WASHINGTON, D.C.— Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy, made the following statement regarding the energy strategy announced by Alaska Governor Sean Parnell and Alaska Commissioner of Natural Resources Dan Sullivan at the Chamber today:
“America is in serious need of more domestic energy production, but the federal government has thrown up nothing but roadblocks. According to government estimates, U.S. oil production will be down 90 million barrels in 2012—a direct result of the Obama Administration’s approach. With the release of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the Administration has finally acknowledged that there is a need to increase supply. However, the Five Year Plan for oil and natural gas exploration they have proposed takes new areas off the table—which could make us even more reliant on foreign oil in the future.
“Today, Governor Parnell and Commissioner Sullivan have announced a plan for Alaska that will start to change that equation. I applaud the State of Alaska for stepping up to the plate in a comprehensive effort to help deliver the energy that America needs.”
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.