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Issue of the Week: Colorado Energy Summit

This election season, CEA is delighted to be playing a key role keeping energy issues at the center of the debate leading up to the national election nine months from now. This week, we co-hosted the Colorado Election Energy Summit, where speakers including  former Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Senator Rick Santorum spoke about oil and gas, coal and renewable power, and explained how energy policy is so closely connected to our country’s economic health.

Speakers at the summit (you can watch their comments by clicking the links above), as well as event sponsors like Colorado Farm Bureau stressed that many industries such as agriculture that are key to Colorado and the rest of the country are energy-intensive industries. They spoke about how high fuel costs inflate not just the cost of commuting, but the cost of food, plastic, all consumer goods and manufacturing activity. They explained how the 2010 moratorium on deepwater drilling in the Gulf of Mexico was replaced by a permitting system that amounted to a de-facto moratorium that has vastly limited our ability to access our domestic fuel. They also outlined the massive volumes of untapped energy in Alaska, and they discussed how tapping into natural gas reserves in states like Pennsylvania and oil in North Dakota had not only reduced our need for imports but also stimulated local economies.

Other sponsors, like Colorado Oil and Gas Association, Western Energy Alliance, and the Colorado Energy Coalition, and Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association used the event to call attention to the abundance of oil and gas on public lands and the way it could be accessed with minimal impact. Another event co-sponsor, Ports-to-Plains Alliance, is an advocate for the economic corridor running from Alberta to Texas and vocal supporter of the Keystone XL Pipeline project.

Colorado contains 40,000 active oil and gas wells, and hundreds of thousands of energy jobs that account for six percent of the state’s job market. The state also has a robust clean energy sector that continues to attract manufacturers to its world-class facilities and experts, most notably the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

But Colorado is also home to energy-intensive industries such as agriculture.  Its diversified economy represents well how both our energy-producing and energy-consuming sectors are impacted by national energy policy.  You may recall that President Obama focused heavily on energy policy during his State of the Union address last month. With this continued discussion, we are hopeful that energy policy, and the way it impacts our economy, will remain a key theme of the election in the coming months. We look forward to hearing more from all those seeking office and to ensuring our elected officials are held accountable for the decisions they make.

Gingrich and Santorum Declare Need for Robust Energy Development at Colorado Energy Summit

Gingrich and Santorum Declare Need for Robust Energy Development at Colorado Energy Summit

HOUSTON, TX: Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is pleased to announce that today’s Colorado Energy Summit drew significant attendance and in-depth views from Presidential candidates Speaker Newt Gingrich and Senator Rick Santorum on the pressing need for a robust “all of the above” domestic energy portfolio to ensure the nation’s continued economic success and competitiveness.

CEA Executive Vice-President Michael Whatley offered the following statement regarding today’s Summit:

“Energy drives the American economy and it is important for the candidates to articulate what kind of energy policy they want for America. We thank Speaker Gingrich and Senator Santorum for attending and connecting the dots between domestic energy production and economic growth.”

“Both speakers understand the tremendous importance of having a robust and balanced energy policy for American families, farms and businesses. It is clear that energy policy will be one of the driving issues in the 2012 election cycle and we look forward to hearing more on these issues from all of the candidates during the coming months.

February 2012 Newsletter

February 2012 CEA Newsletter
Issue 59


 

Three ways energy is an election year issue

If you tuned into the recent State of the Union address, you may have noticed how the topic of energy received prominent play. We’re happy with the President’s stated plans to increase domestic oil and gas production, and we’re just as heartened by his acknowledgement that energy policy is at the core of our country’s economic health.

Now, in a couple of recent reviews of that State of the Union address – here and here – we’ve also stressed that words are not enough. President Obama’s policies to date – from the Gulf of Mexico to Alaska – have often been inconsistent with his stated commitment to expanding domestic oil production. We’re hopeful that his recent words signal a shift in policy, but we will also remain watchful. A few weeks ago, in our New Year’s Resolutions post, we implored readers to pay attention to the issues that really matter, and get involved. This 2012 election cycle is the perfect opportunity to tell elected officials and those running for office about how you and your family have fared in the current economic climate, and how energy policies have affected your life.

You can also remind voters about these very specific ways that energy policy matters to them:

–Family budgets: If it’s not the pain at the gas pump, it’s the queasy feeling you get before you open your monthly heating oil bill. At CEA, we often show historical gasoline price charts, but focus less often on charts like this one, showing long-term trends in heating oil prices. But if you ever wonder why cash is tight during the winter months, the rising cost of heating oil could be a big part of it. Sure you can try to conserve fuel, but it’s virtually impossible to live without energy. More and more, it consumes a substantial chunk of the typical family budget.

–Jobs: Energy policy can create – or destroy – jobs in multiple ways. More expensive fuel can increase the cost of doing business and make all sorts of consumer goods less affordable. And in a more direct way, domestic energy activity, whether building wind power plants, drilling exploratory wells in Alaska, or expanding gas production in one of the many shale formations around the country, creates jobs.

–National infrastructure: A generation ago, a nation in the midst of a deep depression put its support behind the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, an 800-mile-long piece of infrastructure than enabled producers in the northernmost part of Alaska to move their oil to the port of Valdez in the south, and on to consumers in the lower 48 states. For 35 years that pipeline has continued to serve as a critical vessel for transporting fuel. These days, it’s common for politicians to voice support for the sort of large infrastructure projects that not only create jobs but also lay the physical foundation for our nation’s growth. But we’re less likely to see them follow through. The Keystone XL Pipeline, one of the largest infrastructure projects to be proposed in recent years, was recently rejected by the Administration. As for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, its future remains in limbo. With oil production in Northern Alaska declining, new supplies of oil from offshore Alaska will be needed to keep the pipeline open and keep fueling consumers on the West Coast. There’s also a shortage of other key energy infrastructure such as solar and wind transmission lines.  Simply put, a strong energy future will require us to maintain and expand our nation’s ailing energy infrastructure.

This election season, we’re going to hear an awful lot of rhetoric about creating jobs, growing the middle class and building for our future. But rhetoric won’t pay the heating bill and it won’t help you find a job. Energy matters to all of us. We need to support policymakers who not only talk the talk, but also walk the walk.

David Holt
President

Tell the Obama Administration That We Need to Build the Keystone XL Pipeline

The construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline will provide significant economic benefits to American workers and American energy consumers across the United States. Despite the enormous impact the pipeline will have for our nation’s energy security, the Obama Administration had refused to green-light construction until after this year’s presidential election. After years of environmental review and the recent months of high-stake politicking, Congress determined it was time for the President to make a decision.

Unfortunately, President Obama has decided to put the agenda of opposition groups before America’s economy and energy security. Now it’s up to us to make our voices heard and make sure the president reverses course and approves the Keystone XL Pipeline, as well as the jobs, investment and energy security that come with it.

For more information please go to www.buildkxlnow.org

Looking Forward to Energy Day 2012

Now that the inaugural Energy Day festival has come and gone, it is time we look forward to the future and Energy Day 2012. Energy Day 2012 will take place at Hermann Square, City Hall in Downtown Houston, Texas on Saturday, October 20, 2012. The festival will once again feature  live music, food, contests and most importantly interactive exhibits and demonstrations showcasing all forms of energy from oil and natural gas to solar and hydropower and everything in between, as well as efficiency and conservation.

CEA will also continue working with our Academic Partners to engage students in energy education through the Energy Day Academic Program (EDAP).  EDAP was created to reward students who strive for greatness in energy-related academic competitions that run throughout the school year.   Those who win at an Energy Day Academic Program event will be awarded for their excellence and commitment to energy and education.  The 2012 Energy Day Academic Program consists of the following competitions:

February 18, 2012: The HoustonWorks USA & Schlumberger E2 Engineering Excellence Competition

March 1-3, 2012: The Science and Engineering Fair of Houston

March 31, 2012: The CSTEM Challenge

May 2012: Houston: Energy City of the Future 2050 Competition

May 19, 2012: The Children’s Museum of Houston Young Inventors’ Showcase

Spring 2012: The HGS/HMNS/CEA Art, Essay & Media Contests

For more information on Energy Day 2012 or the 2012 EDAP events, please contact Kathleen Koehler at KKoehler@consumerenergyalliance.org.

CEA In the News

CEA finished 2012 with a strong presence in the media.  Throughout the month of January CEA received media hits from all forms of media including radio, TV, blogs, news articles, press releases and more.  The topics with significant contributions to this success are the Keystone XL Debate and the President’s State of the Union Address.

A few of the highlights of CEA’s recent media success:

  • Keystone XL
    • This press release from CEA Affiliate National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) describes the disappointment with President Obama’s decision not to build KXL.
    • Read CEA President David Holt’s view on how the denial of KXL will hurt the country here.
    • CEA helped place this piece which discusses the positive views of Keystone XL.
    • Hot Air discusses how the rejection of Keystone XL by President Obama may affect the upcoming elections.
    • President SOTU
      • This article provides statements from CEA President David Holt as well as other industry experts on their reactions to President Obama’s address
      • Big Government published this blog written by David Holt.

That is just a small sampling of CEA’s public presence in the media over the past 30 days.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Craig Koshkin at CKoshkin@consumerenergyalliance.org.

Upcoming Events

HoustonWorks USA & Schlumberger E2 Engineering Excellence Competition

February 18, 2012

Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston, Texas

The Fourth Annual E2 Engineering Excellence Competition sponsored by HoustonWorks USA and Schlumberger invites students from elementary, middle, and high schools to compete during this city-wide event. The competition is open to public, private, charter, and home school students who have an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

This competition provides students with a STEM foundation to successfully compete with their peers, and it encourages them to create and explore a vision of future technology by combining their imaginations with the tools of science. It also provides students an opportunity that requires them to use skills such as problem-solving, research and presentation skills, practical math, science applications, and computer skills.

For information on entering or questions, please contact Francheska Williams at 713.654.1919 Ext. 1212 or STEM@Houstonworks.org.

Winning students will be recognized at the E2 Engineering Excellence Competition Awards Ceremony, will receive awards at Energy Day, and will be invited to display their projects at Energy Day on October 20, 2012.

 

Science and Engineering Fair of Houston

March 1-3, 2012

George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, Texas

Since 1960, SEFH has promoted the “learning and applications of science and technology” for Texas junior and senior high schools students in Houston and the surrounding 23-county area. SEFH is a regional fair, associated with the INTEL International Science & Engineering Fair and is one of the largest pre-college STEM activities in the U.S.

March 1 is project registration and setup day; March 2 is judging day; and on March 3, the projects are on public display from 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. in Hall D of the George R. Brown Convention Center. The Awards Ceremony is from 2:30-5:30 p.m. in Hall D.

For information on entering or questions, please visit www.sefhouston.org.

Winning students will be recognized at the SEFH Awards Ceremony, will receive awards at Energy Day, and will be invited to display their projects at Energy Day on October 20, 2012.

Reliable Renewables

Reliable Renewables, LLC was founded to develop, market, own, and operate biomass gasification energy centers with technology refined and utilized in Europe to meet aggressive renewable targets and incentives.  They believe this technology has the ability to positively impact communities, energy consumers, and the environment – with compelling economics

Reliable Renewables, LLC, develops markets, owns, and operates biomass gasification energy centers.  They produce renewable synthetic gas and electricity when consumers need it – anytime, all the time.

Their energy centers are small enough to be considered distributed generation and large enough to power thousands of homes.  Reliable Renewables, LLC reduces consumers’ energy costs by locating energy centers adjacent to fuel supplies, and by enabling local combined heat and power (CHP) applications.

Their energy centers produce no smoke and discharge no effluent.  Additional environmental benefits include the production of biochar, a soil additive that reduces crop water and fertilizer consumption, and sequesters carbon.

For more information please visit the Reliable Renewables website: http://www.rrbtu.com.

Consumer Energy Alliance’s Whatley discusses details of an all-of the-above strategy

http://www.eenews.net/tv/2012/02/06/

How can Congress and the Obama administration achieve an all-of-the-above energy policy? What could the impacts be on consumers? During today’s OnPoint, Michael Whatley, executive vice president at the Consumer Energy Alliance, discusses the details of an all-of-the-above energy approach and explains why he believes the Keystone XL pipeline proposal serves the interest of American consumers.

Transcript

Monica Trauzzi: Hello and welcome to OnPoint. I’m Monica Trauzzi. Joining me today is Michael Whatley, executive vice president of the Consumer Energy Alliance. Michael, thanks for joining me today.

Michael Whatley: Thank you so much for having us on.

Monica Trauzzi: Michael, lots of talk in Washington about an all-of-the-above approach to energy policy. What does that actually mean and how can the U.S. get there?

Michael Whatley: Well, you know, what it means is that we do need to have advances in the production and consumption of alternative and renewable fuels and we certainly agree with the president on the need for that. But it also has to take into account that, you know, coal for example, is generating more than 50 percent of the electricity we use. Oil, gasoline and diesel are going to be the bedrock fuels that are going to power the transportation system for quite a while. Natural gas is obviously a key critical factor for anything that we’re going to be doing going forward. So, you know, when we say that we need it all, we really do need to keep all of these fuel types on the table and we need to get away from conversations that have to do with either or.

Monica Trauzzi: And aren’t all these things items that the president mentioned in his State of the Union address, in particular on natural gas and offshore drilling for example?

Michael Whatley: They certainly are, you know, and we were excited to hear the president talk about the need for all of these different fuel types, but at the same time, you know, there were a number of things that were mentioned in the speech that gave us some cause for concern and then, frankly, there were some things that were left out of the speech that gave us cause for concern as well. You know, for example, Keystone XL was not discussed at all and we think that that’s a huge issue that needs to be put on the table, the fact that we had gasoline prices at record annual average highs in 2011, diesel prices as well. They’re projected to be even higher this year. We feel that there needs to be a tremendous focus on domestic and North American energy production that we’re not seeing out of the administration at this point. You know, with electricity prices and reliability, the president has continued to focus on the need for renewable fuels and expansion there. But the EPA has been moving forward with regulations that are putting multiple coal-fired power plants at risk that are going to threaten the reliability of the grid. We think that needs to be addressed as well. And on natural gas, as excited as the president was when he was talking about it, we’ve seen a fairly concerted effort by EPA and other departments in the administration to really crack down on hydraulic fracturing, which has brought about that revolution.

Monica Trauzzi: All right, so much of what the administration has done here in terms of these regulations relates directly to the environmental impacts that these sources of energy are having. How high on the list for you is the environment then when you’re considering energy policy?

Michael Whatley: Well, it’s tremendously important you know, but I think that there is a fallacy that is put forward by the environmental community that we can either have domestic energy production or we can protect the environment. We strongly disagree with that view. You know, we can have responsible energy development that is going to protect the environment —

Monica Trauzzi: But isn’t that what these regulations are trying to do, they’re trying to make it responsible?

Michael Whatley: Well, there is a fundamental tension that’s going to be in it and, you know, the regulations, you know, that we’re looking at are obviously designed to protect the environment. But EPA has had — made no bones about the fact that they view their mission, in terms of setting up a regulatory regime, is to phase out coal. And, frankly, the renewable and alternative energy sources that we’re looking at in this country are not ready to take on a mainstream, base load function and be able to replace coal. So until that happens, if we’re phasing out coal too fast, then we’re going to have reliability issues.

Monica Trauzzi: OK, on Keystone XL, it’s a big issue for Republicans right now. If the goal is to provide maximum benefits for Americans, why would we build a pipeline whose energy is not necessarily guaranteed to go back to Americans?

Michael Whatley: Well, the simple fact of the matter is that we import a tremendous amount of oil from places all around the world right now. Canada is our biggest supporter. But the sources that are feeding the refineries in the Gulf Coast complex, Mexico and Venezuela, those sources are turning down. We’re getting less from them every day and those are going to have to be replaced and we would feel that those should be better replaced by Canadian imports than imports from the Middle East. We also feel that the Balkan Interconnect and being able to advance development in that play is very critical and right now it’s absolutely land constrained. So the question isn’t are we going to import oil, because unfortunately we are going to continue to rely on imports. The question is where are they going to come from?

Monica Trauzzi: So, from your perspective, if this is a serious goal of the administration to advance this all-of-the-above approach to energy policy, then what do we need to see from the administration and from Congress in the short term?

Michael Whatley: Well, I think what we need to see is an increased focus on domestic oil and gas production. What we’ve got is the Gulf of Mexico is still not producing anywhere near the levels that it was pre-Macondo. We have Keystone XL, which has been punted for, you know, at least another year or so. The president’s — the Department of Interior’s five-year plan that they’re moving forward on right now does not open up any new areas in the mid-Atlantic or the south Atlantic. It has reduced lease sales in Alaska. So we need to bring these on board. The administration needs to move aggressively to open up the resources that we have in Alaska and make sure —

Monica Trauzzi: And the administration did indicate — the president indicated that that’s what he would like to do.

Michael Whatley: Yes and we really hope that the administration is going to follow, you know, the speech and actually move forward on those things. Because what we’ve seen over the last three years is rhetoric that has been focused on, you know, announcing the need for these things to happen, but what we’ve seen in regulation and we’ve seen in administrative action has been 180° from that.

Monica Trauzzi: All right, we’ll end it there. Thank you for coming on the show.

Michael Whatley: Thank you.

Monica Trauzzi: And thanks for watching. We’ll see you back here tomorrow.

[End of Audio]

Issue of the week: Preparing today for tomorrow’s nuclear power

A detailed report released in January from the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future has gotten us focused on nuclear energy, an important piece of our national energy strategy. Like all sources of power, nuclear brings a unique set of benefits and challenges. But nuclear power also has a lot in common with other fuel sources. For one thing, it cannot be expected to be the sole source of all of our country’s future fuel needs, but it can play a vital role in an inclusive “all of the above” energy policy. And, like all fuel sources – from natural gas to solar energy – ensuring sufficient supply tomorrow requires investment and planning today.

One of the ongoing challenges facing the nuclear industry is the expense of managing nuclear waste.  Decades ago, the federal government assumed responsibility for long-term management of the waste and began charging utilities and their consumers fees dedicated to the Nuclear Waste Fund – now a $27 billion account. But, years of political impasse have prevented a real solution from moving forward, leaving ratepayers to bare the expenses of onsite waste management all while continuing to pay $750 million in the more or less idled Nuclear Waste Fund. As the report highlights, the decision of the Obama Administration to halt work on a Yucca Mountain storage site in Nevada was a major setback for long-term management, but also stresses that policy makers have for decades failed to reach a sound solution for safely managing nuclear waste. “The United States has traveled nearly 25 years down the current path only to come to a point where continuing to rely on the same approach seems destined to bring further controversy, litigation, and protracted delay,” the report says.

It is worth stressing here, that U.S. demand for nuclear power is continuing to grow, even as efforts to devise a federal waste management system have stalled. The Commission’s report strongly suggests that the government’s longstanding failure to address what they call, “the back end of the nuclear fuel cycle,” does not mean that utilities cannot safely manage the waste on site, but rather a failure to develop consolidated, safe storage and disposal sites will mean escalating expenses for utilities in the future. The Commission outlines a set of very detailed recommendations, including the development of one or more interim storage facilities, a viable waste-management plan that could be available within five to ten years since a long-term disposal facility – such as Yucca Mountain – will not be ready for decades. Even better for consumers, the report recommends allowing access to monies in the Nuclear Waste Fund to pay for interim storage and provide relief to utilities and ratepayers who have paid billions of dollars for onsite storage.  The Commission also recommends the establishment of a corporate-style organization charged with overseeing this process and managing access to the Fund. By removing layers of bureaucracy and shielding this organization for political infighting, hopefully we can move forward with a reasonable, timely resolution. Finally, it recommends that the United States take a leadership role in international safety, waste management, non-proliferation and other security concerns, something we can all support.

CEA supports these recommendations. In all our work toward achieving a sound national energy strategy, we are repeatedly reminded that we have to plan today to meet tomorrow’s demand. Often that means drilling exploratory wells, building renewable energy transmission technology, or investing in technology that will let us access fuel located in deepwater or shale rock. When it comes to nuclear power, it’s clear that future growth will depend on finding a safe, affordable system for storing nuclear waste. It’s a problem that requires our attention today.

Consumer Energy Alliance Supports House Resources Committee Legislation Promoting Domestic Energy Development

Consumer Energy Alliance Supports House Resources Committee Legislation Promoting Domestic Energy Development
Legislation Provides a Good First-Step in an “All of the Above” Energy Strategy

HOUSTON, TX: Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) today announced its support for the House Natural Resources Committee’s consideration and approval of key energy legislation.

The House Natural Resources Committee will mark up three pieces of legislation which will drastically increase access to domestic energy resources.  The three bills, H.R. 3407, H.R. 3408, and H.R. 3410, will direct the development of an oil and gas leasing program for the coastal plain of Alaska, set clear rules for the development of oil shale resources, and direct the lease sales of additional offshore oil and gas resources on the outer continental shelf and off the coast of Virginia.

CEA President, David Holt, released the following statement:

“Consumer Energy Alliance strongly supports these three critical pieces of legislation.  We congratulate Chairman Hastings and all the Members of the Natural Resources Committee for their consistent commitment to responsible use and development of our nation’s abundant energy resources.”

“CEA supports the development of all energy sources, both traditional and alternative, and these bills will help accomplish our goals of energy security, fuel diversity, and greater affordability.  With nearly 25 million Americans out of work, expanded American energy production will also create jobs and provide the stable and abundant energy supplies needed to spur our continued economic recovery.”

“During this year’s State of the Union address, President Obama expressed his support for continued and expanded development of domestic energy resources.  These bills will help accomplish those goals and help reduce the reliance on foreign sources of energy.  We support the approval of these bills by the House Resources Committee, and look forward to their enactment.”

CEA Welcomes American Rental Association as Newest CEA Affiliate Member

CEA Welcomes American Rental Association as Newest CEA Affiliate Member

HOUSTON, TX – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is pleased to announce that the American Rental Association (ARA) has joined as its newest affiliate member.  ARA is an international trade association that represents the equipment rental companies and the manufacturers and suppliers of rental equipment.  Given their status as an equipment supplier to the energy industry, as well as a significant consumer of fuel, ARA will work with CEA to promote an energy policy that benefits consumers with lower prices through the safe and responsible development of our natural resources and.

The American Rental Association’s members operate in all 50 states and beyond.  The association has more than 7,500 rental businesses and 1,100 manufacturers and suppliers.

“The American Rental Association is pleased to join Consumer Energy Alliance and to build on the important work the organization is doing to promote a balanced, sensible energy policy that benefits our membership.  This partnership with CEA makes sense for ARA’s members,” said ARA Vice President for Government Affairs John McClelland.  “Many of our members depend on a thriving energy sector.  We supply the heavy equipment used across the industry – from the construction and servicing of pipelines, like Keystone XL, to industrial users like refineries.  And as consumers, our members also depend on affordable gasoline and diesel prices to fuel their fleets. ”

“We are excited to have such an important industry join CEA.  Construction companies and industrial users – often associated with energy development – depend on the availability of heavy duty equipment.  The small businesses that make up ARA’s membership are a critical part of the energy sector, and their voice needs to be heard in the energy debate,” CEA President David Holt said regarding ARA’s decision to join the coalition.  “We look forward to working with ARA to enhance the discussion of energy policy in this country and to promote projects and development that support ARA’s membership.”

To learn more about the American Rental Association, please visit www.ararental.org.

Consumer Energy Alliance Welcomes Recommendations on Nuclear Fuel Management

Consumer Energy Alliance Welcomes Recommendations on Nuclear Fuel Management

Houston, TX – Today, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) welcomed the findings of the President’s Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future and applauded the Commission’s sound recommendations for advancing strategic used-fuel management.  The Commission, charged with developing a new strategy for nuclear spent fuel management, delivered the results of its two-year investigation to Energy Secretary Dr. Chu today.

Principally, the Commission has identified initiatives that would allow for a sustainable, safe, and secure method to transport and store spent fuel in a few interim storage facilities, allowing around 75 current and decommissioned nuclear facilities across the United States to remove the waste from on-site storage.  The recommendations specifically call for the establishment of one or more consolidated interim storage facilities, the creation of a congressionally chartered organization dedicated to waste management, and the amendment of current law to allow this organization to use revenues from the existing Nuclear Waste Fund.

In response to the report, CEA president David Holt praised the recommendations offering the following statements:

“By transporting spent fuel to a willing interim storage site(s), utilities and their consumers would have a waste management option that could be available in less than ten years.  Any other solution is likely decades away from realization.  Since 1983, ratepayers have annually paid $750 million into the mandated Nuclear Waste Fund without any solution. The Commission rightfully acknowledges that these funds must be used in a way that safeguards consumer payments and ensures that electricity consumers will not bare these expenses in vain.  Moreover, interim storage will permit decommissioned plants the ability to transfer fuel and finally complete their cleanup, an objective many states can easily rally around.”

“Congress and the Administration must move quickly to adopt these recommendations and move forward with interim storage now.  Nuclear energy must remain a vital part of a balanced, thoughtful energy portfolio.  We strongly believe this report contains rational, solution-driven policies that can and must be met with bipartisan support, and we look forward to urging our Congressional leaders to adopt these recommendations as expeditiously as possible.”

Consumer Energy Alliance announced it will soon launch efforts in support of the Commission’s recommendations and a stronger future for nuclear energy in the United States.

Walking the walk

President Obama scored a lot of points in our book for his discussion of national energy policy in his State of the Union address Tuesday evening, starting with the prominence he gave the topic in his speech and the time he devoted to it. Energy policy is critical to our national economy and the President did a good job of explaining why it is so important to a country finally showing signs of recovery.

Most notably, we’re heartened to hear Obama pledge to expand production of domestic oil and natural gas – both onshore and off – and renewable energy. President Obama was, of course, correct in saying that it is time to stop rewarding businesses that ship jobs overseas, and by committing to increasing fuel production inside our borders, he is taking a positive step in that direction. For too long, too much of our offshore oil reserves have been inaccessible. And while natural gas production from shale rock is booming, the sector has been mired in uncertainty over future policy. By committing to producing more of this gas and doing so safely, the President struck the right tone.

Now, we don’t agree 100% with everything President Obama said. When he stated that American oil production is at its highest level in eight years, he failed to mention that it can take years for production to come online after lengthy approvals, permitting and exploration. Clearly some of that production for which Mr. Obama is taking credit reflects the policies of prior administrations. Under the current Administration, permitting in the Gulf of Mexico has been slow, even after the official moratorium on offshore drilling was lifted.  Meanwhile, up in Alaska plans for offshore drilling have been stalled for years due to bureaucratic delays and administrative challenges.

There’s also the matter of what remained unsaid on Tuesday evening. No mention was made of the Keystone XL Pipeline, the major energy infrastructure project – recently rejected by the Obama Administration – which would have provided a reliable source of Canadian oil and generated thousands of jobs for Americans in construction, maintenance, and operation. Clearly such a decision is inconsistent with President Obama’s stated focus on economic growth and job creation.

So while Mr. Obama clearly talked the talk on Tuesday evening, we’re hopeful he’ll realize it’s time to walk the walk. Energy policy affects all of us in so many ways: from the amount we pay to fuel our cars and heat our homes to the jobs and infrastructure creation that domestic energy production supports, to the security it affords us. These are all complex issues that cannot be fully addressed in a single speech.

Still, standing up in front of the country and making such a strong commitment to domestic oil and gas production, as well as investments in renewable energy, is a major step in the right direction, and we commend the President for taking such a strong stance.

CEA Applauds President’s New Dedication to U.S. Energy Policy

CEA Applauds President’s New Dedication to U.S. Energy Policy
“All of the Above” Strategy Needed, but Federal Agencies Remain Fixated on Blocking US Oil and Gas Production.

HOUSTON, TX – In response to the President’s third State of the Union address, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) President, David Holt issued the following statement:

“It is encouraging to hear the President emphasize the need for an ‘all of the above’ energy portfolio and call for expanded oil and natural gas development, which would indeed provide great benefits to American consumers – and we hope that the officials who regulate energy exploration and production throughout the Administration follow through on the President’s statements tonight.

“Natural gas is indeed a game-changer for the U.S. economy, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and revitalizing entire regional economies. However, in spite of all this, multiple federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Interior, have imposed enormous regulatory burdens that threaten to stifle the same natural gas production that the President praised in his speech.

“Similarly, while the President seemed to acknowledge the need for increased domestic oil production to reduce record-high gasoline and diesel prices, we have seen his Administration shut down the Gulf of Mexico with a moratorium, continue to block permits to allow exploration and production in Alaska and deny a permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline.

“CEA is hopeful that the President’s words tonight will result in federal agency deeds. America needs less regulatory oversight and more domestic energy production. Without a doubt, it will mark a tremendous change of direction for his Administration if he does.”

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