(WO) — American Petroleum Institute (API) President and CEO Mike Sommers gave remarks during the 19th Annual State of the Energy Industry Forum, hosted by the U.S. Energy Association. Sommers emphasized API’s recently announced plan for policymakers in Washington to secure a sustainable, reliable energy future and make, move and improve American energy.
“Independent experts agree that global oil and natural gas demand will increase over the next 30 years. And nearly half of the world’s energy is expected to come from natural gas and oil in 2050. That demand will be met one way or another. If America does not meet it, it will be met by countries that do not share our security interests, environmental standards, or values,” API President and CEO Mike Sommers said. “The solutions are right here in America, and we need to seize them.”
Sommers outlined the three components of API’s policy plan unveiled during its annual State of American Energy event, during which members of Congress from both sides of the aisle voiced support for American energy leadership, including durable permitting reform to unleash energy development and an all-of-the-above approach to building a lower carbon future.
Sommers highlighted the need for increased support for energy production, including calling on the Biden administration to open areas offshore and onshore for responsible energy development.
But, Sommers said, “More energy development counts for little if we can’t get resources to where they are needed. That means new pipelines, natural gas terminals and fuel infrastructure, and cutting the years it takes to bring them online.” He criticized recent NEPA guidance as running contrary to the bipartisan permitting reform we need, warning the new guidance could harm the development of critical energy projects.
“Our industry is leading the innovation race. API’s Climate Action Framework, our industry’s plan to tackle the climate challenge, details how we’re doing it and what we’re doing next,” Sommers said while highlighting API’s plan to improve American energy. “The best thing we can do for the climate is produce more of America’s oil and natural gas – and share our energy and innovations with the world.”
