Document qmoa98DNxDoXqvjq6240M6pRR

To: leila_getto@ios.doi.gov[leila_getto@ios.doi.gov] From: Jack Gerard, API Sent: 2018-07-19T09:27:13-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: [EXTERNAL] Offshore Development Benefits the Economy, National Security, and Even Landlocked States Received: 2018-07-19T09:27:16-04:00 Click to view this email in a browser July 19, 2018 Dear Leila, The economic and security benefits of expanding offshore energy exploration are undeniable. Increasing domestic production goes beyond eliminating our reliance on foreign oil - it creates jobs, spurs economic activity and helps put downward pressure on gas prices. America's energy abundance has insulated consumers from the volatilities of global energy costs, contributing to a discount for U.S. consumers of more than $6.50 per barrel in crude oil prices -- the largest factor in the cost of producing gasoline -- in June compared to international prices. The natural gas and oil industry supports nearly 750,000 jobs from Virginia to North Carolina to South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, and developing more of our offshore resources could add tens of thousands of additional , jobs. This industry-funded energy activity would pay bonuses to the federal government for leases, plus royalties when production begins. These are potentially big economic numbers with positive impacts for the national economy as well as local and state economies. The generational opportunity of offshore energy extends beyond coastal states. The U.S. Department of the Interior recently announced that $61.6 million in revenues from offshore oil and natural gas will be distributed to all 50 states, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia - via grants that support state conservation and outdoor recreation projects. And because of advances in technology, industry standards and experience exploring and producing in deep water, offshore development is safer than ever. "Explore Offshore," a coalition of more than 100 local leaders, community organizations, businesses and associations from five Atlantic and Gulf Coast states is spreading the word about the benefits of offshore energy development. National co-chairs Jim Webb, former U.S. senator from Virginia and former U.S. Navy secretary, and Jim Nicholson, former Veterans Affairs secretary, made the case for offshore development in a recent piece for Real Clear Energy: It is _ undeniable that for the foreseeable future, oil and natural gas will be the greatest drivers of the world's economies. Here at home, oil and gas are expected to generate over 60 percent of America's energy for at least the next 30 years, even with the welcome use of renewables continuing to be on the rise. That said, it is time to correct an oversight in America's move toward an "all-of-the-above" energy policy: the unnecessarily restrictive approach to the exploration and safe development of oil and natural gas resources that lie offshore. Webb and Nicholson write that the United States is one of the only countries along the Atlantic that's not actively exploring for energy in those waters. They point out that Mexico has leased more than 20 million new acres on its side of the Gulf of Mexico in the past four years, bringing its total to more than 30 million acres - more than double that of the United States' 14.7 million. Realizing America's offshore potential begins with decisions made today. It can take seven or more years to develop natural gas and oil offshore. That's why the current process to establish a leasing plan for 2019-2024 is so important. As federal officials develop the new offshore leasing program, they should consider the great opportunity at hand to support energy and economic opportunity with a robust offshore blueprint for the future, one that makes our country stronger, more prosperous and secure. On a personal note, this will be my final weekly update as CEO of API. Beginning next week you will hear from our incoming chief executive, Mike Sommers. Be sure to look for his emails to stay up to date on the energy issues affecting our nation. Sincerely, Jack N. Gerard President & CEO API Tariffs Threaten Energy, Manufacturing Renaissances Tariffs and quotas on imported steel imposed by the Trump administration are self-inflicted potholes on the path to the administration's goal of U.S. "energy dominance." Get details on the impacts to multiple industries, and to consumers, in API's joint op-ed with the American Chemistry Council and the American Association of Railroads. 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