A Roadmap for energy self-sufficiency. If we choose it.
HOUSTON, TX: Today, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) will release a groundbreaking report that outlines steps the United States can take to achieve energy self-sufficiency by 2020. The report examines the availability of U.S. resources, conventional and renewable, and the policies needing enactment to develop those resources and re-position the United States in the global energy market. The report outlines a path that incorporates elements of both Gov. Romney and President Obama’s stated energy policies and offers a number of recommendations to help implement those plans into action.
To read the full report, click HERE.
“Consumer Energy Alliance believes this report will improve the overall understanding of energy security and the thoughtful development and utilization of our abundant energy resources,” said CEA President David Holt. “Energy policy greatly affects our country, and we believe it is essential that it remains at the forefront of issues under discussion by our elected officials. Our country needs sound energy policy to help maintain stable energy prices for consumers and facilitate economic growth.”
“America is entering the New Energy Future, one that could potentially lead to North American energy self-sufficiency by 2020,” said David Holt. “Substantial investment in the development of oil and natural gas has buoyed the economy, helping to support millions of jobs, generate billions of dollars in government revenue, and, most significantly, supply millions of consumers with affordable energy.”
Excerpt from report:
America still does big things. Politicians from across the political spectrum have repeatedly told us the opposite is true. But they’re wrong. For decades, America has been self-sufficient in supplying the energy for our electricity generation using mostly coal, natural gas, nuclear, hydro, and more recently, wind and solar.” And we’re doing it again with transportation fuel. Somewhat silently over the past few decades, the U.S. oil and gas sector has improved its capabilities, its technologies and efficiencies in ways that have the potential to significantly increase the U.S. output of energy and reduce the percentage of oil imports to levels that haven’t been seen since the 1970s. This revolution in U.S. energy production is our next ‘big thing’.”
Report overview:
The abundance of U.S. natural resources
- America has long been known for its ability to achieve great accomplishments. While some argue that this capability has diminished in recent years we have the opportunity and are strategically positioned to do one more “big thing” in the coming years by harnessing our domestic resources to achieve energy self-sufficiency
- Expanded energy production in the United States and Canada can create of over 1.4 million jobs and generate nearly $803 billion in government revenues by 2030. Consumers can expect to see stabilized, lower energy costs, leading to a reinvigorated manufacturing base and, in some cases, lower electricity and heating costs.
- In order to significantly and effectively lower U.S. imports of overseas crude, the United States must focus on both decreasing the demand for transportation fuels and increasing North American supply of fuel.
- Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) believes that North America can achieve “energy self-sufficiency” and close the gap between North American supply and demand where we can meet anywhere between 80 to 95 percent of our energy needs by 2020. This is the next “big thing.” Technology will play a leading role but in the end it our national policies that will determine if we are successful.
Two policy examples:
- Create and enact a National Energy Policy with a goal of facilitating North American energy production, eliminating unnecessary regulatory and legal impediments with a goal of North American Energy Self-Sufficiency by 2020
- Review the existing processes for issuing permits, leasing, exploration and development plans and approvals and environmental reviews for energy production on the OCS and onshore federal lands as part of an overall program to provide greater regulatory certainty and less redundancy;