API Missouri Energy Symposium focuses on economic opportunity
KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 6, 2012 – The American Petroleum Institute today hosted a “Missouri Energy Symposium” at the National World War I Memorial to discuss the job-creating impact of new U.S. energy production and the resulting manufacturing prospects for Missouri, as part of its national energy conversation “Vote 4 Energy.”
“Poll after poll shows American voters think we’re on the wrong track,” said API President and CEO Jack Gerard. “Elected officials and candidates need to hear from voters about the energy challenges they face, and why making the right decisions on energy is so important for our future.”
A recent poll of registered national voters, conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of API, found that 70 percent agreed that some in Washington are delaying development of domestic oil and natural gas, which could hurt our economy and lead to higher energy costs for consumers. Sixty-eight percent believe America will need more oil and natural gas in the future, and almost 90 percent felt that more oil and natural gas development will lead to more American jobs. Seventy percent of voters we polled said they supported increased access to domestic oil and natural gas. This support crossed party lines: Republicans (82 percent), Democrats (60 percent) and Independents (67 percent). And a majority supported increased access regardless of gender, age or income level.
“API is encouraging policymakers, Congress and the administration to make the choices that put us on the right track to economic growth and job creation,” added Gerard. “Getting on the right track requires engaging the American people. As advocates of the industry, we work hard to make sure people have access to the best information available.”
API announced during the event that the Helmets to Hardhats – a program that places veterans in training programs in the construction trades – will receive a $50,000 contribution from several oil and natural gas industry companies and labor unions: Brotherhood Bank, Enbridge Energy Company, IBEW Local 124, Kansas City Building Trades, Oil and Natural Gas Industry Labor Management Committee, Pipefitters 533, Roofers Local 20, Sheet Metal Local 2, Sprinklerfitters 314, and TransCanada Corporation.
“On this 68th anniversary of D-Day, we are proud to support this effort to help train our returning veterans, who have given so much for our country, for the good jobs that our industry has to offer,” said Gerard.
API represents more than 500 oil and natural gas companies, leaders of a technology-driven industry that supplies most of America’s energy, supports 9.2 million U.S. jobs and 7.7 percent of the U.S. economy, delivers more than $86 million a day in revenue to our government, and, since 2000, has invested more than $2 trillion in U.S. capital projects to advance all forms of energy, including alternatives.
-Reid Porter
