Chet Thompson

What an honor it was for President George W. Bush to join us for the 50th anniversary of AFPM's International Petrochemical Conference. We had a fantastic conversation about today's global challenges, the importance of our domestic energy and petrochemicals industries, and insights from his time in the White House. President Bush also shared powerful, firsthand recollections and reflections from the immediate aftermath of September 11th, a defining moment in our nation's history.

But we should take to heart, in this moment, just how important the domestic policy environment is to U.S. energy security as well. Federal and state policies can either reinforce or undercut our U.S. energy advantage. With the right policies, I have no doubt the U.S. refining, petrochemical, and midstream industries will continue meeting the moment for our country again and again.

As the world’s energy superpower, we are much better positioned to weather the storm. We produce more gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and refined products than any other country, and more than we consume here at home.

Today’s conflict in the Middle East underscores the importance of energy security, and just how blessed we are in the United States, and in North America, to have abundant natural resources, world-class refining and petrochemical assets, midstream infrastructure, and an amazing workforce.

So proud of the AFPM Operational Excellence Team and our members for the work they put into AFPM’s safety programs. We’re humbled by this recognition from the CSB.

That combination matters enormously right now. It means U.S. petrochemical manufacturers are not just weathering this disruption — we are in a position to help stabilize supply, support our allies, and keep essential materials flowing right when the world needs them and us most.

We have abundant, affordable domestic resources right here at home; world-class petrochemical facilities; a midstream ecosystem of deepwater ports, pipelines, and rail networks that connect production to markets; and we have the most skilled, innovative workforce anywhere on Earth.

Global market turbulence is underscoring just how fortunate we are in the United States to have the strongest petrochemical industry in the world.

From manufacturing the plastics for artificial trees to powering holiday travel, America’s refiners and petrochemical manufacturers make the season possible. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Pipelines allow Americans access to affordable liquid fuels and petrochemicals, but too often, critical pipeline projects get delayed in the federal review process. The bipartisan SPEED Act will reform the parts of the National Environmental Policy Act others have misused to stymie infrastructure and connect more Americans to the reliable energy they need. AFPM urges support for this legislation, and we’d like to thank @RepWesterman and @NatResources for prioritizing permitting reform.

.@AFPMonline applauds @TransportGOP for bringing the PERMIT Act to the finish line. For Americans to reap the benefits of affordable liquid fuels and petrochemicals, they need access to those products — and that depends on a network of safe, expansive pipelines. This legislation will reduce red tape and modernize our liquid energy pipeline system, while protecting our water supplies and water quality. It’s only fitting for the world’s energy superpower to also have the world’s most advanced energy infrastructure. We strongly urge support for the PERMIT Act.

Today, I’m thankful for the millions of Americans working in the fuel, petrochemical and midstream industries who make modern life possible. From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

I sat down with @POLITICOFocus for a recent Q&A on America’s refiners and petrochemical manufacturers. I told them how our industries are indispensable to modern life and why we need common-sense energy policies that play to America’s strengths. politico.com/sponsored/2025…

At a recent @POLITICOLive policy discussion on U.S. energy and transportation, I spoke about the future of liquid fuels (I’m bullish!). politico.com/sponsored/2025…

Yesterday, I was honored to speak at the 4th annual Houston International Maritime Conference. I highlighted the critical role @Port_Houston plays in moving petrochemicals and refined products and driving economic growth across both Texas and the nation. The Port leads the nation in exports of refined petroleum products and organic chemicals. Thanks to the stellar Port Houston team for inviting me and hosting this great conference.

I enjoyed participating yesterday in a @politico policy discussion on the future of transportation. Thanks to POLITICO for hosting and Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor and Electric Drive Transportation Association Pres. Genevieve Cullen for joining the panel. We had a great discussion on the Renewable Fuel Standard, consumer choice, energy security, competition with China, and the future of liquid fuels. I’m bullish on this last one. Liquid fuels will reliably and affordably meet consumer transportation needs for many decades to come.