A strong US energy future heavily depends on being able to refine reliable motor fuels, suggested Cindy Schild, refining senior manager at the American Petroleum Institute. Sound decisions on the proposed Keystone XL crude oil pipeline, the Renewable Fuels Standard, and refinery regulations could make a major positive difference, she maintained.
“Our nation’s energy future has never looked better, in large part because of our rapidly advancing ability to tap into vast new oil and natural gas resources right here in the United States,” Schild told reporters during a Jan. 15 teleconference. “But a strong energy future for our nation depends also on our ability to refine and distribute the fuels from these resources.”
Her comments coincide with API’s launch of a new television commercial highlighting the refining industry’s importance in the US.
Refiners have contributed significantly to US air quality improvement over several decades, Schild observed. “Since 1990, they have invested more than $137 billion meeting environmental requirements,” she said. “Over that time, pollution levels for the six common air pollutants, including ozone, have substantially declined, as have total emissions of toxic pollutants.”
US refiners compete globally, and need commonsense operating and regulatory policies to do so effectively, she continued. “With such policies, we can continue creating cleaner fuels and products in technologically advanced facilities here in the US where it means jobs for Americans, and security and revenue to our government,” Schild said.
Contact Nick Snow at [email protected].
