API Statement on State of the Union Address

Karen Matusic | 202.682.8118| matusick@api.org

WASHINGTON – API today issued the following statement in reaction to President Bush’s State of the Union address:

“The U.S. oil and natural gas industry is committed to continuing as our nation’s supplier of reliable and affordable energy to American consumers. We look forward to working with the government, other industries, the agricultural community, scientists and consumers to improve our nation’s energy security.

“Ethanol and other biofuels have an important role in our nation’s present and future energy mix. Our industry exceeded its required ethanol volumes by 25 percent in 2006. As our nation’s leading user of ethanol, oil companies are dedicated to playing a vital role in increasing the use of ethanol in the U.S. gasoline pool. Attaining the full volumes included in the Administration’s proposal will require additional technological breakthroughs.

“To assure the nation’s energy security, our nation needs all sources of commercially-viable energy as well as increased access to domestic oil and natural gas resources. Our nation also needs improved energy efficiency in the commercial and industrial sectors and at the consumer level, as well as increased development and utilization of emerging energy technology. Our industry remains committed to using energy efficiently and we encourage all Americans to use energy wisely.”