August 2012 CEA Newsletter
Issue 65
Energy, Economy & the Election
Every four years, we celebrate the triumph of American athletes striking gold at the Olympics. As the games wind down, we’re soon reminded that the United States is on the verge of another once-every-four-year’s competition: the presidential elections. For energy consumers, this election matters. Big time.
The United States is in the stages of a major energy revolution. For the first time in decades, we have the technology and know-how necessary to access and produce sources of oil and natural gas economically and responsibly. This revolution has resulted in the creation of tens of thousands of U.S. jobs, tremendous investment in the economy, and lower, more stable prices for American consumers.
Technology, namely the combination of directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing, has enabled a boom in oil and natural gas production. According to a new study by Bank of America Merrill Lynch, the economic benefits of new sources of domestic oil and natural gas are fast approaching $1 billion per day for the U.S. economy. For natural gas consumers, this expanded supply has led to lower costs for electricity consumers and energy-intensive manufacturers on a factor of $566 million a day. Similarly, increased domestic oil production and a shift towards greater Canadian imports (rather than imports from unstable areas of the Middle East or West Africa) are saving $56.2 million. Economists estimate that this energy revolution has helped prevent the United States from slipping into another recession.
So, how does the election affect this energy revolution? Well, as much as we like to fall back on technology as our solution, we cannot underestimate the impact that policy and politics have on our energy future and, consequently, on every voter. Our elected leaders set the tone for energy production and infrastructure development, determining whether we will embrace an “all-of-the-above” energy policy and pursue lower energy costs and greater energy security for Americans. Simply by the stroke of a pen, the U.S. Congress and the President can expand energy access, permit critical infrastructure and ensure equitable, efficient regulation for energy producers.
With less than three months until the election, we call on all voters to make sure the candidates understand how significantly energy matters to all of us.
If you are interested in learning more about how energy policy affects consumers like you, please read our newsletters to see if CEA is hosting any events in an area near you.
David Holt
President
Top Three Favorite Afternoon Energy Videos. What’s Your Favorite? Vote Now on Facebook.
1. How is natural gas benefitting U.S. manufacturers?
2. What should be done to make energy efficient products more available?
3. Why is the U.S. not focusing more on nuclear power?
Keystone XL Receives Support from More than 100,000 Americans
On July 30, CEA submitted over 100,000 individual public comments calling on the U.S. Department of State to swiftly approve the Keystone XL pipeline. The comments, which come from residents of nearly every U.S. state, urge the agency to examine only those environmental impact issues associated with the new route through Nebraska in its supplement review.
Consumer Energy Alliance Welcomes New Member GATE Petroleum Company as their 200th Member
GATE Petroleum, the 17th largest privately-held company in Florida and operator of over 225 convenience stores throughout the Southeast, has joined CEA as our newest and 200th member.
CEA is looking forward Energy Day 2012 which will take place at Hermann Square, City Hall in downtown Houston, Texas on Saturday, October 20, 2012. The festival will feature live music, food, contests and most importantly interactive exhibits and demonstrations showcasing all forms of energy from oil and natural gas to solar and hydropower and everything in between, as well as efficiency and conservation.
CEA would like to thank all of our partners and sponsors for this event. Please visit the Energy Day website to see our new sponsors.
Already, CEA has awarded 105 students scholarships through the Energy Day Academic Program (EDAP), and there are still nine more awards to be won through the Houston Geological Society and Houston Museum of Natural Science Art, Essay and Media contests.
Deadline: October 1, 2012: The HGS/HMNS/CEA Art, Essay & Media Contests
For more information on Energy Day 2012 or the 2012 EDAP events, please contact Kathleen Koehler at KKoehler@consumerenergyalliance.org.
Help spread the word for Energy Day 2012!
Please join our Energy Day Facebook and Twitter (@EnergyDayFest).
CEA has also partnered with NASA’s Third Rock Radio to help spread the word. Listen to hear great music and a few advertisements for Energy Day!
Upcoming Energy Events
2012 Energy and Manufacturing Summit
September 10, 2012
IBEW Circuit Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
This event will provide a unique opportunity for federal, state and local officials to discuss current energy issues and the importance of responsible energy development in the context of jobs, the economy and U.S. competitiveness.
Many thanks to our sponsors American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, IBEW Local 5, United Steelworkers, US Steel, Dow & Bayer MaterialScience for facilitating this informative and influential summit.
Be sure to register for the 2012 Energy and Manufacturing Summit online.
Please direct any questions about this newsletter to Elysse Carpenter, our new Affiliate Manager. Thank you!