Jack Gerard speaks to WTCNO Energy Committee

On 17 July, the World Trade Center of New Orleans (WTCNO) CEO Dominik Knoll welcomed welcomed Jack Gerard, President and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute (API) for a special luncheon at Westin Canal Place Hotel. The event was hosted by the WTCNO Energy Committee with support from the Tulane Energy Institute.

Gerard spoke passionately about the need for strong energy leadership in the oil and gas industry. “Like Charles Dickens once said, for our industry, it’s both the best of times and the worst of times”, Gerard said.

He went on to explain that the best of times can been seen in the US’ ascent to the world’s number one producer of crude oil. However, the problem is the lack of responsible, data driven energy policy in Washington. After going from ‘perceived scarcity to abundance’ of local energy in just a few short years, Gerard said that the federal government has stifled jobs that would lead to more American jobs.

“Louisiana is at the forefront of energy leadership”, Gerard said about the state’s success with oil and gas policy and production. “The people in D.C. could learn a lot from Louisiana”.

According to Gerard, a more responsible energy policy could lead to the creation of more than 1 million additional jobs over the next seven years.

Dominik Knoll said gaining insight about the oil and gas industry is critical for WTC members and Louisiana based businesses: “Oil and gas continues to be one of the driving forces of the Louisiana economy and the issues related to this industry are of paramount importance for many of our members and residents.

“We are thrilled to get an inside look from Mr Gerard into the complex politics that control energy policy in both our state and at the federal level. We are excited to be the number one neutral discussion platform for energy matters in the South of the United States and look forward to hosting additional speakers”.

Adapted from a press release by Emma McAleavey.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/25072014/jack-gerard-comments-wtcno-1005/