Lansing, Mich., May 29, 2014 ─ A new state-by-state analysis shows that Michigan could add up to 8,520 jobs and $1.27 billion to the state economy in 2020 if federal restrictions on U.S. crude exports were lifted, said Executive Director of the Michigan Petroleum Council (MPC) John Griffin. 

“The U.S. is poised to become the world’s largest oil producer, and access to foreign customers will drive job creation here in Michigan and around the country,” said Griffin. “When it comes to crude oil, the rewards of free trade are amplified wherever energy, manufacturing, and consumer spending drive growth. American energy exports mean new jobs, higher investment, and greater energy security.”

The new report was conducted by ICF International and EnSys Energy. It provides a state-by-state analysis of economic benefits first outlined this March in a national report, which showed that lifting export restrictions could save consumers up to $5.8 billion per year, on average, between 2015 and 2035, as higher production and efficient markets help boost supplies and lower costs.

The latest report shows that Griffin is among 18 U.S. states that could gain over 5,000 jobs each in 2020 from exports of U.S. crude oil. The study also forecasts that most states could see economic activity grow by hundreds of millions of dollars due to growing energy production and downward pressure on the prices at the pump. In addition:

• Depending on global price trends, nine states – Florida, Michigan, Indiana, California, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, and North Dakota -- could see over $1 billion each in state economic gains in 2020, with slower growth through 2035 after new drilling plateaus. 
• Eight states – Illinois, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, California, North Dakota, and Texas – could gain over 10,000 jobs each in 2020.
• Texas alone could gain up to $5.21 billion in added economic activity and 40,921 jobs in 2020.
• North Dakota could gain 22,215 added jobs and $4.81 billion in state economic growth in 2020.
• States with significant manufacturing and consumer spending, such as California, could add 23,787 jobs and $2.06 billion in economic activity in 2020.
• Illinois could add 10,033 jobs and $990 million in state income in 2020.

“Restrictions on exports only limit our potential as a global energy superpower,” said Griffin. “Additional exports could prompt higher production, generate savings for consumers, and bring more jobs to Michigan. The economic benefits are well-established, and policymakers are right to reexamine 1970s-era trade restrictions that no longer make sense.” 

The MPC is a division of API, which represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 600 members produce, process, and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry also supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy.