WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a letter sent to U.S. President Barack Obama and Interior Secretary Sally Jewell today, groups representing consumers, businesses, and manufacturers from across the country urged the Obama administration to preserve its proposed 2017-2022 offshore oil and natural gas lease sales for the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska’s Beaufort and Chukchi Seas and Cook Inlet without any additional removals and not to take any executive actions that would remove these or any other areas from consideration under future offshore leasing programs. A decision on the 2017-2022 leasing program is expected in November.
Spearheaded by Consumer Energy Alliance in partnership with the National Association of Manufacturers and U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the letter effort secured 107 signatories representing a multitude of sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and construction.
“Thanks to the U.S. Energy Revolution, American families and businesses have more energy security and are more energy self-sufficient today than we have been in decades – despite efforts by a few vocal agitators who want to stop any and all energy development at the expense of American jobs, businesses and families across the nation,” said Consumer Energy Alliance President David Holt. “The broad geographic and economic spectrum reflected in today’s letter underscores the critical importance of America’s offshore energy resources to a multitude of communities and businesses throughout the economy. We need to start adopting common-sense approaches that support rational, logical, fact-based dialogue and reject a “just say NO” energy strategy. It is time we take accountability through responsible energy development that protects not only the environment but hard-working people in our communities.”
In the letter, over 100 organizations noted that domestic offshore oil and natural gas development helps a diverse range of interests across the U.S. economy more affordably and reliably meet their energy needs, while supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and our environmental security. They went on to say that offshore development also generates tens of billions of dollars in economic activity and government revenue, and safeguards U.S. national security by reducing our exposure to geopolitical uncertainty and decreasing our dependence on foreign sources of energy.
“Manufacturers need adequate, secure, reliable and affordable energy and raw materials to compete in the global marketplace and a strong plan to develop energy offshore is vital to manufacturers’ success,” said Ross Eisenberg, National Association of Manufacturers Vice President of Energy and Resources Policy. “The Administration faces a critical decision as it finalizes its offshore leasing plan: will manufacturers continue to enjoy an energy advantage, or will these resources be closed off to them? The NAM is proud to stand side by side with this broad coalition of business and consumer voices to call on the President to support energy development in the Gulf of Mexico and the Arctic.”
“Policymakers and regulators must not give in to the “keep it in the ground” approach that would result in higher prices for consumers and economic harm for our nation,” said Karen Harbert, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy. “While it was very shortsighted to prohibit any exploration off of our mid Atlantic coast over industry and state objections, it is imperative that we maintain robust offshore energy production in the Gulf and the Arctic to allow America’s manufacturing renaissance to continue and improve our security and competitiveness. That’s why such a broad coalition has come together to stress the importance of maintaining the existing areas available for exploration.”
About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together consumers, farmers, small businesses, producers and manufacturers to engage in a meaningful dialogue about America's energy future. With more than 400,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all consumers to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop and diversify our energy resources and energy's importance to the economy. CEA promotes a thoughtful dialogue to help produce our abundant energy supply, and balance our energy needs with our nation's environmental and conservation goals. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.
About the National Association of Manufacturers
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12 million men and women, contributes $2.17 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the National Association of Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org
About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. The mission of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy is to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders, and the American public behind a common sense energy strategy to help keep America secure, prosperous, and clean. Through policy development, education, and advocacy, the Institute is building support for meaningful action at the local, state, national, and international levels.
