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CEA hosts press conference to urge approval of Keystone XL Pipeline

The Florida Current reports on the Tallahassee press conference that Consumer Energy Alliance – Florida hosted in the State Capitol to urge the White House to approve the Keystone XL pipeline.

Some legislators and business leaders on April 29, 2014 urged the White House to stop delaying and to instead approve the Keystone XL Pipeline between Canada and the Texas Gulf Coast.

The Consumer Energy Alliance held a press conference at the Capitol and was joined by Rep. Mike Hill, R-Pensacola, and Rep. Jose Felix Diaz, R-Miami and chairman of the House Energy & Utilities Subcommittee.

Hill is sponsor of HB 281 urging approval of the pipeline. The bill passed the House and Senate on voice votes. Some Democrats spoke against the memorial, saying the pipeline isn’t an issue for the Legislature because it won’t pass through Florida.

Kevin Doyle, executive director of the Consumer Energy Alliance-Florida, countered after the press conference, “I think it’s important with Florida being such a heavy consuming state for energy the more we can get that supply from friends, such as Canada, rather than Venezuela.”

Others appearing at the press conference were Tom Feeney, president and CEO of Associated Industries of Florida, and Beth Richardson of the Consulate General of Canada.

 

 

 

Fracking ban may unravel safeguards, future

Consumer Energy Alliance – Midwest Executive Director Ryan Scott writes in the Columbus Business First about the facts about fracking and how a Youngstown ban would negatively impact Ohio.

Last year, voters in Youngstown twice soundly defeated  a referendum to ban the practice of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, in Youngstown. Despite the resounding rejection by Youngstown voters to ban shale gas development, an anti-development group – the Community Bill of Rights Committee – claims that it will be back this year to propose a third vote on the issue.
 
With another potential fracking ban referendum in Youngstown on the horizon, it’s time to take a close look at some of the facts about fracking.
 
Let’s start with the environment.
 
Hydraulic fracturing has received much national attention recently, as the technology has enabled a resurgence in America’s  oil and natural gas production and brought forth new economic development opportunities for communities like Youngstown.  As has been the case in other shale gas producing parts of the country, there are concerns among some that hydraulic fracturing could negatively impact our air quality and groundwater supplies.
 
These concerns are understandable, which is why the State’s legislature passed aggressive legislation in 2012 that regulates hydraulic fracturing – from the preconstruction to the transmission phase – to ensure the health and safety of all Ohioans, including the individuals and families who call Youngstown home. Among the key highlights of the legislation are the requirement for operators to disclose the chemicals used in the production process and for stringent water quality testing in close proximity to drilling sites.  So, in the unlikely instance that there is pollution, it will be detected and reported to the State.  Unfortunately, if the Community Bill of Rights initiative is successful, it could unravel this carefully crafted and impactful environmental legislation with uncertain results.
 
Ohioans should also take note of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy’s recent remarks to the Boston Globe that “there’s nothing inherently dangerous in fracking.”  U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Ernest Moniz reiterated that sentiment stating, “I still have not seen any evidence of fracking per se contaminating groundwater.”
 
There is also, of course, the economy.
 
Shale gas development is paving the way for the Buckeye State’s economic renaissance. In Ohio, industry has returned to cities like Youngstown, along with much-needed jobs. In its 2012 annual report, the American Petroleum Institute noted that more than 38,000 Ohio jobs – many of which paid nearly double the average salary – were supported by unconventional oil and natural gas activity. It should be no surprise that  the shale gas boom has caused Youngstown’s unemployment rate  to decline dramatically in the last 5 years, from 12.7% in January 2009 to just 7.7% in November 2013.
 
The future is also bright for Ohio, especially in communities like Youngstown, where voters are making a clear choice to move forward with natural resource development as a key to their future prosperity. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energy estimates that shale gas development will bring $18 billion in economic growth for the Buckeye State, along with more than 140,000 jobs and $4.6 billion in state and local government revenues.
 
There is good news for consumers, too. The shale gas boom is helping keep the costs of electric and home heating power at some of its lowest levels in years. The Boston Consulting Group estimates that the average American household is saving upwards of $400 per year, if not more, thanks to the abundance of natural gas supplies caused by domestic production. Even better, American consumers are expected to benefit from the shale gas boom to the tune of an average $1,200 per year per household in projected energy savings by the year 2020.
 
As the voice of the energy consumer, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is working with stakeholders to educate the Buckeye State’s residents about the positive environmental and economic outcomes that responsible hydraulic fracturing technology brings to communities like Youngstown. Ohio is uniquely positioned for economic growth for many future generations, and its future should not hang in the balance of misinformed and misguided campaigns aimed at thwarting this opportunity.

Instead, communities, consumers, and legislators should focus on working together to find commonsense approaches that encourage investment, build opportunity and create good paying jobs. 

Summer Driving Season is Here: 10 Tips to Help Energy Consumers Save Gas and Money

Houston, TX – Today Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), an organization that advocates for energy consumers, released 10 tips to help consumers save gas and money this driving season. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) recently estimated that gas prices are expected to be about the same as last year, rising to a high of $3.66 a gallon during the April-through-September driving season.

According to AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report, the average national price for a gallon of gasoline is now $3.69, a 16-cent increase from just a month ago. The hardest-hit states are Hawaii and California, where the average cost per gallon of regular gasoline exceeds $4.00. CEA estimates that gas prices will increase about 5 percent (or around 15 cents a gallon) this spring leading into the summer driving season. Much of this price increase is due to annual fuel changes required by the U.S. government. The average U.S. household spends almost $3,000 on gasoline per year, or about 4 percent of their income before taxes.

“Instead of worrying about rising prices when pulling into the gas station this driving season, consumers should be focused on their summer vacations,” said David Holt, President of CEA. “With the right federal and state energy policies in place, we can help to bring future relief to America’s motorists.”

Holt added: “For consumers on a fixed budget, increased gas prices are no small matter. The good news is there are steps consumers can take to offset high gas prices. CEA looks forward to working with all its member companies from the energy producing and consuming sectors to help educate consumers on the actions they can take to save money and gas this driving season.”

Growing domestic production of oil and shale gas will help keep energy prices relatively stable in the long term, as more of these developed energy resources are introduced to national and regional energy markets. This growth is one of many reasons why CEA supports an “all-of-the-above” energy policy that supports American jobs, creates economic opportunities and protects American energy consumers.

To review CEA’s tips for saving gas and money, please visit: http://theenergyvoice.com/consumer-tips-saving-gas-money/.

WTKL: Fla. Leaders Back Pipeline

Fla. Leaders See Opportunity in Keystone XL Pipeline

TALLAHASSEE, FL – In the first of a series of “Finish the Job” events across the United States, this morning Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) held a press conference at the Florida State Capitol urging the White House to put an end to the Obama Administration’s five-year delay on approving the Keystone XL pipeline project. CEA-Florida Executive Director Kevin Doyle was joined at the press conference by Chairman Jose Felix Diaz, Florida House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee, Florida Representative Mike Hill, Tom Feeney, President and CEO, Associated Industries of Florida, and Beth Richardson, Head, Political, Economic and Public Affairs Section, Consulate General of Canada.

The following are highlights from the press conference:

“Working together with the Associated Industries of Florida, CEA submitted over 24,000 comments from Floridians that support the Keystone XL project,” said Kevin Doyle. “Similar to poll after poll of Americans that show support for the Keystone XL pipeline project, Floridians have clearly said to the Administration: we need jobs, we need a stronger economy, and we need to build the Keystone XL pipeline.”

“We can all agree that Florida’s consumers need stable and affordable energy supplies,” said Chairman Jose Diaz. “The Keystone XL pipeline will help us by providing a cheaper, more stable source of energy that will benefit consumers in every sector of our economy – here in Florida and across the nation.”

“The Keystone XL project presents Americans – and Floridians – with a valuable opportunity,” said Rep. Mike Hill. “That is why I sponsored a memorial in the Florida Legislature that calls for President Barack Obama to approve the Keystone XL pipeline. The White House needs to end the delay on approving the Keystone XL pipeline.”

“AIF is proud to join the more than 24,000 Floridians that submitted comments to the Administration recently, urging the White House to approve construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline because it will supply reliable, affordable energy to millions of consumers across the United States,” said Tom Feeney. “AIF believes Florida needs projects like Keystone XL to better address our growing state’s future energy needs.”

“Canada is an important neighbor and the most significant trading partner for the U.S. and for in Florida,” said Beth Richardson. Canada-Florida bilateral trade hit $8 billion last year, and over 200 Canadian companies provide direct employment to over 27,500 people across the state. More than thirty Florida companies supply to the Canadian oil sands, and petrochemical products remain Florida’s largest import from Canada. With Canadian companies, snowbirds and tourists contributing billions to the Florida economy every year, it is important for Canada and the state work together to support North American energy security now and for the future.”

About the Keystone XL Pipeline

  • The Keystone XL pipeline will be the safest pipeline ever built in the United States utilizing 59 additional safety measures beyond what is required by federal law.
  • Five separate environmental reviews certified the pipeline would have minimal impact on the environment.
  • Construction will help create more than 42,000 jobs nationwide including 9,000 construction jobs building the pipeline.
  • $20 billion in new economic growth for the U.S. economy.
  • 830,000 barrels of oil per day that will flow through Keystone XL will help reduce fuel prices for families coast to coast, and dramatically improve U.S. energy security by reducing reliance on Venezuelan and Middle Eastern oil.
  • Gulf Coast refiners will turn the crude oil into gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, home heating oil, propane and kerosene.

Consumer Tips for Saving Gas and Money

In recent weeks, drivers have begun to see an annual rite of spring & summer – higher gas prices. According to AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report, the average national price for a gallon of gasoline is now $3.69, a 16-cent increase from just a month ago. The hardest-hit states are Hawaii and California, where the average cost per gallon of regular gasoline exceeds $4.00.

Consumer Energy Alliance estimates gas prices will increase about 5 percent or around 15 cents a gallon this spring leading into the summer driving season. Much of this price increase is due to annual fuel changes required by the U.S. government.  To meet this hit on the pocketbook, consumers can conserve fuel and money by following these tips:

  1. Drive sensibly – Observe the speed limit, eliminate aggressive acceleration and braking, reduce the time that you idle your vehicle, and plan ahead to avoid unnecessary traffic congestion.
  2. Keep your car in good repair – Tune-ups, oil changes, and filter replacement will help you get more miles for each gallon of gas.
  3. Check your tires – Low tire pressure can significantly impact fuel economy. Government website SaferCar.gov recommends that drivers check their tire pressure at least once per month.
  4. Use the Right Grade of Gasoline / Don’t Top Off – Most cars run fine on regular. Check your vehicle owner’s manual to find out what’s right for your car. Don’t “top off” at the pump and make sure your fuel fill cap is on tight and working right.
  5. Use Cruise Control – Maintaining a constant speed over long distances often saves gas.
  6. Reduce Air Conditioner Use / Close Windows – Using your car’s air conditioner increases fuel cost from 13% up to 21%. If it’s cool enough, use the flow-through ventilation instead of rolling down the windows or using the AC.
  7. Reduce excessive weight stored in and on your vehicle – Those golf clubs in your trunk could be costing you a few extra dollars each trip to the pump. Immediately remove items from roof rack once you reached your destination.
  8. Choose a fuel-efficient vehicle – When it’s time to trade up for a new vehicle, look into choosing a vehicle that is certified with the best miles-per-gallon rating in order to maximize your fuel efficiency.
  9. Choose vehicles according to your need – For example, if you mostly drive in cities, a smaller hybrid might be right for you because they get better mileage for city driving and are easier to park. If you need a vehicle for towing or heavy use, consider a clean diesel vehicle. Diesel engines are quieter, more powerful, and 30%-35% more efficient than similar-sized gasoline engines.
  10. Look into telecommuting, carpooling, and public transit options in your area – Many urban areas provide carpool lanes that are usually less congested, which means you will get to work and home faster. By carpooling or taking public transit, you also help save energy.

 

Sources: fueleconomy.gov, energy.gov, consumerenergycenter.org, energysavingtrust.org, gasbuddy.com

Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania – Energy Voices

Refugio, Texas – Energy Voices

Alaska Energy can benefit West Coast

Trans Alaska Pipeline in Winter

On the online opinion pages of The Oregonian, David Holt explores why west coast states will benefit the most if the U.S. utilizes Alaska energy resources.

Why Oregonians should support Arctic oil extraction: Guest opinion

Guest Columnist
April 13, 2014 
By David Holt

Earlier this year, President Barack Obama declared that the U.S. produced more oil than it imports for the first time in 20 years. Indeed, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) recently reported that U.S. crude oil production rose to the highest level in almost 26 years, which allowed the U.S. to meet 86 percent of its energy needs in the first 11 months of 2013, the highest level since 1986.

While this progress certainly provides American energy consumers with news to celebrate, it should not be reason for unqualified optimism and certainly does not hold true for West Coast states. In fact, the U.S. still imports petroleum – especially the nation’s Western states such as Oregon. Net imports of oil in the western United States have skyrocketed, from 11.2 percent in 1988 to 42.1 percent in 2012, despite a reduction in overall consumption.

The region’s own reserves were able to meet the needs of its dense population of energy users in the 1980s. Yet today’s lack of exploration and declining returns on existing wells have tilted the region’s dependence towards oil from foreign sources, oftentimes from unstable sources of oil. In fact, dramatic decreases in Alaskan and California crude production over the past several years have forced West Coast refineries to look overseas for their supply – and increasingly from places like the Middle East and Russia.

According to the EIA, Oregonians spend more than $9 billion on petroleum products each year. Energy consumption in Oregon continues to increase, but Oregon only produces about one-third of the energy it uses. Oregon, unlike other Western states, lacks refineries and internal crude oil resources and imports 100 percent of its petroleum. The state has therefore been highly dependent on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) and would be highly vulnerable should the pipeline cease operation. More than 80 percent of the crude oil eventually used in Oregon originates in the Alaska North Slope oil fields.

However, there is concern that continued regulatory obstacles will prevent known energy sources from coming on-line in the near future to ensure TAPS supplies and, more importantly, safe and abundant supplies for Oregon and other West Coast states. It hasn’t always been this way. The 800-mile pipeline has served the nation well since its inception in 1977 by helping to safeguard U.S. energy security.

In fact, in 2011, a brief closure of the Alaskan pipeline scuttled shipments of Alaskan crude to refineries in Washington and California. How did refineries make up the difference? They imported Russian crude.

With the vast majority of Alaskan oil feeding into West Coast refineries, it is critical to keep the TAPs pipeline flowing for the benefit of the entire United States — and especially for Oregon’s energy consumers.

Fortunately for Oregon’s consumers, Alaska – particularly its offshore areas – contains some of the largest untapped reserves in the world. So it’s disappointing that the U.S. continues to import about 45 percent of its oil when it is estimated that the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas reserves hold an estimated 23.6 billion barrels of oil and 104.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. This is nearly enough oil to fuel Oregon – which consumes nearly 65 million barrels of oil a year – for 365 years.

With responsible energy development, resource exploration in the Arctic will provide more reliable and affordable energy and an opportunity for the United States to grow jobs and enhance its national security. Energy development is crucial for the future of the West Coast and the pipeline. The U.S. should be a leader, not a follower, in establishing sustainable development of Arctic energy – for its own energy security and national security.

If California, Oregon and Washington are going to spend $267 million per day on oil, wouldn’t we rather it come back here to Alaska and the United States? Alaskan energy production is extremely critical to the economic health of Oregonians and should be revitalized.

David Holt is president of the Consumer Energy Alliance

The oped was originally published at: http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2014/04/why_oregonians_should_support.html

Editorial: Floridians must get educated on fracking

After a recent interview with the Tallahassee Democrat, CEA President David Holt is highlighted in an editorial urging Florida consumers to learn more about shale gas development.

“The Consumer Energy Alliance, which advocates an ‘all of the above’ strategy on energy diversity, supports both bills. Still, CEA President David Holt, in a meeting with the Democrat last week, acknowledged that the national trend seems to be toward full disclosure. So, what does this all mean? It means Floridians need to get busy. They need to become informed on fracking and drilling. It’s not enough to just say no. Floridians need to know the benefits — to the state’s economy and to energy independence —as well as the dangers.” 

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