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Keystone XL Pipeline is in Florida’s Best Interests

Consumer Energy Alliance’s Florida Director Kevin Doyle writes in the Tallahassee Democrat about how the Keystone XL Pipeline project is in Florida’s best interest and will help to ensure stable and affordable energy supplies for the state.

For the last five years, we have been waiting for the Keystone XL pipeline’s approval. Already subjected to years of government study and delay, the pipeline project has now undergone multiple environmental reviews by the State Department, including a recent evaluation that found the pipeline’s construction and operation would have no significant impact.

That’s right. We are now one step closer to the finish line. Now President Obama is faced with the decision on what is within the nation’s interest. Does he choose more U.S. jobs, energy security and stable supplies of energy from our northern neighbor — or does he choose energy dependence?

Determining the nation’s interest in the Keystone XL project becomes clear when you evaluate why ending the five-year delay in approving the presidential permit needed for construction will help U.S. consumers.

First, the Keystone XL pipeline is exactly the infrastructure project the American people are looking for to create construction jobs and move the U.S. closer to energy security. Building the Keystone XL will bring 700,000 barrels a day of Canadian crude oil to the Gulf Coast, where it will be made into gasoline, diesel or aviation fuel to be sold in the United States. Such an energy supply increase will offer a major step toward U.S. energy self-sufficiency, ensuring that we are creating jobs and tackling our energy challenges head-on. This is especially true in Florida, a heavy energy-consuming state that depends on stable supplies of energy from other states and abroad.

Second, it will help to replace overseas oil from Venezuela with energy from Canada and the Bakken formation in North Dakota, and transport energy safely across the nation. This shift away from overseas crude will have significant strategic implications for U.S. foreign policy. Recently, a comprehensive study found that “increasing supply from Canada allows the United States to reduce its dependence on more distant supplies of oil by tanker, often from regions that are less stable and more susceptible to disruption.”

Third, the pipeline would allow us to further develop our relationship with Canada. Canada has already shown itself to be a great asset to us; last year, Canada was our top source for petroleum imports, according to gross import calculations by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). This project would be an ideal way to continue developing our relationship with our neighbor and best trading partner.

This couldn’t be truer in the Sunshine State, where a number of economic benefits are directly contributed to Canada. According to latest investment figures taken from a study commissioned by the Canadian government, more than 200 Canadian companies have invested more than $3 billion in Florida while providing direct employment to more than 26,000 people across the state. Florida exports more than $4 billion worth of goods and services to Canada while importing more than $3.6 billion worth of goods and services.

In addition to the massive amount of trade being conducted in our state, nearly 4 million Canadians visit Florida every year, contributing nearly $4 billion to the Florida economy while helping to create additional jobs in our tourism, housing and service industries.

With this in mind, it’s clear that the Keystone XL project presents Americans — and Floridians — with a valuable opportunity. If we do not take advantage of it, we can be sure that other countries will — to our detriment.

Florida and its leaders know and appreciate the importance of stable and affordable energy supplies for the state. By supporting the Keystone XL project, we will be supporting an “all-of-the-above” approach that enables us to explore all the energy sources available to us. The Keystone XL pipeline is a key part of this approach, since it will provide a cheaper, more stable source of oil that will benefit consumers in every sector of the U.S. economy.

As the countdown begins on the president’s decision on the Keystone XL project, it’s clear that the project will help the nation to find its path to energy self-sufficiency, jobs, energy security and stability. As the most-studied and safest pipeline in history, the Keystone XL pipeline project is within the national interest and enjoys the support of more than 70 percent of Americans.

It’s time to approach the finish line. It’s time to build the Keystone XL pipeline.

 

Landrieu Talks Energy with CEA-Texas

U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joined Consumer Energy Alliance on Friday, March 21st at River Oaks Country Club for a breakfast discussion with Houston area business leaders.  Sen. Landrieu discussed the most pressing energy issues and topics she will face in her new seat as Chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, including her vision for on and offshore energy production, Atlantic OCS exploration, revenue sharing, and the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Shale Energy Can Help North Carolina’s Energy Supplies and Economy

Consumer Energy Alliance’s Southeast Director Brydon Ross writes in The Herald Sun about how shale energy development will help North Carolina’s natural gas supply and help the state’s economy flourish.

Commonly referred to as “fracking,” hydraulic fracturing has received much national attention recently, as the technology has enabled a resurgence in American oil and natural gas production. In fact, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) recently estimated that the United States overtook Russia as the world’s largest oil and gas producer.

Fortunately, the prospect of it occurring here in the Tar Heel State could bring new opportunities and energy supplies to the region. Of course, as has been the case elsewhere, this has been a topic of intense political debate in the state. While some North Carolinians are concerned that hydraulic fracturing could negatively impact our state’s groundwater supplies, it’s worth mentioning that over 1.2 million oil and natural gas wells have undergone the process without negatively impacting groundwater resources.

In fact, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy noted “there’s nothing inherently dangerous in fracking,” and Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz reiterated that sentiment stating, “I still have not seen any evidence of fracking per se contaminating groundwater.”

The prospect of shale development occurring in the state is exciting, as it could diversify our state’s natural gas supply and help North Carolina’s economy flourish.

It’s time for North Carolina to be vigilant in advancing projects and policies that support an “all-of the-above” energy portfolio. Energy diversity is a critical issue for the Tar Heel State’s future economic success, and we need to promote policies that support expanded responsible development of American resources, in particular those that are here in North Carolina.

Steve Kramer – Colorado Energy Voices

Mike Fergus – Colorado Energy Voices

Poll Finds Little Appetite in Colorado to Ban Hydraulic Fracturing

Despite five Colorado communities restricting hydraulic fracturing since 2012, a statewide poll conducted in mid-February for Consumer Energy Alliance found 60% of likely voters support extracting oil and natural gas through a process known as fracking. Critics are loud but few, with only 16% of respondents strongly in opposition. Likely voters in the Denver Metro area support fracking by more than twenty-five points, 57% to 31%.

Support for Hydraulic Fracturing Support Oppose
Voters 60% 28%
Voters age 18 to 39 58% 31%
Metro Denver 63% 27%

The Keystone XL Pipeline has strong support in Colorado. The poll finds voters growing impatient with the approval process for the $5 billion construction project. 52% of Keystone XL supporters said they would reconsider their support for incumbent Democrat Mark Udall if President Obama denies the presidential permit needed to finish the project. The U.S. State Department evaluation found building and operating the pipeline would have minimal impact on the environment. The report also found construction and operation would support approximately 42,000 jobs.

U.S. Senate Mark Udall Ken Buck*
Voting for? 66% 23%
Among KXL supporters, would you vote for Mark Udall if President denies Keystone XL? Less likely
52%		 More likely19%
Governor John Hickenlooper Tom Tancredo
51% 40%

* Ken Buck is no longer a U.S. Senate candidate.

Keystone XL Pipeline Support Oppose
Voters 66% 23%
Voters age 18 to 39 63% 26%
Metro Denver 65% 25%

 

 

Voters thinking Energy

Eight in ten voters say energy issues, including the Keystone XL pipeline, will be important in making a decision of who to support in the November elections. Overall, 84% say energy issues will be either very (41%) or somewhat (43%) important “in terms of how (they) will vote in this year’s election.” Only 15% say energy issues will not be important to them.

Conclusion

Colorado’s likely voters are supportive of natural gas and oil development.  Over 60% of likely voters said they support building the Keystone XL Pipeline and support the extraction process known as fracking.  Hydraulic fracturing receives strong support in both the western half of the state and in Metro Denver. Opponents would need to win these to regions to secure a statewide ban on hydraulic fracturing.

Methodology

Hickman Analytics conducted the poll of 400 likely 2014 general election voters who were surveyed via telephone or cell phone between February 17th and 20th. The poll carries a 4.9% margin of error.

Colorado Topline & Tables

Half-Million Americans Back Keystone XL

Pipeline welder

Houston, TX – Consumer Energy Alliance and its partner organizations submitted today to federal officials just under 500,000 public comments from Keystone XL supporters in all 50 states.

KeystoneXLCommentMap.jpg

 

The overwhelming support from American energy consumers for Keystone XL is motivated by both economic and national security reasons. Winter weather and continuous upheaval in foreign hotspots like Venezuela, Ukraine and the Middle East have a disproportionate impact on American fuel prices – which can be mitigated by increased supplies of North American energy.

Consumer advocate Michael Whatley argues energy self-sufficiency will insulate the United States from mayhem abroad.

“Keystone XL will displace energy from our enemies with energy from our ally,” said Michael Whatley, executive vice president for Consumer Energy Alliance. “Energy prices are influenced by global events. Transforming North America into energy self-sufficiency dampens the price spikes caused by upheaval overseas. The comments we are submitting today from hundreds of thousands of Americans reflect what people across the country are saying: We need jobs, we need a stronger economy, and we need to build the Keystone XL pipeline.”

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.

 

Floridians Ask President Obama to Permit the Keystone XL Pipeline

TALLAHASSEE – The Associated Industries of Florida with its partner Consumer Energy Alliance submitted today to federal officials 24,283 public comments from Florida residents supporting the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. The grassroots effort is part of a nationwide drive that includes support from over 400,000 people in all 50 states. 

Consumer’s support is motivated by both economic and national security reasons. Winter weather and continuous upheaval in foreign hotspots like Venezuela, Ukraine and the Middle East influence price spikes.

“Dependable and affordable energy is the lifeblood of manufacturing,” said Brewster Bevis, Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs of the Associated Industries of Florida. “We support the Keystone XL Pipeline because it will supply reliable, affordable supplies of energy to millions of consumers across the United States. As a large, energy-consuming state, Florida needs projects like Keystone XL.”

Consumer advocate Kevin Doyle argues energy self-sufficiency will insulate the United States from mayhem abroad.

“Keystone XL will displace energy from our enemies for energy from our ally,” said Kevin Doyle, Executive Director for Consumer Energy Alliance – Florida. “Energy prices are influenced by global events. Transforming North America into energy self-sufficiency dampens the price spikes caused by upheaval overseas. The comments we are submitting today from thousands of Floridians reflect what people across the country are saying: We need jobs, we need a stronger economy, and we need to build the Keystone XL pipeline.”

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.

Permit Needed for Construction

The Keystone XL Pipeline received approval from Canada’s National Energy Board in 2010, but the project also requires a Presidential Permit from the U.S. Department of State because it crosses an international border.

Pennsylvania Asks President Obama to Permit the Keystone XL Pipeline

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association and its partner Consumer Energy Alliance submitted today to federal officials 23,591 public comments from Pennsylvania residents supporting the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. The grassroots effort is part of a nationwide drive that includes support from over 400,000 people in all 50 states. 

Consumers’ support is motivated by both economic and national security reasons. Winter weather and continuous upheaval in foreign hotspots like Venezuela, Ukraine and the Middle East have influenced price spikes.

In response, Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association President James Runk issued the following statement:

“Diesel fuel and a healthy economy remain the lifeblood of the trucking industry. The addition of 830,000 barrels of oil from the United States and Canada will help lower gasoline and diesel prices here in Pennsylvania and add more than $20 billion to the American economy. We strongly support the Keystone XL pipeline because it will supply reliable, affordable supplies of energy to millions of truckers across the United States.  Stable supplies of fuel will help keep trucking companies in business and the economy running.”

Consumer advocate Michael Whatley argues energy self-sufficiency will insulate the United States from mayhem abroad.

“Keystone XL will displace energy from our enemies for energy from our ally,” said Michael Whatley, executive vice president for Consumer Energy Alliance. “Energy prices are influenced by global events. Transforming North America into energy self-sufficiency dampens the price spikes caused by upheaval overseas. The comments we are submitting today from thousands of Pennsylvania residents reflect what people across the country are saying: We need jobs, we need a stronger economy, and we need to build the Keystone XL pipeline.”

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.

Permit Needed for Construction

The Keystone XL Pipeline received approval from Canada’s National Energy Board in 2010, but the project also requires a Presidential Permit from the U.S. Department of State because it crosses an international border.

7K From Home State Ask President to Approve Keystone XL

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association – Illinois Association of Convenience Stores, along with its partner Consumer Energy Alliance, submitted today to federal officials 7,209 public comments from Illinois residents supporting the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. The grassroots effort is part of a nationwide drive that includes support from over 400,000 people in all 50 states.

Consumer’s support is motivated by both economic and national security reasons. Winter weather and continuous upheaval in foreign hotspots like Venezuela, Ukraine and the Middle East influence price spikes.

“Dependable and affordable energy is the lifeblood of our economy,” said Bill Fleischli, Executive Vice President of IPMA-IACS. “We support the Keystone XL Pipeline because it will supply reliable, affordable supplies of energy to millions of fuel consumers across the United States.”

Consumer advocate Michael Whatley argues energy self-sufficiency will insulate the United States from mayhem abroad.

“Keystone XL will displace energy from our enemies for energy from our ally,” said Michael Whatley, executive vice president for Consumer Energy Alliance. “Energy prices are influenced by global events. Transforming North America into energy self-sufficiency dampens the price spikes caused by upheaval overseas. The comments we are submitting today from thousands of Illinois residents reflect what people across the country are saying: We need jobs, we need a stronger economy, and we need to build the Keystone XL pipeline.”

 

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.

Permit Needed for Construction

The Keystone XL Pipeline received approval from Canada’s National Energy Board in 2010, but the project also requires a Presidential Permit from the U.S. Department of State because it crosses an international border.

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