Following the federal government’s announced plans to reconsider the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), American Petroleum Institute (API) President and CEO Jack Gerard expressed his approval of a positive response to the effort by over 50 U.S. congressmen.
A letter endorsed by scores of U.S. representatives was addressed specifically to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer – a former member of the Ronald Reagan administration who was recently confirmed for the Cabinet position – conveying satisfaction with the administration’s decision to renegotiate NAFTA’s terms.
“North American energy markets are highly integrated and interdependent, and we are pleased that members of both parties in the House recognize the many benefits these energy markets provide for the U.S. economy and consumers,” Gerard said in an API release. “Energy market integration also enhances U.S. energy security by enabling North American energy self-sufficiency and supports markets for the hundreds of billions invested every year in the production and transport of U.S. oil, natural gas and petroleum products.”
Gerard emphasized that NAFTA has been key to the continent’s independence in the energy sector by encouraging trade and energy investment between nations while sustaining millions of jobs in the oil and natural gas field.
“We look forward to continuing our work with the administration and Congress on forward-looking energy policies that protect American energy consumers,” Gerard said in the release.
The letter endorsed by the congressmen was coordinated by U.S. Reps. Tom Reed (R-NY) and Terri Sewell (D-AL) and stated in part: “Given the strategic and economic relationship with Canada and Mexico, the United States is better off securing its energy supplies on the continent than from less reliable sources,” the release said.
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