Document 3J5XOkbZM1e0MOazM238OodQn

To: leila_getto@ios.doi.gov[leila_getto@ios.doi.gov] From: Jack Gerard, API Sent: 2017-10-18T09:28:41-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Offshore Energy Development Can Unlock Jobs, Economic Growth Received: 2017-10-18T09:28:45-04:00 Click to view this email in a browser October 18, 2017 Dear Leila, Offshore natural gas and oil resources are essential to U.S. energy security, yet current policy keeps more than 90 percent of federal offshore resources off limits. That's why we welcome proposals from Congress and the Trump administration to expand our ability to develop offshore energy. Offshore production has accounted for more than 1 million barrels of oil per day for the past 20 years, but that's only a fraction of the potential. Government estimates indicate 90 billion barrels of oil and 327 trillion cubic feet could still be awaiting discovery on the U.S. outer continental shelf (OCS). Based on conservative estimates, we have enough oil and natural gas to fuel 171 million cars for 50 years and heat 68 million households for more than three centuries. And it's likely there is much more oil and natural gas than was previously known in areas where the industry has been unable to explore. Safe, responsible development of those resources represents not just energy security that protects American consumers from disruptions in global supplies, but it also promises jobs and economic growth especially for coastal states. A study a few years ago projected tens of thousands of jobs could be supported in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia by offshore energy activity. In a hearing last week, South Carolina State Sen. Stephen Goldfinch described what offshore energy development would mean to his state: "[A]s you consider this subject, it is imperative that you remember places like Andrews and Conway, and Georgetown South Carolina, where the `golden egg' of tourism hasn't helped eradicate poverty. For those who live in Andrews and Conway and Georgetown, oil and gas would be their `golden egg,' bringing non-seasonal, high-paying jobs - that don't require a college degree - and hope for a prosperous economic future for the generations to come. The time is right to capitalize on this opportunity, and the need in those towns and other places in South Carolina could not be greater or more urgent." Speaking from her state's experience, former U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana explained that it's possible to balance energy production with other important coastal economic activities: "You can have a coast that is a working coast for fisheries, commercial, recreation, eco-tourism, barges, ships, tourism, hotels - we have it all. Now there are risks associated with any kind of economy ... But the whole idea is if you're careful enough and respectful enough you can have a coast that works and employs people. ... We have men and women graduating from high school that are going to work in the oilfield and they don't make minimum wage. They can make $80, $90, $100,000 a year. And that means a lot to their families, and it sends a lot of kids to college from south Louisiana. " We should embrace the opportunity to bring so much benefit to so many people - especially since technological innovation, stringent new safety standards, and strong coordination between federal and state governments and industry ensure offshore energy development is safer than ever. By safely developing our offshore resources, we can join other nations who have already developed or are working to develop their energy resources in the Atlantic. Canada has secured tremendous economic and energy security advantages by developing oil and natural gas off the coasts of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, effectively reviving seaports that were considered "near-extinct," like the town of St. Johns. Cuba and the Bahamas have moved forward with exploratory drilling or development planning. And many other nations are seizing the opportunity to develop oil and natural gas in the Atlantic, including Norway, the United Kingdom, Brazil and Nigeria. Just as important is expanding access in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, where close proximity to existing production and infrastructure can quickly and safely spur investment and economic activity, with the potential to generate thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in government revenue. Eighty percent of U.S. voters support increased domestic oil and natural gas production. By developing more of our offshore resources, we can strengthen energy security, help put downward pressure on prices and provide many thousands of new jobs for Americans. Sincerely, Jack N. Gerard President & CEO API Keystone XL Construction and Families With Nebraska's Public Service Commission nearing a decision by late next month on whether the Keystone XL pipeline - along with its 4,500 Nebraska jobs and $149 million in employee earnings - is in the public interest, construction workers and Nebraska families are speaking out. Learn more about the individuals behind the project's economic benefits. Follow our Blog to stay up-to-date To stay up-to-date on the latest energy-related news, there is no better place to check than the Energy Tomorrow Blog. About API: API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 10.3 million U.S. jobs and nearly 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API's more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation's energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 40 million Americans. To learn more about API and the value of oil and natural gas, please visit API.org. Click to view this email in a browser If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please reply to this message with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line or simply click on the following link: Unsubscribe Jack Gerard, API 1220 L Street, NW Washington, DC 20005 US