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We agree with 10th District U.S. Rep. Fred Keller that America needs to ramp up energy exploration and production to keep our nation from relying on any foreign countries -- certainly our adversaries -- for oil or gas.
Now before some get all up in arms over this issue, you need to read what Keller's resolution introduced this past week in Congress says.
It is this:
"Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should support the safe and responsible development of its energy resources via drilling in an effort to maintain a robust energy supply chain that promotes national security, safeguards against energy scarcity, and reduces energy poverty for all Americans. Whereas it is in the national security interests of the United States to maintain a strong domestic energy supply."
We emphasize his words "safe and responsible development of… energy resources."
And there's more you should know:
"Whereas the timely delivery of affordable energy domestically and internationally requires an advanced and robust domestic energy supply chain; Whereas energy workers and businesses require clear and supportive Federal policy to adequately maintain and develop the domestic energy supply chain to meet growing energy needs; Whereas the Biden administration has taken steps, through executive action as well as in rhetoric, to limit American drillers' ability to develop the strategic oil and natural gas resources of the United States; Whereas all the $900,000,000 deposited annually into the Land and Water Conservation Fund is derived from federal oil and gas leasing;
"Whereas, as of April 29, 2022, crude oil in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve fell to 550,000,000 barrels, which is the lowest level since August 2002; Whereas recent technological advances in energy resource exploration, drilling, completion, and production have led to unprecedented levels of efficiency and emissions reductions; Whereas each oil and natural gas drilling rig in the United States can facilitate the production of over 1,000,000 barrels of oil and between 5,000,000,000 and10,000,000,000 cubic feet of natural gas in the first year from the wells it drills over a 12-month period; Whereas increased production and use of American natural gas have helped the United States reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 22 percent from 2005 levels; and Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic downturn have devastated the United States upstream energy sector, which now faces a crippling shortage with-in its workforce."
"I know here in America, we do it better," Keller said. "We do it more safely. It's a matter of national security and economic security for the United States. First and foremost, we're Americans. This isn't a right or left issue, it's right or wrong. And right now it's right to be on the side of American energy. I'm working with anybody that is willing to send that message that American energy production is good for national security, good for the economy and for the environment."
America will have to help provide natural gas and oil to Europe as it weans itself off Russia, all the while taking care of our own.
Let's be clear: Energy companies have a huge role to play here … and Americans are sick and tired of hearing about multi-billion dollar quarterly profits while we pay $4.50 or more per gallon of gasoline and $5 or $6 per gallon of heating oil and have to sacrifice food and other necessities.
Key to all of this is that we must also develop more green energy by way of solar, wind, etc. for domestic consumption. Shame on us that in many states buying solar panels for your home is too damn expensive and without reasonable subsidy as incentive.
The world has become a different place with Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russia and China see the U.S. as their adversary. We must become more self sufficient in every way, from energy to baby formula to heavy equipment to medicine to everyday necessities.
Remember our slogan, "Make More On Shore?"
There is no reason our leaders cannot strengthen our gas and oil supply while also growing green energy domestically for household consumption -- therefore over time allowing us to become less dependent on fossil fuels.
It's the right balance to strike.
Our self-sufficient future -- and our security -- depend on it.