Document 5M9Q70NqrQvmyjgG4gZRrNxR

To: leila_getto@ios.doi.gov[leila_getto@ios.doi.gov] From: Jack Gerard, API Sent: 2018-02-28T09:26:11-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: NAFTA: Keep U.S. Energy Leadership Strong Received: 2018-02-28T09:26:21-05:00 Click to view this email in a browser February 28, 2018 Dear Leila, As representatives from the United States, Canada and Mexico meet again this week to negotiate changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), maintaining policies that have strengthened U.S. energy security is critical. Trade partnerships supported by NAFTA provide for a stable source of energy to supplement our own strong production. As the world's leading natural gas and oil producer, we're importing less and less. And the more of that "less and less" we can source from reliable neighbors in our own continental backyard, the greater our energy security. In fact, projections show North America could be self-sufficient in terms of liquid fuels as soon as 2020. Just as important are the economic benefits generated by our energy exports to Canada and Mexico. Canada is both our No. 1 source of crude oil imports and the No. 1 market for our crude exports. Mexico is our largest outlet for natural gas exports and the No. 1 export market for U.S. finished motor gasoline, accounting for 52 percent of all U.S. gasoline exports. Under NAFTA's important zero tariff and market access policies, U.S. energy resources flow to our neighbors, and profits flow back - generating jobs and growth not just in the energy production sector but in related industries like infrastructure construction and businesses throughout the supply chain. Trade with Canada and Mexico supports 14 million U.S. jobs, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and investments made directly within Canada and Mexico make it easier for U.S. businesses to access resources and secure market access for U.S. products - whether energy products or manufactured goods. That's why a provision called Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) is important. ISDS provides important protections against unfair practices, not just for energy trade but for a variety of U.S. industries - providing U.S. businesses operating across the border a level playing field with local competitors and guaranteeing the same property and due process protections found in the U.S. Constitution. Weakening key provisions like ISDS, or withdrawing from NAFTA, risks undermining U.S. energy security. Mexico's energy market recently was opened to foreign investors for the first time in more than 70 years. Undercutting the competitive advantages ensured by NAFTA could open the door for competitors like Russia and China to increase their presence in our region - a shift that could jeopardize the many economic, security and geopolitical benefits provided by U.S. energy leadership. Modernizing NAFTA is a complex challenge. But the facts are pretty straightforward when it comes to energy. As negotiators work toward agreement, maintaining policies that help keep energy affordable and secure for U.S. consumers will ensure a revamped NAFTA is on the right track. Sincerely, Jack N. Gerard President & CEO API Energy Investments Power Conservation The U.S. natural gas and oil industry is committed not only to the responsible development of energy that powers our daily lives but to constantly innovating and implementing advanced technologies to reduce emissions and produce cleaner fuels. View our new video to learn more about environmental innovations. 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