AFPM and API respond to US Domestic Energy and Jobs Act

The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) and the American Petroleum Institute (API) have commended members of the US House of Representatives, who yesterday passed the Domestic Energy and Jobs Act (H.R. 4480) with a bipartisan vote of 248 to 163.

The new legislation will require an analysis of the cumulative costs and benefits of the multiple and often conflicting regulations faced by today’s refiners. The Act looks to increase responsible domestic energy production and should allow refiners the opportunity to remain competitive in a global marketplace.

The bill specifically flags up the weight of over regulation on the refining industry. The legislation would require an interagency committee to conduct an analysis of the potential impact of specific policies on the downstream industry and will pause the implementation of the Tier 3 fuel standards, refinery NSPS rules and ozone standards.

The legislation will establish an ‘all of the above’ energy programme for US federal lands, which would unlock more areas for energy production while streamlining the permitting process. The Act also touches on the ongoing Keystone XL saga, which many view as an essential component of any national employment and infrastructure plan.

Comments from AFPM President Charles T. Drevna

‘The Domestic Energy and Jobs Act embraces an ‘all of the above, all of the below’ energy strategy that will allow energy producers to fully develop US resources. It is sound and responsible public policy that will help put the United States on a path toward energy security, national security and prosperity.

‘In order to provide the American people with a secure energy future, we need smarter policies and a stable regulatory environment. This bill strikes the proper balance between environmental protection and preserving a robust and competitive refining industry.’

Comments from API’s Executive Vice President Marty Durbin

‘Greater access to domestic energy resources combined with smarter policies that boost our refining industry will benefit consumers in the long run. More homegrown energy is good for all Americans.

‘Our industry stands ready to create jobs and secure America’s energy future. Just look at what is happening in North Dakota, where energy production has revitalised that state’s economy. We can duplicate that success across the country, with smart energy policies.

‘Efforts to increase leasing of federal lands and speed up the permitting process will result in faster job growth and drive economic growth in areas that need it. The quicker we put people to work the faster our economy will recover.

‘KXL will put thousands of Americans to work. It has and continues to be one of the greatest shovel ready projects awaiting approval. We urge the transportation conferees to include the Keystone provision in the final Highway bill agreement. Unemployment remains high, now is not the time to deny good paying energy jobs.

‘We cannot have regulations that are solutions in search of a problem. Consumers should be informed about the costs certain regulations have on the price of producing gasoline and diesel.’

Edited from various sources by Joe Hester.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/22062012/afpm_api_commend_passage_of_act/