WASHINGTON, D.C.— Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the Institute for 21st Century Energy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, issued the following statement regarding today’s announcement by President Obama on limiting future offshore production:
“Stopping the oil spill in the Gulf must be the top priority for both the federal government and industry. However, now is not the time to make long-term policy decisions that could severely impact our energy security for decades to come.
“As our newly released Index of U.S. Energy Security Risk demonstrates, America’s energy security risks are growing and our nation will need more domestic energy resources to meet our future needs. That includes new offshore energy production. We encourage the Administration to avoid policies that will increase our reliance on foreign oil and threaten American jobs, our economy, and energy security.”
The mission of the U.S. Chamber’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 is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.