API highlights Alaska’s energy revolution role

American Petroleum Institute (API) officials are espousing Alaska’s role in the nation’s energy revolution, citing local community benefits, job creation, and reliable and affordable energy production.

While addressing the Alaska Oil & Gas Association (AOGA) Annual Meeting in Anchorage, API President and CEO Mike Sommers emphasized the many facets of the
state’s natural gas and oil roles.

“Alaska’s re-emergence as an energy powerhouse mirrors the U.S. energy revolution in recent years,” Sommers said. “Just as America competes on the global scale, Alaska is one of America’s most valuable and strategic energy resources – which create economic growth, advance U.S. energy and national security, and create tens of thousands of jobs while ensuring environmental protections.”

Sommers said the nation needs to ensure the right policies are crafted to allow competitive, smart and responsible natural gas and oil development in one of the country’s most valuable energy resource regions.

The latest U.S. Geological Survey maintains Alaska’s coastal plain energy potential is an estimated 10.4 billion barrels and is a key part of the long-term energy resources ensuring America’s energy and national security.

Sommers toured industry operations in Prudhoe Bay on Alaska’s North Slope while in the state in addition to the Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS). Authorities said both areas are critical to the safe production and transportation of the natural gas and oil needed to power consumer needs.