Energy Security for Americans
Mark Green
Posted October 12, 2011
The United States is nearing decisions on energy that will affect jobs, the economy and the security of our country. The proposed Keystone XL pipeline has gotten the most press recently, but there are other energy choices that could make our country more prosperous and more secure.
The State Department last week wrapped up public hearings on the Keystone XL, which would bring crude oil from Canada to U.S. refiners. State is scheduled to decide whether to approve the 1,700-mile project before the end of the year. The pipeline would be an immediate job creator, says builder TransCanada, generating 10,000 new U.S. positions right away and 20,000 over its two-year construction phase.
But that's just the start. The pipeline would be the linchpin to a pro-development strategy that could add 1 million new U.S. jobs by 2018 by optimizing access to Canada's vast oil sands reserves. Coupled with access to federal onshore and offshore areas now closed to exploration and production, the United States could have 100 percent of its liquid fuel needs met domestically and through Canada by 2026.
The approach involves some large but relatively simple decisions in Washington: Are we going to continue watching other countries develop their resources or are we going to take charge of our future by pursuing an all-of-the-above course that includes capitalizing on American oil and natural gas?
That's a question sure to be at the forefront of an energy summit scheduled Oct. 25 in Indianapolis. "Secure Energy: Our Jobs, Our Economy, Our Future" will highlight the role Canadian oil can play in the U.S. economy. Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels will be the keynote speaker, and Gary Doer, Canada's ambassador to the U.S., will deliver the conference's opening address.
It should be an interesting discussion, especially with Sinopec Group's announcement this week that the Chinese state-owned company has agreed to buy a Canadian energy firm, increasing China's foothold in Canada's oil and shale-gas region.
About The Author
Mark Green joined API after a career in newspaper journalism, including 16 years as national editorial writer for The Oklahoman in the paper’s Washington bureau. Previously, Mark was a reporter, copy editor and sports editor at an assortment of newspapers. He earned his journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma and master’s in journalism and public affairs from American University. He and his wife Pamela have two grown children and six grandchildren.