Document MMEJ76Kj4bzO3NvYqqXxBRY4k

To: leila_getto@ios.doi.gov[leila_getto@ios.doi.gov] From: Jack Gerard, API Sent: 2018-06-06T09:26:15-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: [EXTERNAL] Energy Infrastructure Investment Can Unlock Jobs, Energy Security Received: 2018-06-06T09:26:17-04:00 Click to view this email in a browser June 6, 2018 Dear Leila, Whether you're driving to work, place of worship or vacation, the nation's network of highways and interstates is there to get you from point A to point B. And if even one lane gets blocked, you notice. Similarly, a nationwide transportation network of pipelines, storage, processing, ports, waterways, and rail is essential to moving natural gas and oil resources across the country. And expanding energy infrastructure capacity can ensure affordable, reliable energy is transported efficiently to American homes and businesses. Our road to the top in world natural gas and oil production has led to growing production in some new areas - areas not always well-connected to the existing energy transportation network. Even established production regions like the Permian Basin in Texas are straining pipeline capacity because production has grown so much. Expanding energy infrastructure to keep pace with the U.S. energy renaissance spells major job opportunities. Private sector investment in energy infrastructure could total $1.34 trillion by 2035 -supporting more than 1 million jobs each year on average, according to a recent ICF study. Skilled workers from the construction and energy industries are ready to go - recently launching a joint pipeline construction safety training program to expand opportunities and reinforce safe practices. Thirty-two percent of today's construction industry workforce is employed on energy projects, amounting to over 2 million workers. Pipeline construction alone supports more than 41,700 jobs for union workers each year, generating over $2.3 billion in wages. These are essential, shovel-ready projects that don't rely on taxpayer dollars. But they do hinge on a fair, efficient permitting process. Setting clear timelines for agencies to complete reviews and permitting decisions, clarifying the roles of state and federal agencies in reviewing water quality permits, preventing agencies from blocking permits prior to an application or pulling them back unjustly, and providing equal treatment for rights-of-way for all modes of infrastructure on federally controlled lands, will go a long way toward removing hurdles that delay important projects. Eighty-one percent of American voters support increased energy infrastructure development. For the few who oppose pipeline projects, some key facts might make a difference. For one, natural gas and oil pipelines deliver their products at a safety rate of 99.99 percent, according to the most recent data. That makes pipelines one of the safest, most efficient ways to transport the energy homes and businesses need. Water infrastructure is also critically important to America's economy. In 2016, over 2 billion tons of goods valued at $2 trillion were moved through the U.S. waterborne transportation system, with over 40 percent of the tonnage comprised of crude or petroleum products . This infrastructure facilitates energy trade flows across the United States and around the world, helping to ensure that American and global consumers have access to affordable energy. That's why it's so important for Congress and the President to enact the Water Resources Development Act, legislation to authorize water infrastructure projects and enhance transparency and efficiency in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulatory process, which is needed for the maintenance and construction of port and waterways infrastructure to help keep the U.S. globally competitive. By enacting reforms to streamline infrastructure approval, Congress and the Trump administration can cut the red tape so we can start the rib bon-cuttings on job-creating, community-sustaining energy infrastructure projects. Sincerely, Jack N. Gerard President & CEO API Here's Why U.S. Energy Sector Opposes Tariffs on Steel The decision by the Trump administration to impose tariffs on imported steel, including key allies Canada, Mexico and the European Union, is the wrong direction for U.S. energy policy. Learn more about the full effect of these tariffs on steel-intensive business--and the U.S, economy. 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 600 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