Major Challenges and Opportunities in U.S. Energy Infrastructure on the Agenda at Wilson Center Forum

For Immediate Release
September 14, 2017

Contact: (202) 870-7715

press@energybuilders.org

NEWS RELEASE 

Major Challenges and Opportunities in U.S. Energy Infrastructure on the Agenda at
Wilson Center Forum

Toby Mack, President and CEO of EEIA Joins Discussion at the Wilson Center’s North America Energy Forum

WASHINGTON, DC – Toby Mack, President and CEO of the Energy Equipment & Infrastructure Alliance (EEIA) discussed ways to encourage energy infrastructure investments as part of a panel at the Wilson Center’s North America Energy Forum on Wednesday September 27.

“Incidents of sabotage, arson, vandalism and violence are on the rise as severe actions have become a regular feature of pipeline protests, endangering public safety, the environment, jobs, and leaving taxpayers on the hook for millions of dollars.  At the same time, anti-pipeline polices pursued by banks are impacting businesses of all sizes in the energy supply chain, more than ninety percent of which are local and regional small businesses.  Energy Builders, EEIA, and our coalition of small businesses, workers and individuals are telling policymakers: ‘it’s time to build.’  We look forward to continuing a robust discussion about ways to encourage energy infrastructure development and job creation for the men and women working on the energy supply chain,” said Toby Mack, President and CEO of EEIA.

The panel discussed ways to integrate the overall energy infrastructure of North America; seek coordinated investment and implementation of “all of the above” energy resources of Canada, Mexico and the U.S., including oil, gas, LNG, wind, solar, coal, hydro, nuclear, and electric grid; encourage energy infrastructure investments and re-boot of U.S. infrastructure spending; understand anti-drilling movements and anti-pipeline activism like “keep it in the ground” and “not in my backyard.” 

The panel was moderated by Gitane De Silva, Alberta’s Senior Representative to the U.S.  Panelists included Toby Mack, President, Energy Equipment & Infrastructure Alliance; John Padilla, Managing Director IPD Latin America; and Duncan Wood, Director, Mexico Institute.

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About EEIA

Energy Builders is a community-based coalition of workers, families and businesses dedicated to educating friends, neighbors and elected officials about the importance and benefits of energy infrastructure and its ongoing development. Energy Builders’ members are people and businesses who make their livings in the energy supply chain, building the infrastructure necessary to produce and deliver America’s energy. The industry sector provides over a million good jobs with a massive economic footprint throughout America.