Executive Director Recounts 50 Ways USEA, with Its Federal Partners, Has Improved the Planet

Washington, D.C.—On Wednesday, the U.S. Energy Association celebrated the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, recounting 50 actions USEA and its federal partners have taken to improve the planet over 30 years.

In a statement Wednesday, USEA Executive Director Barry Worthington, said:

“Today is Earth Day, and it’s particularly poignant this year against the backdrop of a global pandemic that has magnified how interconnected our sector is and how inextricably linked the energy industry is to our economy and humanity.

“While our industry has taken a hit during these troubled times, our members in the oil and gas sector, have suffered unprecedented pain that has reverberated through our global economy and through the lives of all citizens. Earth Day 2020 is taking on new meaning at USEA today.

“This year, on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we are looking for strength in the success of our industry, of our team, in improving the planet and the lives of all global citizens. We are looking to our successes to remind us of the strong foundation laid by our industry to withstand and recover from the turmoil of pandemics and roiled markets.

“Today we have highlighted 50 actions our team has taken to improve the environment. We thank our primary partners and industry volunteers in those efforts.

“Millions of people around the world do not have access to energy; many still live in the dark. Over the past 30 years, I’ve watched our team traverse the world to help expand transmission and generation infrastructure, develop regulatory structures to create efficient power markets.

“I’ve seen senior utility executives from the United States, our members, and our international utility executives volunteer their personal time and professional expertise to help others across the world gain access to electricity that eventually changes the trajectory of their lives and their countries.

“Humanity shares the planet and its energy resources, and each of us has a role in managing those resources. And we should guard against demonizing any energy source, especially those making great strides in decarbonization.

“We’re intertwined in ways perhaps unknown to many before the global pandemic, a crisis that has unearthed how critical all of our energy resources are to our survival.

“Fossil fuels for transportation sent medical resources to global destinations. Essential medical supplies made from plastic, derived from crude oil, curtailed new cases of the deadly Covid-19 virus. Utilities, which provide seamless reliable electricity, have been continuing service to residents who can no longer pay their electric and gas bills because they’ve lost their jobs. Utility linemen leave the protection of their homes every day to make sure all Americans have electricity. We are grateful for the pipeline operators and the gas stations keeping our supply chains operational and food on our tables; our industry is the front line.

“Our industry is providing relief against the economic impact of the pandemic while protecting our environment and our citizens. “Earth Day is always an important day at USEA, but this year it has been a unique moment of reflection.”

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View USEA's 50 Actions to Improve the Planet here.

If you would like to speak to Barry Worthington, please contact, Dipka Bhambhani at [email protected] or 202-321-3337.