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CEA Texas A&M Student Energy Discussion Series

In conjunction with its university partners, Consumer Energy Alliance on Wednesday held its second Texas A&M Student Energy Discussion Series event in College Station, TX.

Roughly 100 A&M students joined CEA for a panel discussion focused on energy innovations and solutions for meeting our 21st century energy needs.  Panelists discussed population and energy usage trends, recent technological breakthroughs and work underway to make further advances, opportunities and challenges for new innovations across energy sectors, the economic and societal benefits that result from energy innovations, and the importance of creativity, initiative, and passion in securing additional advances.

Co-programming partners included the Student Conference on National Affairs, the Memorial Student Center’s Wiley Lecture Series, Texas A&M’s Society of Petroleum Engineers’ Student Chapter, and Texas A&M’s Office of the Provost, Public Partnership and Outreach. This series is sponsored by the Texas Trucking Association.

Panelists included Dr. Richard Haut, Senior Research Scientist at the Houston Advanced Research Center, Robert Stewart, President at Lime Instruments, LLC, and Nick Tillmann, Director of Client Acceleration for the Energy Sector at the Houston Technology Center. Following the presentations Texas A&M Professor Dr. Tom Blasingame moderated a Q&A discussion with the panelists.

CEA’s Beth Everage provides welcome remarks and introduces the panelists.

Dr. Haut discussed how technological advances have facilitated a revolution in the use of hydraulic fracturing, which has significantly increased access to energy resources, referring to this development as a “big, huge technology

breakthrough.”  He also cited areas for improvement, stating that “we actually reject more energy than we are using.  Maybe there is an opportunity there, for actually finding where can we get more energy, as we continue with our population increase.”

In discussing how energy innovations have improved the effectiveness and efficiency of oil and gas operations, Stewart noted that “the controls and instrumentation that we’ve developed have really been a key factor in not only reducing the costs, but also increasing the safety factor.”  Going forward, Stewart said that “we’ve got to come up with ways that we can be that innovator that we’ve always been, that leads the entire world in energy technology.”

In talking about society’s growing need for energy, Tillmann stated that “we are going to be continue to be dependent on fossil fuels…but we do need rapid growth in renewables, and we’ve got to do it in a way that’s environmentally and socially responsible.”  He added that “it’s clear that the solution is to speed up energy innovation… we’ve got to get things from invention to commercial reality a lot more quickly than we’ve been doing it…There is plenty of opportunity…it is going to take innovation, it’s going to take creativity, it’s going to take initiative, and it’s a great opportunity for all of you.”

CEA and our university partners will continue this program with another Forum in the near future.  For more information, please contact Beth Everage at eeverage@ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.

CEA Statement on Final Publication of EPA’s Clean Power Plan

Consumer Energy Alliance President, David Holt released this statement following the publication of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Rule 111(d): ‘Clean Power Plan’ in the Federal Register:

“Consumer Energy Alliance was disappointed that the Administration and EPA failed to give credence to the ‘Clean Power Plan’s’ impact on energy consumers, grid reliability, and manufacturers when it released the final version of the rule in August. CEA remains disappointed today with the publication of the rule.

“Study after study confirms that the rule will raise electricity prices for all American consumers, threaten grid reliability and security, and take an amount of electricity equal to the total electricity demand of New England offline with no plan to replace the lost production. All of this will be done within an extremely tight timeline and in an unprecedented fashion. 

“Not only will consumers shoulder the cost of this rule’s new mandates on their monthly utility bills, but they will in effect have to pay twice due to the large amounts of electricitythat will be prematurely shutdown prior to the expiration of its useful life.

“As always, CEA remains committed to fighting for affordable, reliable electricity supplies.  We will work directly with state officials and concerned communities to help educate consumers about the negative impacts of the rule.  CEA will also work with state policy officials to help push back on the rule and develop implementation strategies for these regulations that will minimize the damage that they could potentially inflict on citizens personal finances and the economy.  But, make no mistake, this rule will have a significant and negative impact on consumers and economies across the country.  The best course of action is to simply rescind this rule.”

The rule, as released, cracks down on carbon dioxide emissions from power generation plants under section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act.

CEA Hosts Film Screening in Washington D.C.

U.S. Capitol building at night in Washington, D.C.

On Tuesday, October 20th, Consumer Energy Alliance hosted a Washington, DC screening of its original film ‘Pipeline Pioneers’ in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources’ Hearing Room.

The short film, co-produced by CEA and the Alaska Support Industry Alliance, tells the stories of the men and women who helped build the industrial and engineering marvel known as the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and what that pipeline has meant to the nation over the past 40 years.  There is no better example of American ingenuity and what that means to America’s energy, jobs, and national security, than the TAPs pipeline.

To honor those who built the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, Representative Don Young, and Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan came to the screening and offered remarks on what the pipeline means to Alaskans and each American.

Addressing the audience before the film screening, Senator Murkowski said, “Every visitor that I bring to Alaska, I make sure that they see this 800-mile pipeline so that they can see the engineering marvel that crosses two mountain ranges… it is a small beautiful, silver sliver that runs from north to south delivering a level of energy opportunity to the state and the country that is unprecedented.”

Representative Young discussed his role in Congress concerning the pipeline.  He said, “we built the pipeline in three years because we had a national problem. OPEC was created and really began in 1959 and we became dependent by buying fossil fuels abroad.  TAPs was the answer.”  His remarks centered around the energy freedom and national security the Trans-Alaska Pipeline has provided to all Americans.

In his welcome remarks, CEA President David Holt said that “America can and must do great things.  As a nation, we can protect the environment AND meet our energy challenges.  The Trans-Alaska Pipeline is a shining example of that notion, and the men and women who built are living testimony that it can be done.  Those who say that we must choose between protecting the environment and meeting our energy needs are offering a false choice… and they are not offering any real solutions to meeting our energy needs or creating jobs and economic prosperity.  The history of why TAPs was built — and why it’s so important today — is something that our leaders in Washington need to remember.”

To see the short film and the amazing stories of some of the Pipeline Pioneers, go to www.arcticopportunity.org.

Consumer Energy Alliance Welcomes New Member: Vaan Gaskets

HOUSTON – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is pleased to welcome Vaan Gaskets as its newest affiliate member.

Vaan Gaskets is a growing manufacturer and distributor headquartered in Houston, TX that provides exceptional quality and reliable performance for a wide range of industrial applications. Family-owned and operated, Vaan Gaskets blends decades of experience with the newest innovations to deliver 100% American-made gaskets, bolts and fasteners that are built to last.

“You can trust Vaan Gaskets to use only the highest-quality materials, equipment, and processes, to offer the products you can depend on for your operational success,” said Antonio Rivero, CEO of Vaan Gaskets. “As a new manufacturer in Houston, Vaan Gaskets looks forward to working together with CEA in fulfilling its mission.”

“We are happy to welcome Vaan Gaskets as one our newest member. Vaan Gaskets is relatively new to the US market and CEA gives them an excellent opportunity to reach out to our broad membership. CEA looks forward to working with Vaan Gaskets over the next year,” said Paul Looney, CEA’s EVP for Strategic Development.

For more information on Vaan Gaskets, visit their website.

For more information on Consumer Energy Alliance, please visit ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org or contact Amelie Fredland at (713) 337-8833, afredland@consmerenergyalliance.org.

Lower Heating Costs Expected This Winter – Thanks to U.S. Energy Production

Add this to the list of things to be thankful for this coming Thanksgiving.

Thanks to America’s ongoing energy revolution, American consumers no longer have to break the bank when filling up their gas tanks. They won’t have to break the bank to keep their homes warm and toasty this winter either.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that U.S. heating costs from October to March will be the lowest we’ve seen in years. The reasons vary. A projected cut in residential electricity consumption is one. Slightly warmer forecasted temperatures are another.

But the biggest reason is the record amount of production flowing out of U.S. shale formations, which has boosted inventories and significantly lowered oil and natural gas prices heading into winter. In fact, “storage inventories will total 3,956 billion cubic feet, which would be a record high,’ the EIA said.

Here’s the breakdown of how much Americans, on average, will save, based on their choice of heating fuel:

  • Natural gas users will save $64.
  • Propane gas users will save $322.
  • Heating oil users will save $459.
  • Electric heat users will save $30.

Expenditures will differ by region. Natural gas is the primary heating fuel in every region of the country except the South, where electric heating is more widespread. Altogether, nearly half of U.S. households are heated with natural gas. Heating oil, meanwhile, is more common in the Northeast, while propane use is larger in the Midwest.

Even better, prices will remain cheap at the pumps, too, officials said.

“December’s expected national average gasoline price of $2.03 a gallon would be the lowest average retail price for the month in seven years,” said administrator EIA Adam Sieminski, according to The New York Times, continuing a consumer-friendly trend that started nearly a year ago.

There’s more good news, The New York Times reports:

“Lower energy prices should be particularly helpful to working-class families who spend a high proportion of their incomes on fuels. Much of their additional spending power should help restaurants and retailers. Many industries, including airlines and manufacturers of petrochemicals, chemicals and plastics, should also benefit from the lower energy costs.”

These are all reasons why we must ensure that new over-the-top regulations, like the EPA’s controversial Clean Power Plan, don’t erode the progress we’ve made and unnecessarily drive up energy costs. America’s energy renaissance has made gas, electricity, heating, and countless consumer goods less expensive, all the while mass-producing millions of jobs and billions in revenue. Our energy security is stronger than ever. So is our global competitiveness.

And maintaining a safe, reliable all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes oil, coal, natural gas, nuclear and renewables like solar and wind is the only way to keep it going.

Consumer Energy Alliance Statement on Interior Department Arctic Offshore Announcement

In response to today’s announcement by the Interior Department that it has canceled two previously scheduled Arctic offshore lease sales and rejected two requests to extend current Arctic offshore leases, Consumer Energy Alliance President David Holt issued the following statement:

“Today’s decisions are unfortunately the latest in a series of recent federal regulatory actions that have discouraged the exploration and development of a region that is critical to the energy, economic, and national security of Alaska and the United States.  The Administration has cited a “lack commercial interest” in this area for its decision.  In fact, the commercial interest in the Arctic is directly related to the lack of regulatory consistency, certainty, and the absence of coordinated oversight.

While America certainty needs a diversity of energy resources, none are more meaningful to our economic well-being for the next 100+ years than oil and natural gas.  With the U.S. Arctic estimated to contain 23.6 billion barrels of oil and 104.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, the refusal to extend current Arctic leases and the cancelation of potential Arctic lease sales scheduled for 2016 and 2017 creates unnecessary and significant roadblocks to efforts to secure the nation’s long-term energy security to the detriment of energy consumers across the United States.

Today’s decisions also underscore the importance of ensuring that the Interior Department’s 2017-2022 offshore leasing program includes access to new areas including the Mid and South Atlantic.”

Nation waiting for court decision on Keystone XL Pipeline case

Michael Whatley, executive vice president of Consumer Energy Alliance, tells KMTV in Omaha, Neb., why his organization supports the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline – and why it’s time for President Obama to make a decision on the proposed project.

Despite no indication of when or how the Nebraska Supreme Court may rule on a lawsuit involving the Keystone XL pipeline, supporters and those opposed to the pipeline are hopeful the court will rule for their side.

“We’re optimistic [the court] will rule that the new law in unconstitutional and agree with the lower court,” said Ken Winston, policy advocate for the Nebraska Sierra Club.

The case before the court has roots in 2012 when lawmakers passed a bill granting the governor power to approve the pipeline’s revised route. Groups sued the state, claiming the decision is the Public Service Commission’s to make. Lower courts sided with opposition groups, the state appealed to the Supreme Court, which heard arguments last autumn.

“We’re cautiously optimistic,” said Michael Whatley, Executive Vice President Consumer Energy Alliance, which supports building the pipeline.

Whatley said his group’s members are pleased the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee approved a bill to approve the pipeline Thursday.

“We’re disappointed the senate even had to take this up but at the same time, if the senate is going to take the issue up, we want to see it passed,” explained Whatley.

The House of Representatives is expected to vote on, and pass, its own Keystone XL bill tomorrow, Friday. Representative Brad Ashford will support the bill. “As long as the process is carefully monitored for safety and environmental hazards, the Keystone XL Pipeline will be a benefit to Nebraska’s economy and job market,” Ashford said.

But President Obama says he will veto the bill should Congress pass it. Mr. Obama has said he will wait to see how the Nebraska Supreme Court rules on the case.

“But he doesn’t need to wait for this, so we’ll continue to call on the president to make a decision,” said Whatley.

Winston says while the court is deciding the Sierra Club will try to convince legislators the economic benefits are not worth the environmental risks. “Few of the benefits will flow to the people in our state but the negative impacts, the risks all fall on us.”

TransCanada says delays and adjustments to its plan have already cost the company billions of dollars. If the court rules the Nebraska route must be approved by the Public Service Commission, the decision could be delayed months or years.

Jane Kleeb, founder of Bold Nebraska, an opposition group, told the Associated Press if the court rules for the pipeline groups may file lawsuits on behalf of American Indian tribes, claiming the route will disturb cultural artifacts.

Consumer Energy Alliance Issues Statement on Offshore Alaska Exploration

US Coast Guard in Arctic

HOUSTON – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) President David Holt and CEA-Alaska President Anne Seneca issued the following statement today in response to Shell’s announcement about its exploration activities offshore Alaska:

“Contrary to the previous rhetoric of anti-development activists, the 2015 Chukchi Sea exploration season provides further evidence that drilling can be done safely in the U.S. Arctic offshore.  Furthermore, while extremists irresponsibly cheer the decision to put plans for further offshore exploration on hold for now, today’s announcement underscores the need for a more stable and reasonable federal regulatory environment,” said David Holt. “According to the U.S. Department of Energy, more than 63 percent of American energy will come from oil and natural gas by 2040.  Finding and developing new resources is in EVERYONE’S interest, especially those Americans who can least afford to pay more for gasoline and electricity.”

According to Holt, “as the Interior Department mulls Arctic offshore drilling regulations and requests for U.S. Arctic lease extensions, and with the 2015 season accompanied by just-in-time permitting and conflicting agency decisions that prevented the drilling of more than one well, the federal government must commit to ensuring a regulatory environment that encourages rather than disincentivizes investment in the exploration of this region.  CEA applauds Shell for its dedication to meeting consumer energy needs, as well as its patience with the unwieldy regulatory process and litigation delays over the past seven years and its persistent efforts to explore the potential for the production of American Arctic offshore energy resources.”

“Fossil fuels will be the primary contributor to meeting our energy needs for decades to come.  At a time when lower 48 crude oil production is expected to decline over the long term, it is incumbent on federal decision-makers to do everything possible to accommodate the domestic development of these resources, including those in the Arctic.”

“Energy and the environment can and must occur together,” added Anne Seneca.  “The environment is very important to Alaskans – and people everywhere.  But so is economic opportunity and jobs for this and future generations.  Developing our resources is important for our national security and future generations.”

To learn more about Consumer Energy Alliance visit https://www.consumerenergyalliance.org/.

CEA Leads Discussion on the Need for Responsible Atlantic Offshore Energy Development

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Brett Vassey, President & CEO of the Virginia Manufacturers Association

Consumer Energy Alliance today hosted the 2015 Atlantic Energy Forum in Richmond, Virginia, featuring Abigail Ross Hopper, Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and other distinguished panelists. 

The event, the first of a four part series, gathered industry stakeholders from various trade associations, companies, environmental groups, and government agencies to discuss the importance of reasonable, responsible, and environmentally friendly offshore energy development off the Atlantic coast. 

In addition to Director Hopper, panelists include Hayes Framme, Advisor for Infrastructure and Development to the Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade; Glen Besa, Director of the Sierra Club – Virginia Chapter; Michael Ward, Executive Director of the Virginia Petroleum Counsel; Jay Ford, Executive Director of the Virginia Eastern Shore Keeper; Dale Bennett, President & CEO of the Virginia Trucking Association; Brett Vassey, President & CEO of the Virginia Manufacturers Association; Randall Luthi, President of the National Ocean Industries Association.

The forum focused on offshore wind and oil & gas development and protecting the environment.  As a part of his remarks, David Holt, President of Consumer Energy Alliance, said that “If you look around this room, every single thing your eyes touch is made with oil and gas.  It is incumbent upon us to protect the environment AND ensure that we pass on a good standard of living to our children and grandchildren. We cannot have environmental protection without energy development.”

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BOEM Director Abigail Hopper

BOEM Director Abigail Hopper agreed, adding “…it is not one or the other, we are trying to address these issues from all fronts… the big question is how do we safely develop the resources this nation has been blessed with… and there are only so many ways to say this but we are pursuing and all-of the-above energy policy.”

Randall Luthi added that, “you can have it all, you can have oil and gas and be environmentally friendly at the same time.” 

Dale Bennett captured the mind of both the transportation and manufacturing industry by discussing the importance of oil price stability on the industries, and upon the costs that are passed onto consumers.  Bennett said, “Development cannot be jumpstarted at the last minute, we must start now to ensure a bright energy future for America.”

The panel made it clear that the American economy will depend on Atlantic fossil fuels and offshore wind energy for the foreseeable future, but that it should be and can be done in a reasonable, responsible, and environmentally friendly way that ensures a bright future for the Atlantic coast and the American people.

Lower Energy Prices Means Massive Savings for Consumers this Winter

Winter Driving

As fall takes hold and Americans start to think about cold winter nights, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that low oil and gas prices this winter will bring consumers’ massive savings on energy expenses.

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas prices are anticipated to fall as low as $2.03 a gallon this winter, saving consumers a total of 0.58 cents a gallon at the pump compared to mid-august gas prices this year. Already consumers enjoyed the lowest gas prices in over a decade on Labor Day earlier this month!

Consumers will also save on home heating costs as the days grow colder. EIA reports that natural gas prices will average around $3.52 per million British Thermal Units (MMBtu), down from $4.51 per MMBtu last winter, saving consumers close to $1.00 per MMBtu. Consumers who use oil to heat their homes will also save. Reports indicate that heating oil prices will average $2.92 per gallon, down $0.92 per gallon from last year.

In all, consumers could potentially save over a $1,000 from lower energy prices this winter. Households will spend approximately $1645 on total energy costs this winter, saving close to $710 on heating bills alone compared to last winter. Additionally, the average American consumes approximately 1,200 gallons of gasoline per year. From this winter until next year, consumers could save up to an additional $696 on gas prices until next winter.

Lower oil and gas prices will give consumers the flexibility to take advantage of the extra cash flow. Consumers can: buy more gifts for loved ones, pay back a student loan, take a much-needed vacation, purchase student books, pay back medical bills, or add to a child’s college education fund. Whatever the need may be, lower oil and gas prices have given consumers greater choice in how to spend their hard-earned wages.

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