and Energy Office, Minerals Management Service, MMS, natural gas, nuclear, offshore, offshore oil, offshore wind, oil, Secretary Ken Salazar, Secretary Salazar, solar, tax credits, US Steel Industry, wind
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CEA February 2009 Newsletter
Friday, February 6th, 2009
CEA Newsletter
Issue 23
Message from CEA President David Holt
As a new Congress and administration look to confront the historic and related challenges of an economy in peril and millions of Americans out of work, CEA continues to make the case that an “all of the above,” supply-oriented energy strategy remains the best and most immediate way to stimulate our economy, create new jobs, and generate billions in additional revenue.
Consistent with that message, I’m pleased to report that the New Year has started off well for CEA and its members. Just last week, CEA was interviewed by E&E TV, considered the pre-eminent energy trade publication in Washington, for an extended segment on the Administration’s economic stimulus plan and its potential impacts on energy prices for consumers (click here to see interview). We also recently placed a column in the Virginian-Pilot, a paper with broad circulation along the Atlantic coast, stressing the need to responsibly develop our offshore energy resources (click here to see op-ed).
These latest developments highlight the momentum CEA has gained and continues to gain in reaching out on a regional and national level to consumers, business and industry about relevant energy issues and ways on how we can secure our energy and economic future. With the new Administration in place and talk of the economic stimulus plan reaching a fevered pitch, it remains critical that we continue to push for open dialogue on energy policy and the need for a commonsense, long-term approach to resource development.
One of the best ways for us to do that is to keep educating consumers, businesses and Washington thought-leaders about energy – where it comes from, what it’s used for and how to keep it affordable. Starting this month, we will profile each of our more than 110 Affiliates every issue to show how energy impacts their individual members, in the process providing ours with a greater sense of whom we represent and what CEA is all about.
In turn, one of our Affiliates will provide a report every month on an energy topic related to its business. This month, IPAA has provided a brief report on hydraulic fracturing, a process used to extract oil and natural gas from tight rock formations. We will also begin a “Consumer Corner” feature in the next couple of months that will provide information to our members on specific energy consumer issues, including tips on ways to conserve energy and become more efficient.
Effective dialogue can only take place if we are all properly informed about the issues at hand. CEA strives to give you the information you need to take part in the debate, and we look forward to finding more and better ways to do this.
David Holt
President
Support the Five-Year Plan Draft Proposed Program to Develop Offshore Oil & Gas Resources!
A significant domestic supply of energy can be safely and efficiently found right here off of America’s shores. The U.S. Minerals Management Service (MMS) currently administers the considerable oil and natural gas resources contained in our offshore waters and wants to hear from you about offshore oil and gas development.
Opposition to offshore energy development is mounting. We need you to let Washington know you support reasonable accesss to America’s offshore energy resources.
Support Offshore Wind Power!
The Minerals Management Service is now accepting public comments on a final proposal to develop an offshore wind energy facility off of the Massachusetts coast.
The Cape Wind Energy Project has the potential to power more than 200,000 homes in Massachusetts.
U.S. Oil Reserves grew 2% in 2007 according to U.S. Energy Information Administration figures
In contrast to steep decreases in domestic crude reserves from the 1970’s on that became more moderate in the last ten years, the EIA reported in late January that proved U.S. oil reserves rose in 2007 by two percent, or 345 million bbl, reaching 21.32 million bbl by the end of that year. Due to the time required to develop final reports, the figures do not include the price volatility experienced during 2008, when crude oil prices ranged from a high of $150/bbl then dropped to $40/bbl. Read article…
Future holds solar-powered cars; Toyota offers solar panel option on 2010 Prius
Though cars powered solely by solar power are still in the distant future, automobile-makers are beginning to offer solar options on vehicles. The third generation Toyota Prius, coming this spring to a dealership near you, will feature an optional roof solar panel to power the car’s ventilation system. Read article…
Hydraulic Fracturing: What it means for the future of your business?
As consumers, we can tend to take for granted how much energy we use on a daily basis. Not only does oil and natural gas provide energy at home by giving us light when we flip on a switch, hot water for the shower, power stoves to cook meals, keep us warm in the winter and cool in the summer, but it also serves as a feedstock for the fertilizer used by corn growers and others in the agriculture industry, powers engines for the air and trucking industries, and makes the insulation and vinyl that home builders use to protect and preserve the home and make it more energy efficient.
At the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), we welcome the production of all energy sources because we will need it all as America moves forward. The fact is energy is the driving force of the American economy. Oil and natural gas supply about 65 percent of America’s energy needs. Even with additional energy resources such as wind, solar and other alternatives, oil and natural gas will continue to be the main driving force of our economy for the foreseeable future.
Hydraulic fracturing is a process that has successfully been used for more than 50 years to extract oil and natural gas from tight rock formations in the earth. This innovative technology has allowed improved recovery of valuable energy resources all across the United States, and the majority of natural gas produced in the last two years can be attributed to this process.
Right now hydraulic fracturing, an essential process for oil and natural gas production, is being challenged by a few groups and some political leaders as a harmful process in attempts to end its use. These allegations are unfounded. If you take away hydraulic fracturing from the oil and natural gas industry, it is like taking the robotic machines off of the assembly line at a car manufacturing facility. It would drastically reduce supply. The bottom line is if the supply of American oil and natural gas decrease because producers can no longer employ hydraulic fracturing, negative ramifications will ripple across every sector of the economy. That ripple effect will undoubtedly reach all consumers.
For more information on hydraulic fracturing, click here to view a fact sheet. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact IPAA Vice President of Government Relations Lee Fuller at lfuller@ipaa.org or 202.857.4722.
Affiliate Spotlight: 60 Plus Association
When it comes to fighting for the rights of senior citizens and advocating policies that watch out for their interests, 60 Plus Association, a 15-year old non-partisan, free enterprise seniors’ activist organization, is there to do the job.
The group’s outlook, according to founder and Chairman Jim Martin, is less government, less taxes and adhering to the rule of supply and demand in the forefront of free marketplace dynamics.
Tags: 60 Plus Association, Cape Wind Energy Project, CEA, CEA Energy Grass Roots, Consumer Energy Alliance, consumer energy alliance grass roots, consumer energy alliance grassroots, Consumer Energy Issues, Department of the Interior, E&E TV, energy, energy supply, exploration, Five-Year Plan Draft Proposed Program, gas, Hydraulic fracturing, Independent Petroleum Association of America, IPAA, Minerals Managemnet Services, MMS, natural gas, natural gas supply, offshore energy resources, offshore wind, oil, solar, solar panels, solar power, Virginian-Pilot
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CEA January 2009 Newsletter
Thursday, January 29th, 2009
Issue 22
From the President
Consumer Energy Alliance is pleased to announce we have redesigned our website to increase our ability to effectively communicate with consumers and promptly deliver letters to members of Congress, the Administration and various regulatory agencies about the importance of balanced national energy policy – ultimately allowing us to be even more responsive to our Affiliate and grassroots members in 2009. You can view the new website at www.consumerenergyalliance.org.
In addition to a brand new look and feel, we have added more energy information and included the capability to post CEA Affiliate energy-related news & presentations. Specifically, the site’s reference library offers users the opportunity to look up useful research links to various government and regulatory websites, information on legislative & White House issues, as well as quick facts for energy consumers. The added news & presentations posting capability allows users to access a broader range of information on issues concerning energy consumers, end-users and producers. Users are also able to respond to calls-to-action, access our newsletters and press releases, as well as download our latest presentations and publications.
While we have all contributed to the national dialogue on energy, it continues to be very important that we educate and mobilize concerned stakeholders to help secure reliable and stable energy solutions – and the economic opportunities that a thoughtful energy policy provides.
CEA hopes this new website will encourage our Affiliate and grassroots members to continue supporting our effort in helping Washington develop a comprehensive energy strategy that properly balances the near-term use of oil and gas resources, the long-term development of alternative energy and enhanced energy efficiency. We ask that you remain an active part of our membership and possibly consider a modest donation to CEA through our website by clicking here.
In the coming months, CEA is looking to build a strong nationwide network of citizen and company supporters. It will be a challenge, but with your support we are confident we can achieve it.
In all, the key to moving our nation forward on energy is to make sure Congress and the next Administration make informed decisions. A strong grassroots effort focused on the thoughtful development and utilization of all of our domestic energy resources will do just that.
We all know that there is no silver bullet to fix today’s energy problems. How we meet our nation’s energy challenges is going to be an ongoing debate for many years and we look forward to working with you to meet those challenges. Your support is critical.
David Holt
President
Support Offshore Oil & Gas Development in Virginia!
The U.S. Minerals Management Service (MMS) is seeking public comments in preparation for its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) regarding potential energy development offshore Virginia. Comments will be accepted through January 13, 2009.
It is important that the MMS understand that opening up offshore Virginia to responsible energy development will play a critical role in creating a robust national energy policy and securing our energy future.
Support a New Five Year Plan to Develop Offshore Oil & Gas Resources!
A significant domestic supply of energy can be safely and efficiently found right here off of America’s shores. The U.S. Minerals Management Service (MMS) currently administers the considerable oil and natural gas resources contained in our offshore waters and wants to hear from you about offshore oil and gas development.
Opposition to offshore energy development is mounting. We need you to let Washington know you support reasonable accesss to America’s offshore energy resources.
Recent rise in oil prices due to OPEC cuts and tension in the Middle East
Oil prices have risen more than 40% since mid-December due to OPEC’s decision to cut supply and the growing conflict in the Middle East. Experts warn that a continuing rise in prices could hurt American consumers, who are already concerned about jobs and a sagging economy. Read article…
Dispute between Russia and the Ukraine impacts European gas supplies
A dispute over gas supplies between the Russian Federation and Ukraine has shut down heating systems in many parts of central Europe, as the export of Russian gas to the region is halted. Read article…
SEA/VMA Climate Change Forum discusses responsible path forward on carbon regulation
The Southeast Energy Alliance (SEA) and the Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA) hosted an important Climate Change Forum in Williamsburg, Virginia last month that featured a robust discussion on the climate change debate that will take place in Washington in 2009, the perspectives of stakeholders in the nuclear and natural gas production industries and a keynote address by Senator-Elect Mark Warner (D-VA).
Conducted in conjunction with VMA’s annual Industry Leadership Forum, the joint SEA-VMA event focused on the potential to reduce the costs of climate change regulations by increasing production of domestic natural gas, expanding nuclear generation and eliminating proposals to force all sectors of the economy to purchase carbon emissions credits at auction.
Speakers at the Climate Change Forum included David Holt of Consumer Energy Alliance, David Hudgins of the Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, Jeffry Vorberger of the National Ocean Industries Association, Libby Cheney of Shell, Brydon Ross, a senior aide to Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL), and Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell.
Although there has been significant debate on the science and the merits of carbon emissions regulation over the last decade, Congress has failed to either have a serious legislative debate on the issue or pass any meaningful climate change legislation. During the 110th Congress, the Senate debated language sponsored by Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), John Warner (R-VA) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT), which could have negatively impacted our economy by restricting the use of coal to produce electricity without allowing expanded use of nuclear or natural gas based-generation. However, this legislation was criticized and eventually denied a vote on the Senate floor.
With the new Obama Administration and the new Congress, the likelihood of a major climate change debate – as well as passage of climate change legislation – has never been higher.
As we enter into 2009 in Washington this year, SEA will continue to work with its members and partners to ensure that any proposals to regulate carbon emissions are coupled with responsible policies that will minimize the societal costs of carbon reductions in order to prevent the economic harm likely to come if legislation like the Boxer-Warner-Lieberman bill is resurrected.
Tags: alternative energy, carbon, carbon emissions, CEA, CEA Energy Grass Roots, climate, Climate Change Forum, coal, congress, Consumer Energy Alliance, consumer energy alliance grass roots, consumer energy alliance grassroots, Consumer Energy Issues, domestic, EIS, electricity, energy, energy policy, Environmental Impact Statement, Europe, Five Year Plan, government, Industry Leadership Forum, Minerals Management Service, MMS, National Ocean Industries Association, natural gas, New Five Year Plan to Develop Offshore Oil & Gas Resources, nuclear, Obama, offshore oil, oil, Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, OPEC, Russia, SEA, Southeast Energy Alliance, Ukraine, Virginia Manufacturers Association, VMA
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