America’s abundance of oil and natural gas is providing a variety of high-tech, well-paying careers. More than 30 refinery expansions worth $14 billion are currently under development across the United States. In addition, approximately 243 U.S. chemical investment projects are planned – valued at $146 billion. It’s estimated that these projects can produce more than 485,000 direct jobs, more than 258,000 indirect jobs, and more than 442,000 jobs in communities around the investment areas. STEM knowledge is a key skillset in the refining and petrochemical sectors, and it’s crucial that we prepare today’s students to participate in tomorrow’s workforce. With that in mind, AFPM was a proud sponsor of the sixth annual Energy Day in Houston on October 15. Presented by the Consumer Energy Alliance and Consumer Energy Education Foundation, Energy Day 2016 drew a record-setting 22,000 K-12 students, families, and teachers. More than 50 interactive exhibits demonstrated the various forms of energy sources, science, technology, efficiency, and careers within the energy industry. AFPM’s exhibit featured several hands-on demonstrations, including “petrochemical magic tricks” – students and families had the opportunity to make Shrinky Dinks, Silly Putty, and other experiments while exploring how petrochemicals are the building blocks for essential, every day products. Students also learned about the variety of well-paying career opportunities available within the energy industry. Events like Energy Day spotlight how refiners and petrochemical manufacturers create products for your life every day while investing in STEM initiatives and local communities. To learn more, check out photos from the event on our Facebook page!
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AFPM Statement on White House Letters to U.S. Refiners
We are surprised and disappointed by the President’s letter. Any suggestion that U.S. refiners are not doing our part to bring stability to the market is false. We would encourage the Administration to look inward to better understand the role their policies and hostile rhetoric have played in the current environment.
Refining Capacity 101: What to Understand Before Demanding “Restarts”
The United States has the most complex and efficient refining industry in the world, but we also have less refining capacity than we used to. Where the issue of refining capacity is concerned, it’s important to understand what refining capacity is, why we’ve lost capacity in the United States and how policies can advance the competitiveness of our refineries in the global market.