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Brydon Ross Explains the Dynamic Market for Energy Consumers Today

Man putting gas in car

CEA State Affairs VP Brydon Ross was featured on The Financial Exchange Radio Show to discuss the complex and shifting geopolitical landscape facing energy consumers today. While consumers today are seeing a short-term price hike at the pump, Ross explains why that isn’t likely to persist. Market research suggests energy demands have surpassed their previous record from 2006, while supply is climbing to levels not seen since the early 1980s.

The Financial Exchange is the only daily business and financial show in Boston and New England. Barry and Chuck tackle the top stories in the business and financial sector each and every day, while keeping you updated on the trends in the US markets and the global economy. Plus, they’ll talk to the biggest names in the business for expert analysis that you can only get right here.

Today’s Guests: Thursday, November 9, 2017

Ronda Kaysen (The New York Times)
Brydon Ross (Consumer Energy Alliance)
Matt Schultz (CreditCards.com)

Listen Here – The Financial Exchange

U.S. House Panel Hears More Support for Offshore Than Onshore Energy Policy Moves

Offshore Oil Rig

A US House Natural Resources Committee subcommittee heard more support for offshore than onshore policy reform proposals at a Nov. 7 hearing as two of the four witnesses differed on whether to transfer federal onshore oil and gas responsibilities to agencies in producing states. Two others who testified before the Energy and Minerals Subcommittee called for expanded federal offshore leasing beyond the central and western Gulf of Mexico.

Consumer Energy Alliance President David Holt expressed optimism at the committee hearings, pointing to the significant economic impact that energy development projects have.

“With 94% of federal waters currently inaccessible, expanding opportunities to access these resources—in regions like the Gulf of Mexico, Alaska, and the Atlantic—would provide great benefits to these regions, generate significant economic impacts for families and small businesses across the US, and can be done safely. Nationally, expanded access to areas currently unavailable could create more than 893,000 jobs, $450 billion in new private-sector spending, $550 billion in increased economic activity nationwide, and more than $395 billion in increased government revenues.”

Read More – O&G Journal

 

Oral Testimony of CEA President David Holt in Support of SECURE American Energy Act

SECURE Act

U.S. House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
ORAL Testimony of David Holt
President, Consumer Energy Alliance

Chairman Gosar, Ranking Member Lowenthal, and Members of the Subcommittee, it is an honor to be here today on behalf of Consumer Energy Alliance to testify in support of the SECURE American Energy Act (HR 4239) and the benefits to families and businesses surrounding the significant increases in safety, technology, and innovation on US federal lands and waters. I have submitted my Written Testimony for the Record.

We would like to thank Representative Steve Scalise for his leadership on energy issues and this legislative initiative, and for his service and sacrifice to our nation.

CONSUMER ENERGY ALLIANCE

Consumer Energy Alliance is a nationwide non-profit, non-partisan association that represents families and businesses.  We have over 280 affiliate members that represent truckers, farmers, manufacturers and nearly every sector of the U.S. economy, along with more than 450,000 individual members across the country who favor policies promoting affordable & reliable energy and thoughtful environmental stewardship. Throughout our 12 year history, CEA has argued that lower energy prices are vital for economic growth in the US.

FORGOTTEN VOICES

In recent years, we have observed that the dialogue around energy has become increasingly polarized.  Small, yet vocal groups have led protests against energy projects across the country – ranging from transmission lines, onshore energy production, wind projects, pipelines, and offshore energy production.

Our concern is that this discussion has somehow forgotten its most important participants – families and small businesses.  Everyday citizens – regardless of political affiliation, demographics, or socio-economic background – are profoundly impacted by energy policy.

For example, economists consider energy “affordable” when a household spends roughly six percent of its income on energy uses.  Yet, households living below the federal poverty level often spend more than 30 percent of their income on energy.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Across the board, the U.S. energy industry – in coordination and at the behest of governments and under the watchful eye of those of us concerned about our environment – has shown its ability to achieve significant environmental gains. For Example:

  • Emissions from volatile organic compounds fell 47% between 1990 and 2011.
  • Net greenhouse gas emissions in 2015 were 11.5% lower than they were in 2005.

ONSHORE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

Much of onshore energy success today is due to the combination of two long-established technologies — hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling – which have transformed onshore oil and shale gas production and contributed to the U.S. Energy Revolution. Onshore production is worth a net of $1,900 per year for households in regions with higher production activity.

TECHNOLOGY

Bright minds across the country are working to improve resource extraction rates while reducing the environmental footprint of onshore exploration and production.   Just a few examples of new innovation include:

  • A well today takes less than half the time to drill than it did 3 years ago.
  • Rigs and completion equipment are quieter and safer.
  • Rigs have fewer emissions because of a new generation of engines,
  • New sensor technology allows operators to monitor all their wells and production real time.
  • There is still more to do. Wells are only recovering around 10% of the oil and 15% of the gas in a shale well. Industry research is focused on this to make additional improvements.

OFFSHORE PRODUCTION

With 94 percent of federal waters currently inaccessible, expanding opportunities – in regions like the Gulf of Mexico, Alaska, and the Atlantic – would generate significant economic impacts for families and businesses across the United States, and can be done safely. Nationally, expanded access to areas currently unavailable could create almost 900,000 jobs, $450 billion in new private sector spending, $550 billion in increased economic activity nationwide, and more than $395 billion in increased government revenues.

The federal government and the energy industry have made great strides in improving offshore energy production.  Among these changes are:

  • The development of more than 100 new and revised standards.
  • The creation of the Center for Offshore Safety, which works with regulators to create an industry-wide culture of continuous safety improvements.
  • Real time data of the drilling process is industry standard today and makes drilling more efficient and safer.

REVENUE SHARING

CEA strongly supports revenue-sharing. Across the country, states benefit significantly from revenue generated by domestic energy activity. For Example:

  • In Louisiana, mineral revenue accounts for up to 15% of the state’s revenues.
  • In New Mexico, oil and natural gas production accounts for 31.5% of the state’s General Fund revenue.
  • Atlantic energy development could generate nearly $2.2 billion in economic activity in Virginia.  This would be enough revenue in one year to cover the $266 million budget shortfall that Virginia experienced in FY 2016.

REDUNDANT REGULATIONS

It is also vital that state, local and federal officials collaborate on prudent regulatory controls.

It is equally important that these officials refrain for excessive, redundant, conflicting, confusing or just-in-time regulations. A duplicative approach has demonstrated that it can have a negative impact on safety and environmental performance.  In that regard, we commend the Trump Administration and Members of Congress for efforts to review and remove regulatory redundancies and develop ways to improve efficiencies.

CONCLUSION

Again, it is an honor to be here today on behalf of CEA, our Board of Directors and members.

I look forward to answering any questions.

A copy of the David Holt’s written testimony may be found here.

What Really Happens When You Say No to Infrastructure

Manistique Michigan Lighthouse

CEA Midwest’s Chris Ventura discusses the negative implications rejecting the maintenance and construction of energy infrastructure has on Michigan’s families.

A lack of adequate pipelines and infrastructure act as a regressive tax for cash-strapped families, seniors living on fixed incomes and households with incomes below the poverty mark. And unlike other necessities – like housing, food and health care – these families often cannot shop elsewhere for cheaper alternatives, and local and federal governments regularly do not have the resources to assist.

Read more –  Lansing State Journal

High Pump Prices Here To Stay

Cars in Traffic

With seasonal fuel demand rising just around the corner, AAA says at $2.54, Tuesday’s national average for a price of regular gas is seven cents more than a week ago, three cents more than a month ago and 32 cents more than a year ago.

That is over 70 cents less than what locals are paying in Soldotna, and with AAA announcing fuel demand the highest it’s been for this time of year since 2006, folks like Granath are concerned prices will keep inching upward.

Brydon Ross of the Consumer Energy Alliance says without investment in Alaskan refineries, those prices won’t be more affordable any time soon.

Alaska ships out mostly crude oil, not a finished product, so other areas receive the benefits of the value added to the resource.

While historically the state has had more refineries, the shrinking population isn’t creating instate demand that makes such a venture pencil out.

Read More – American News

Justice Pledges to Prosecute Activists Who Damage Pipelines

Jury Trial in Courtroom

With environmental extremists becoming increasingly violent and reckless in their actions, including their sabotage of critical energy infrastructure, the U.S. Department of Justice is taking action.  On Friday, the U.S. DOJ pledged to prosecute protesters who damage oil pipelines and other energy infrastructure.

The DOJ said it was committed to vigorously prosecuting those who damage “critical energy infrastructure in violation of federal law.” Attempts to “damage or shut down” pipelines deprive communities of services and can put lives at risk, cost taxpayers millions of dollars, and threaten the environment, a department official said in a statement sent to Reuters.

Read more – Reuters

Panelists at Consumer Group’s Offshore Forum: “Gulf Energy Critical to Mississippi”

Mississippi Paddle Boat

BILOXI, MS – November 9, 2017 – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) hosted Federal officials and members of the business community in Biloxi today at the 2017 Gulf Energy Forum – Mississippi for a discussion on Gulf of Mexico energy and its importance to the state, region, and nation. The discussion addressed the new federal offshore energy leasing program currently under development and how opportunities for both continued and expanded access to Gulf of Mexico energy would benefit families and businesses in Mississippi.

Forum panelists included:

  • Ashley Edwards, President & CEO, Gulf Coast Business Council
  • Jonathan Daniels, Executive Director & CEO, Mississippi State Port Authority
  • Renee Orr, Strategic Resources Chief, U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
  • Patrick Sullivan, President, Mississippi Energy Institute

Brent Greenfield, CEA’s Vice President for Policy, said: “The Gulf of Mexico remains an energy and economic powerhouse for the region and the nation. With new actions currently underway in Washington, we now have an opportunity to continue, and even expand, the benefits we all receive from the Gulf of Mexico, which is a source of abundant energy, recreation and sustenance for Mississippians and all Americans.”

He added: “From jobs and household budgets to personal security and the security of our nation, the ability to access American energy, especially from the Gulf of Mexico, effects every facet of our lives.”

In discussing the upcoming announcement of the 2019-2024 National Outer Continental Shelf Draft Proposed Oil and Gas Leasing Program, Renee Orr stressed the importance of public engagement throughout the development of the federal plan.  “The decisions that the [Interior] Secretary is making and that you all are providing input to are going to help define what the nation’s energy strategy is going to be in 2030, 2040, and beyond.  While we’re making decisions about what sales are going to be included in the 2019-2024 lease sale schedule, the actual activity that would accrue from that is decades into the future.  That’s why it’s critically important for us to have this comprehensive dialogue and engagement with stakeholders.”

Ashley Edwards noted the symbiotic relationship between the Gulf economy and offshore energy production. “What we clearly see is that one of the great opportunities for growth here in south Mississippi is the growth of the energy sector.  And so in many ways, I think that the take-away from that is, as goes the health of the nation – our domestic energy economy – so will go the health of south Mississippi’s economy. We are absolutely linked to the health of that energy economy.” Edwards further added his organization’s push to ensure good public policy that would create opportunities to compete for energy industry projects that will create stable, high paying jobs specific to the region in order to “leverage this industry for economic growth in Mississippi.”

In discussing opportunities for Mississippi from offshore energy development, Patrick Sullivan noted that offshore resources “contribute to the energy supply situation in our country.  This is so important and intertwined with the local economy.  What the coast and Mississippi should do is send very clear signals to the rest of the world, especially the investment community, that we value your investment in Mississippi.”

Jonathan Daniels with the Mississippi State Port Authority concluded, “We all at some time need to fill up our cars. We all at some point need to flip on the switch and see that energy come through. We all need to utilize the energy sector in one way or another.  So that will continue to be a centerpiece of our development into the future.”

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s energy future. With more than 450,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop our diverse energy resources and energy’s importance to the economy. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.

Contact:
Emily Haggstrom
P: 720-582-0242
ehaggstrom@consumerenergyalliance.org

 

It’s Time To Open ANWR!

Seward Alaska

For the first time in over a decade, ANWR is back in the energy discussion – and now you have the chance to tell Washington that you support the development of Alaska’s rich natural resources!

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is considering a proposal that would allow for limited exploration of the 1002 area of ANWR – an area specifically set aside for oil and gas development in 1980.

The responsible development of this area would have immediate positive effects on not only families and businesses in Alaska, but the nation as a whole! More production would provide tens of thousands of jobs nationwide and a significant boost to our economy and domestic oil supply!

This is our best chance for a major discovery and your voice counts!

Make yourself heard and send an email in support of this proposal now!

It’s time to create more jobs in our communities, strengthen our local economies, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

Dear Chairwoman Murkowski,

It is time to open ANWR for oil exploration. By accessing and developing this tiny fraction of the coastal plain to responsible energy development, ANWR will have a positive impact on Alaska’s families and businesses, as well as the country as a whole. The positive effects of developing this area would be felt immediately with the creation of thousands of jobs, the generation of billions in new revenue, and would help reduce our dependence on foreign sources of oil.

Alaska’s economic vitality has long been intertwined with those in the Lower 48. Many companies are key investors in Alaska’s multi-billion dollar seafood, tourism, shipping and retail industries. Since the inception of the Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), Alaska has provided American workers with high-paying careers in the oil industry and thousands of American companies with a steady demand of fuels for goods and services that we all depend on each and every day. Responsible oil exploration in Alaska is not just the life-blood of the Last Frontier, it is the answer to meeting our energy demands, providing family-supporting wages, and economic development to communities in Alaska and beyond.

With advances in new applications and technology, we can safely explore this 1002 area of ANWR. I encourage you all to approve this measure that would have a positive impact on the entire country and show that responsible energy development can and does coexist with Alaska’s environment and its wildlife.

Consumer Energy Alliance Kicks off Energy Education Campaign in Georgia

Atlanta Georgia

ATLANTA, GA – November 9, 2017 –– Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) today announced the start of a statewide campaign designed to educate Georgia lawmakers, families, and businesses about the unending benefits of energy and the central role it plays in their everyday lives and budgets.

CEA’s “Campaign for America’s Energy” will highlight the importance affordable, reliable energy plays in the lives of families and businesses, and the consequences that result from bad policy decisions. CEA will push to hold the energy industry in Georgia and throughout its neighboring states to a high safety standard, and recognize the need for continued innovation to advance environmental goals.

The launch of this movement, aimed at changing, balancing, and improving the energy discussion so that those directly impacted – American families and businesses – have a greater voice in the dialogue. The effort will give elected officials across the nation the opportunity to adopt new policies that support energy production and delivery. CEA also aims to bring greater awareness to how rejecting or delaying energy production and infrastructure hurts lower-income households and those on fixed incomes, like retirees.

The campaign comes at a time when, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Georgians spend nearly $3,275 annually per person on energy – nearly 7 percent of the state’s median household income. These expenses often saddle households and small businesses who can least afford them, including those near the coast, in the northern mountain regions, like Fannin, Gilmer and Dawson Counties, and in Atlanta suburbs, for instance.

“It’s important that our state lawmakers continue to stay on course in regards to developing and implementing innovative energy policies that meet our needs – now and in the future – without breaking the bank for hard-working families and businesses,” said Bryan Tolar, President Georgia Agribusiness Council. “That’s why CEA’s Campaign for America’s Energy will spearhead the effort by reinforcing the importance of the unique opportunity our elected officials and community leaders have to reinforce how the state’s energy needs can be addressed with effective, reasoned solutions that also protect our environment.”

“Georgians shouldn’t have to choose between air-conditioning, buying a meal, or filling a medical prescription, yet for too many, that’s precisely what’s happening – and energy costs are a big reason why,” said Brydon Ross, Director of CEA-Southeast. “Yes, we agree: We must push energy companies to innovate, reduce emissions and improve performance. Protecting and improving the environment is a must-do. But so is lowering the cost of energy, and we can only do this if Democrats and Republicans work together to push balanced legislation.”

CEA, an advocacy organization representing many different types of consumers like families, manufacturers, agriculture, transporters, distributors, energy producers, renewables and various other industries in Georgia and across the U.S., focuses on helping ensure stable prices, energy security, and balanced energy policy for those consumers across the country. The organization pushes energy companies to innovate and improve performance while supporting energy independence and a diversification of our energy resources, including renewables like solar and wind.

For more information on the campaign, visit www.consumerenregyalliance.org/campaign-for-americas-energy/Georgia.

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About Consumer Energy Alliance

Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s energy future. With more than 450,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop our diverse energy resources and energy’s importance to the economy. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.

Contact:

Emily Haggstrom
P: 720-582-0242
ehaggstrom@consumerenergyalliance.org

Consumer Energy Alliance Kicks Off It’s Latest Energy Education Campaign in Mississippi

Mississippi River Boat

BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI – November 9, 2017 – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) today announced the start of a statewide campaign designed to educate Mississippi policymakers, families, and businesses about the benefits of energy and the central role it plays in their everyday lives and budgets.

The announcement comes during CEA’s Gulf Energy Forum at the Biloxi Visitors Center, which will feature a discussion by U.S. Interior Department leadership, public policy leaders, members of the business community, and stakeholders on key state energy issues.

CEA’s “Campaign for America’s Energy” will highlight the importance of affordable, reliable energy in the lives of families and businesses, and the consequences that result from bad policy decisions. CEA will continue to hold the energy industry in Mississippi and throughout its neighboring states to a high safety standard while recognizing the need for continued innovation to advance the state’s environmental goals.

The launch of this movement, aimed at changing, balancing, and improving the energy discussion so that those directly impacted – American families and businesses – have a greater voice in the dialogue. The effort will encourage elected officials across the nation and those in the state to adopt policies that support energy production and delivery as well as sound environmental stewardship.

The campaign also aims to bring greater awareness to how rejecting or delaying energy production and infrastructure projects hurt lower-income households and those living on fixed incomes. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Mississippians spend over $4,230 annually on energy.  For a low-income Mississippian living at the poverty line, that translates to 35 percent of their individual income. These expenses often saddle households and those who can least afford them, like the roughly 15 percent of Mississippi residents who are seniors.

“There is a real need to raise awareness on the value of energy projects and the sector as a whole in our local economy,” said Mississippi Energy Institute President Patrick Sullivan. “The rhetoric of pitting energy against environmental quality is simply false but has been effectively perpetuated by anti-development advocates for decades. That’s why it’s important that CEA’s Campaign for America’s Energy is reminding Mississippi’s policymakers and the public of the opportunities we have to employ more people in higher-paying jobs, grow local economies and improve environmental quality in a variety of ways – all through growth in U.S. energy.”

“The country has reached a crossroad in our conversations about energy, and those conversations are starting to permeate into the Mississippi energy landscape. Mississippi has always been an energy state and communities have grown because of the energy developed here,” said Link Browder, Director of CEA Mid-Continent. “Not only has it become a hub, drawing in big auto manufacturing, due to more affordable energy costs, it has also helped create jobs and sustain towns all along the Gulf. It’s high time policymakers everywhere follow the lead of Mississippi and unite to approve sensible, balanced policies that allow economic growth and environmental progress. Families in Mississippi and elsewhere do not, and should not, have to choose between buying groceries or paying their energy bills.”

CEA, an advocacy organization representing families, manufacturers, agriculture, transporters, distributors, energy producers, renewables and various other industries in Mississippi and across the U.S., focuses on helping ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. The organization pushes energy companies to innovate and improve performance while supporting energy independence and a diversification of our energy resources, including renewables like solar and wind.

For more information on the campaign, visit www.consumerenergyalliance.org/Campaign-for-Americas-Energy/Mississippi.

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s energy future. With more than 450,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop our diverse energy resources and energy’s importance to the economy. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.

Contact:
Emily Haggstrom
P: 720-582-0242
ehaggstrom@consumerenergyalliance.org

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