Congress will soon consider new taxes and fees on America’s oil and natural gas industry that would be detrimental to our economy—less energy, jobs and government revenue. Learn more and tell Congress to oppose these proposals.
The 49th state in the Union is marked by its uniqueness. Alaska is the largest of all 50 states. It is the only state where the sun doesn't set in summer and doesn't rise far above the horizon in the winter. It contains some of America's largest oil and natural gas deposits, many of which remain untapped. And its residents could be more affected by the Waxman-Markey climate bill than many other U.S. citizens.
As I've mentioned numerous times in this blog, the Waxman-Markey bill could sharply raise energy costs and kill jobs, according to studies. In Alaska, it also could have a severe impact on the purchasing power of each household, lowering it by as much as $3,890 a year by 2030.
Did you know that the laws of supply and demand have a huge impact on energy costs?
As the Associated Press reported on Aug. 27, the price of natural gas fell to its lowest level in seven years last week after the Energy Information Administration reported that underground storage areas are filling up. In trading last Thursday, natural gas prices dropped to as low as $2.692 per 1,000 cubic feet--the lowest price since August 7, 2002.
If you ever want to see democracy in action, attend an Energy Citizens rally for jobs and affordable energy. Thursday, at the rally in Tampa, Florida, 175 people of all ages came together in hopes of sending a message to their elected officials in Tallahassee and Washington.
When she was asked why she decided to attend the Energy Citizens rally in Nashville, the woman in the white sweater said simply, "passion." And Tonya Jones' passion showed when she got onto the stage and explained that she is a small business owner who can't afford the provisions in the House-passed climate bill.
She wasn't alone. As the audience of 325 people listened respectfully, similar warnings were issued by speakers from the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and the American Farm Bureau. They agreed that the U.S. Senate should scrap the Waxman-Markey bill and start over.
It's always interesting to see how politicians use different words to describe the same thing. For example, some members of Congress call the Waxman-Markey bill that narrowly passed in the House an energy bill, while others call it a climate bill. In truth, it is a tax bill that, according to studies, threatens to sharply raise gasoline and diesel fuel costs as well as eliminate millions of jobs.
How did you get to work, to school, or to the grocery store today? If you're like most Americans, you took some form of transportation powered by gasoline or diesel fuel. In the United States, where personal mobility is critically important, fuels refined from oil are a necessity. They power cars, trucks, buses, airplanes, trains, and are integral to the American way of life.
At 7:26 a.m., Friday, August 21, in Lima, Ohio, the lead story on the local NBC newscast showed hundreds of people lining up in a parking lot for free food. They stood behind a panel truck from the West Ohio Food Bank as cardboard boxes were handed down to them.
One man standing in line said he was laid off in April. Others had similar stories.
Two more CRA International studies have been released, citing the likely economic impact of the Waxman-Markey bill. They show that the bill, if enacted, would reduce the number of jobs and lower purchasing power in both Ohio and New Mexico.
In a move to improve U.S. energy security, the U.S. State Department today issued a Presidential Permit to Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership allowing the construction of the Alberta Clipper pipeline. This pipeline--which will be built on an existing Enbridge right-of-way--will bring a steady supply of Canadian crude oil to refineries in the United States.
As Energy Citizens are preparing to rally in North Carolina, a new study shows that as many as 87,000 jobs could be wiped out in the state if the House-passed climate bill becomes law. The study also projects that the average North Carolina household would see its purchasing power fall by as much as $840 a year, and the state domestic product would fall by 1.6 percent. The impact on the state's economy could be devastating as tax revenues shrink, taking away much-needed funds for schools, police and fire departments, and hospitals.
For those of you who couldn't attend yesterday's Energy Citizens rally in Houston, we've posted a video about the event. As you'll see, the crowd donned the yellow T-shirts passed out at the door, waved signs and listened intently to the speakers.
According to API's monthly statistics report, July oil product deliveries--a measure of demand--fell 3.0 percent from a year ago, which slowed the rate of decline by half compared with the first half of the year.
About 3,500 people streamed into Houston's Verizon Wireless Center today to remind Congress that energy is the backbone of the U.S. economy. Many wore bright yellow T-shirts emblazoned with "I'm an Energy Citizen," and hundreds signed petitions opposing the House-passed climate bill. Studies have shown that the bill will greatly increase fuel prices and eliminate millions of jobs.
This week's episode focuses on the recent tour of oil sands operations in Alberta, Canada that I've been posting about frequently. As I've mentioned, oil sands are a critically important resource, providing crude oil to the United States. Of the more than 2 million barrels of Canadian crude oil that are imported to the U.S. every day, about half is derived from Canada's abundant oil sands.
As the Senate will soon debate its version of a climate change bill, last Friday, a CRA International analysis of the "American Clean Energy and Security Act"--which passed by a narrow 219-212 House vote in June--reveals the devastating impact the legislation would have on Texans.
A lot of reporters and bloggers have been jumping to conclusions about the rallies being organized in the next couple of weeks. Some have written that we're "taking a cue" from the health care opponents who've been attending town hall meetings across the country. Others are accusing us of Astroturfing. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
Here are facts. API and other groups have come together in a loose alliance called Energy Citizens to give Americans the opportunity to remind Congress that energy is the backbone of the nation's economy and way of life. As part of the effort, local individuals and organizations will be participating in "Rallies for Jobs and Affordable Energy" in 19 states during the congressional recess.
Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a new petroleum market "price manipulation" rule that could lead to a less competitive market--hurting American consumers of gasoline, diesel and other petroleum products. Furthermore, it could discourage companies from providing information to the marketplace.
As the Senate Finance Committee continues its series of hearings on climate change, it is encouraging that senators are considering issues related to the distribution of free allowances under a cap-and-trade system.
Senators should understand that copying the ill-conceived House approach will not contribute to a comprehensive energy policy that creates jobs, grows the economy and addresses climate change. The House approach places a disproportionate burden on all consumers of gasoline, diesel fuel, heating oil, jet fuel, propane and other petroleum products.
Why would the United States Congress snub its nose at our neighbors to the north? It's a very good question, and one that leaves us scratching our heads. Please allow me to explain.
Recently the U.S. Senate took up the defense appropriations bill, which gave it the opportunity to correct the flaws in Section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. This act contains language that could prohibit federal agencies from procuring fuel from U.S. refiners that use Canadian oil sands-derived crude oil as their feedstock.
Jack Gerard
Jane Van Ryan
