OREANDA-NEWS. Today API New York Executive Director Karen Moreau reinforced the importance of investing in energy infrastructure in the Empire state on a conference call with reporters.

“While electricity and heating costs have dropped in most states, New York’s electricity prices are some of the highest in the nation – nearly 50 percent more than the national average – due in large part to self-imposed infrastructure constraints,” said Moreau. “Governor Cuomo has banned New York families and businesses from the benefits of accessing our own state's energy resources through hydraulic fracturing, and now we’re banned from building the pipelines we need to get energy from other states. As the rest of the nation enjoys the economic benefits of the shale energy revolution, Gov. Cuomo’s policies have sealed New York off from job growth and affordable energy.

“The United States leads the world in emissions reductions, and greater use of natural gas in the power sector is a leading factor in cutting U.S. carbon emissions from energy consumption to 20-year lows. It’s ironic New York’s energy-related carbon emissions dropped 24.5 percent between 2005 and 2013, and New York City has achieved its cleanest air quality levels in 50 years, largely due to increased use of natural gas. Natural gas that the governor's policies could make more costly and difficult to obtain.

“Seventy-eight percent of Northeastern residents support increased development of America’s energy infrastructure. They deserve better than policies that sacrifice their long-term economic interests for short-term, narrow political gains. To continue emissions progress, create jobs and reduce energy costs for consumers and manufacturers, New York must prioritize energy infrastructure.”

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 650 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 30 million Americans.