Document 6bzZwdGpkZv5YpE0JjGx33ra3

To: leila_getto@ios.doi.gov[leila_getto@ios.doi.gov] From: Jack Gerard, API Sent: 2018-01-17T10:57:24-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Offshore Energy is Critical to Future Energy Security Received: 2018-01-17T10:57:30-05:00 Click to view this email in a browser January 17, 2018 Dear Leila, The Trump administration's new plan to expand offshore energy development recognizes that access to offshore resources is critical to future U.S. energy security. Government estimates indicate 90 billion barrels of oil and 327 trillion cubic feet of natural gas could be awaiting discovery on the U.S. outer continental shelf (OCS). But existing policy has kept 94 percent of federal offshore waters off limits to responsible exploration. Opening additional areas to development could generate hundreds of thousands of jobs and lead to production gains of more than a million barrels of oil equivalent per day - further reducing dependence on overseas energy. Whenever offshore energy policy is in the spotlight, two questions arise: Is it safe? And do we really need more energy right now? The fact is offshore operations are safer today than ever before. Advanced technology, safety standards, best practices, and regulations are designed to protect workers, the environment and marine life. Since 2010, more than 100 standards were created or strengthened, including for improved safety and environmental management, well design, blowout prevention, and spill response. Offshore operations have coexisted successfully with industries like commercial and recreational fishing and tourism for decades. Further, our industry works with the U.S. Department of Defense to ensure all offshore operations take place without any impact to existing or future military activities. Next is the question of urgency. Considering the United States leads the world in production and refining of natural gas and oil, should expanding offshore exploration be a priority right now? Absolutely. We didn't reach our current level of energy security overnight. Given the long lead time necessary in offshore development, it's good common sense to keep as many options on the table as possible in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic. Decisions we make today determine our energy security 15 years into the future, and beyond. A recent Washington Post article on U.S. energy security stated, "The current abundance has erased memories of 1973 gas lines, which raised pump prices dramatically, traumatizing the United States and reordering its economy." Our success may erase those memories, but it doesn't erase the need to move forward. Eighty percent of U.S. voters support increased domestic natural gas and oil production, and government projections show we'll need it. Under those projections, natural gas and oil will supply an estimated 60 percent of U.S. energy needs in 2040, and worldwide energy demand will jump almost 30 percent in the coming decades. It's time we take advantage of the wealth of offshore energy waiting to be unlocked. Sincerely, Jack N. Gerard President & CEO API Offshore Development: Safety Above All Else More than one of every six barrels of oil produced in the United States originates in the Outer Continental Shelf - with 99 percent of that coming from the Gulf of Mexico. Clearly, offshore development is a critical component of U.S. energy security. And it's safer than ever. Learn more about rigorous regulations, enhanced safety practices, cutting-edge technology, and careful planning that keep offshore operations safe. 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