A brighter energy future? It may be better than you think.

Together, these two articles address the latest data on the United States energy future.  Both point to a future that is better and more secure.  Both indicate the opportunities that Canadian oil provides the United States.

There are several things that are pointed out by the data.  Fossil fuels will be decreasing over time but in 2035 the projects still rely on a 77% supply of fossil fuels.  That will be down from 83% in 2010.

U.S. oil and natural gas production are increasing because of technological improvements.

From 2007 to 2010, U.S. oil production rose from 5.1 million barrels a day (mbd) to 5.5 mbd. By 2020, it will hit 6.7 mbd, projects the EIA.

Canadian oil is not going away.  It can be used to reduce U.S.  imports from the middle east or will be used by China and other Asian customers with no reduction to worldwide greenhouse emissions.  The second article shows that the U.S. could see 100% of its liquid fuel supply domestically and from Canada.

None of this indicates that we do not need to develop renewable sources.  Wind, Solar and biofuels also secure the U.S. energy future.  It is time to promote the development of all these North American resources.

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Click here for complete article > Washington Post

January 26, 2012

A week after President Obama denied the application for the Keystone XL pipeline — which would carry oil from Canada’s tar sands deposits in Alberta to U.S. refineries along the Gulf of Mexico — it’s time for an energy reality check. What does the future hold? It may be better than you think. That’s one message from the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s latest “Annual Energy Outlook (see below for link),” which projects the supply and demand for fuels through 2035…

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What Energy Progress Looks Like

Click here for complete article > Energy Tomorrow Blog

January 26, 2012

…Here’s a chart developed from data in the Energy Information Administration’s early release of its 2012 Annual Energy Outlook, in which EIA projects that U.S. liquid fuels supplied by global sources other than Canada (orange) will decrease between now and 2030:…

…Now, take a look at this chart – specifically, at what happens to imports from sources other than Canada:

They disappear! It’s not magic; it’s not a mistake. By 2024, the United States could see 100 percent of its liquid fuel needs supplied domestically (including biofuels) and from Canada….

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2012 Annual Energy Outlook (Energy Information Administration)

Senator Mark Udall: Congress, Renew the Production Tax Credit

Senator Udall is a member of the Ports-to-Plains Caucus supporting rural transportation and economic development.

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Click here for complete release > U.S. Senator Mark Udall

January 25, 2012

As Congress goes back to work this week, I'm renewing my call to extend the critical renewable energy tax credits, like the production tax credit for wind, set to expire at the end of 2012. In these tough budget times, we owe it to taxpayers to enact policies that have the greatest potential return on investment and can create good-paying American jobs. Renewable energy tax credits make sense for Colorado and America's bottom line – and that's why I support them…

Del Rio economy booming: Border city credits improved image, more jobs for growth

Ports-to-Plains Community Growing

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Click here for video and complete story > KSAT

January 24, 2012

DEL RIO, Texas - It might not look like much when you first get to town, but Del Rio is on the rise.

"We've had a pretty big recent boom for the past year and a half," said Al Arreola, the executive director of the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce.

Business has been good for just about every industry. Brand new hotels house increasing numbers of tourists. New retail stores like Marshalls have opened up, and national names like Fuddrucker's and Kirkland's have opened their doors...

CEA Applauds President’s New Dedication to U.S. Energy Policy

The Ports-to-Plains Alliance is a member of the Consumer Energy Alliance.

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Consumer Energy Alliance

January 25, 2012

"All of the Above" Strategy Needed, but Federal Agencies Remain Fixated on Blocking US Oil and Gas Production.

HOUSTON, TX - In response to the President's third State of the Union address, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) President, David Holt issued the following statement:

"It is encouraging to hear the President emphasize the need for an ‘all of the above’ energy portfolio and call for expanded oil and natural gas development, which would indeed provide great benefits to American consumers – and we hope that the officials who regulate energy exploration and production throughout the Administration follow through on the President’s statements tonight.

 “Natural gas is indeed a game-changer for the U.S. economy, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and revitalizing entire regional economies. However, in spite of all this, multiple federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Interior, have imposed enormous regulatory burdens that threaten to stifle the same natural gas production that the President praised in his speech.

 “Similarly, while the President seemed to acknowledge the need for increased domestic oil production to reduce record-high gasoline and diesel prices, we have seen his Administration shut down the Gulf of Mexico with a moratorium, continue to block permits to allow exploration and production in Alaska and deny a permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline. 

"CEA is hopeful that the President’s words tonight will result in federal agency deeds. America needs less regulatory oversight and more domestic energy production. Without a doubt, it will mark a tremendous change of direction for his Administration if he does."

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Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, comprised of more than 170 affiliate members, including energy consumers and producers, and tens of thousands of consumer advocates, that supports the thoughtful  utilization of energy resources to help ensure improved domestic and global energy security, stable prices for consumers  and balanced energy policy for America.

Calculating the Impact of the Keystone Pipeline

Ports-to-Plains Alliance was provided this article from December, 2011 after the President’s decision to deny the permit.  Its conclusions are still valid.

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Click here for complete article > U.S. Global Investors

December 21, 2011

In this week’s edition, Mauldin shared his thoughts regarding the Keystone Pipeline that I thought you might find interesting. He begins with a short discussion from his book, Endgame, on the budget balance struggle that countries face when the private sector is deleveraging, and continues with a candid commentary on America’s dependence on energy and the impact of the proposed pipeline…

Transportation Reauthorization: Summary of American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

United States House of Representatives

January 24, 2012

The American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act is a reauthorization and reform of federal transportation programs, combined with an expansion of domestic energy production. This critical initiative will help build our nation's infrastructure, reform transportation programs, strengthen the economy, and create jobs for Americans.

Summary of American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act

View more documents from Ports-To-Plains Blog.

Rep. Gardner puts pressure on Obama Administration to approve Keystone XL Pipeline

Representative Gardner is a member of the Ports-to-Plains Alliance supporting rural transportation and economic development.

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U.S. Representative Cory Gardner (CO-4^th)

January 18, 2012

It's been three years since the application was filed which would create a pipeline that extends from the oil sands in Alberta to the gulf coast, bringing significant oil supplies into the United States.

Ports-to-Plains Webinar on January 20, 2012 (Video)

• Federal Update
  • Senate Transportation Reauthorization Bill
  • House Transportation Reauthorization Bill
• Details on Washington D.C. Spring Fly-In
• Transportation Advocates of Texas Update