Says, ‘Production of Shale Will Put People Back to Work; Generate Revenue; and Make New York More Energy Secure.’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Delivering a keynote address to the Business Council of New York State last night, U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue called for the United States to seize its abundant energy opportunities to boost economic growth and energy security. Donohue urged putting New Yorkers back to work by developing shale energy in the southern portion of the state.
“There is no solution more obvious to immediately boost economic growth and job creation than developing our country’s vast energy resources,” said Donohue. “Increasing domestic production would fuel growth at home, create jobs, fill government coffers, and reduce our reliance on foreign sources. With our economy still stuck in first gear, now is the time to seize this opportunity.
“The United States is sitting on huge supplies of energy on its land and off its coasts. And we can access it more cheaply, safely, and efficiently than ever before. That’s especially true here in New York with the Marcellus Shale. While other states are reaping the benefits of hundreds of thousands of jobs created and billions of dollars in government revenue, New York could be left behind.
“With 9% unemployment and a $2 billion deficit, the choice for New York should be obvious. The production of shale will put people back to work; provide money for schools, public safety, and infrastructure; and make New York and America more energy secure. I hope that New York can put politics aside and reach the right conclusion.”
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.