Caruso: Dakota Access Pipeline is Critical to North Dakota’s Economy
Former Energy Information Administration Administrator and GAIN Strategic Advisor, Guy Caruso, penned a letter to North Dakota’s InForum this week, highlighting Governor Doug Burgum’s State of the State address. The governor’s speech touted the importance of the oil and gas industry to the state, its residents, and the nation, which benefits greatly from the energy extracted in the Rough Rider State.
Caruso echoes this point in his piece, arguing that North Dakota offers a clear defense of why fossil fuel production is so important. He notes the state has become the second-largest oil-producing state in the United States, which has increased economic growth and job creation – all the while fostering a new era of energy independence. Today, roughly sixteen percent of all jobs in North Dakota are tied to the energy industry.
Of course, these benefits would not be possible without a way to safely, efficiently, and affordably transport oil and gas over long distances – specifically through pipeline infrastructure. Caruso highlights the Dakota Access Pipeline as one of the most important pipelines in the country, and critically important to North Dakota’s continued prosperity. DAPL has safely transported up to 570,000 barrels of crude oil per day from the Bakken to Southern Illinois for more than five years.
Caruso writes, “thanks to robust pipeline infrastructure, including the Dakota Access Pipeline, the oil and gas industry also plays a key role in meeting the energy needs of the country and our allies around the world.”
Caruso concludes with “overall, the oil and gas industry is an important part of North Dakota’s economy and plays a vital role in the state’s economic stability. Through continued investment into energy production and pipeline infrastructure, the state is well-positioned to grow and prosper for years to come.”