The Consumer Energy Alliance launched a multistate public education campaign emphasizing the importance of new pipelines and other energy systems in keeping future retail prices low and protecting the environment. Pipelines for America reflects the more than 400,000-member group’s concern that despite its abundant natural resources, the nation lacks the pipelines and transmission lines required to transport energy safely to where it’s needed, CEA said.
“Given the nation’s critical energy infrastructure needs, CEA is increasingly concerned about the small but vocal minority which backs the ‘Keep It in The Ground’ movement,” CEA Pres. David Holt said as the organization began the campaign on Aug. 11. “This notion is unrealistic and threatens to harm American consumers, jobs, and families, as well as the economic progress made possible by America’s energy revolution.”
John Eichberger, National Association of Convenience Stores vice-president of government relations and a CEA board member, said, “We need to make sure that Americas abundant energy resources can be delivered to consumers safely and efficiently. As families across America looks to us for their fill-ups for business and summer vacations, convenience fuel retailers understand the critical importance of affordable transportation fuel supplies. CEA’s campaign will help ensure that American consumers directly benefit from the country’s natural resources.”
Jennifer Diggins, CEA’s immediate past chairwoman and Nucor Corp’s public affairs director, said, “Energy is a critical ingredient that powers every American industry—everything from agriculture and automotive to chemicals and steel. As the largest steel producer in the US, we’re pleased that CEA is taking this important step to educate consumers on the important role energy plays in our everyday lives and the pillars that support lower energy costs and job and economic growth.”
The campaign will try to engage consumers with advertising, events, and grassroots activities across several states, CEA said. Efforts will begin in the northeastern and southeastern US, along the Atlantic coast, and throughout the Mid-Continent and Midwest, it said.
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