Strong Voices on National Energy Policy at [Florida] BOEM Hearing Today
February 9, 2018
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today members of Vets4Energy Florida, Florida Energy Forum, Consumer Energy Alliance and Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted a press conference to discuss the need for a balanced energy approach that will create new job opportunities, generate revenue and enhance national security while protecting the environment. The press conference took place immediately before the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) public hearing on the national Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) program. Attached are photos and below are quotes from the event.
“We finally have an administration in Washington that understands the importance of continuing America’s energy revolution, extending the infrastructure that safely delivers it and the fiscal and environmental benefits that both produce,” said Florida state Representative Jason Fischer, member of the House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee. “Supporting an all-of-the-above energy solution – including oil, natural gas, solar, coal, nuclear, and wind – will ensure the lowest possible energy prices, strengthen both our energy and national security while improving the livelihoods for all Florida small businesses, families, farmers and manufacturers.”
“Florida is the third-largest gasoline consumer in the nation, and therefore should use a balanced energy approach to meet the needs of consumers while maximizing government revenue and jobs,” said Julio Fuentes, President and CEO of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “As long as it can be done safely, I support any potential opportunities for energy discovery to ensure a strong and healthy energy future for Florida.”
“Energy infrastructure holds the key to seemingly simple conveniences that power our daily lives, and safe offshore energy exploration is part of the reason those conveniences are readily available,” said Barney Bishop, President and CEO of Barney Bishop Consulting. “Expanding the Outer Continental Shelf program simply provides another proven solution to fulfill our energy needs, and I hope the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will continue to keep Florida part of their long-term energy plan.”
“As a nation, we are stronger and safer when we have our own reliable source of domestic energy supply,” said Curtis “CS” Bennett, U.S. Navy veteran and member of Vets4Energy Florida. “I firmly trust in scientists’ and engineers’ ability to successfully and safely produce oil and natural gas offshore while protecting military operations and our environment, and I support Florida’s participation in the Outer Continental Shelf expansion."
“Consumer Energy Alliance has long advocated for an all of the above energy policy to ensure that Florida’s families and small businesses have access to reliable and affordable energy, said Kevin Doyle, Florida Executive Director of Consumer Energy Alliance. “With innovation, technology and human ingenuity, we are confident we can reach a balance, resulting in a win for national security, our tourism industry, our environment and the millions of families and small businesses in Florida that depend on reliable affordable energy."
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