AMP sends letter to POTUS addressing Jones Act misconceptions related to energy prices

The American Maritime Partnership (AMP), the voice of the domestic maritime industry, today sent a letter to President Joe Biden to address misconceptions about the Jones Act. Specifically, the letter addressed the transportation of crude oil and other energy cargoes in the United States in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“We appreciate your support and the overwhelming, bipartisan support in Congress for the Jones Act. Ukraine is a lesson that America must provide for its self-defense and economy, and that the 650,000 U.S. men and women of American Maritime will continue to move what our nation needs, including energy.”

Key Points:

• Today there is more than adequate American vessel capacity to address any requirements to transport oil within the United States.
• A waiver of the Jones Act for gasoline would only benefit oil traders. U.S. consumers would not benefit.
• The recent dramatic increase in gas prices has overwhelmingly been driven by the increase in crude oil prices, which have risen by nearly 57% in just over two months.
• Congress has expressed its concerns about ensuring that American vessels are used to move oil from Jones Act waivers associated with the strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) before considering the possibility of Jones Act waiver
• Jones Act waivers outsource U.S. jobs and undermine American security.