WASHINGTON, D.C. — Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy, today issued the following statement regarding efforts by the Trump administration to expand offshore energy development:
“On the campaign trail, candidate Trump promised that energy was going to be a priority of his administration and President Trump has made that a reality. Of all executive actions as well as bills to repeal Obama’s midnight regulations, 20% have been focused on energy. Much remains to be done over the next several years but, President Trump has made it clear that developing and producing more American energy is a win for the economy and for American families. We whole heartedly agree.
“America is fortunate to have vast offshore energy resources which could fuel the global economy for decades. Unfortunately, 94% of it is off limits for production, depriving us of vast opportunities for consumers, businesses, and the entire economy. Now, the Trump administration is stepping in to take immediate action that will bring back production in parts of the Arctic and Atlantic that were taken off limits, and also conduct a more comprehensive review of our offshore policies. We are hopeful that this evaluation will lead to opportunities for production in the Mid-Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico, including the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, and expanded access in Alaska.
“We applaud the Trump administration’s actions today to take steps that will lead to greater development of our energy resources, which is good for our economy and for our security.”
The mission of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy is to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders, and the American public behind a common sense energy strategy to help keep America secure, prosperous, and clean. Through policy development, education, and advocacy, the Institute is building support for meaningful action at the local, state, national, and international levels.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.