We deserve better Energy policies

America demands an energy policy that provides this country with national security, economic security, and energy independence from imported oil. America also demands a responsible energy policy that ensures that companies spoiling the environment pay all of the costs for fixing any mess without transferring the burden to the American taxpayers.

America's oil and gas companies have utilized computer technology, directional drilling, enhanced recovery methods and financial instruments to maximize domestic production while providing nearly a million domestic jobs in large and small business, all of which provide economic opportunity and security for our country.

However, due to the growing consumption and demands of the rest of the world, there is little excess production of oil. Consequently, any disruption in the supply of oil leads to higher prices. We import much of the oil we need, making us dependent on foreign oil and subject to the price swings. The industry has been generally vilified because of price shocks and high profits paid for by the American public.

The BP debacle in the Gulf of Mexico has devastated the environment and associated economies of Gulf coast states while giving the industry a bad name. BP must be held responsible for all of the costs to restore the Gulf and the economy of people affected. As a consequence of BP’s actions, America's quest for energy security has been given new focus and impetus for the need to diversify our portfolio of carbon based energy. 

Still, this country has significant reserves that can be safely produced, both onshore and offshore. In fact drilling has safely occurred in the Gulf without catastrophe since the 1940's. Despite the current moratorium on offshore drilling, the President has called for a measured expansion of offshore drilling, and in the short term, it is essential that our country work to limit our dependence on foreign oil and continue to provide America with the jobs that provide economic security.

Natural gas is an underutilized resource that has the potential to positively and significantly impact the use of gasoline consuming vehicles. Natural gas is a cleaner burning hydrocarbon and companies like Chesapeake Energy have provided tremendous leadership in the exploration and production of natural gas along with development of compressed natural gas vehicles. Energy policies that continue to encourage the use of natural gas need to be continued due to the positive impact on the environment compared to the use of other hydrocarbons fuels. The development of alternate uses for natural gas will also continue to foster innovation that improves job prospects, job growth, and economic security.

 The burning of hydrocarbon fuels is inextricably linked to global warming and climate change because of the tremendous growth of carbon emissions. Because of the impact of hydrocarbon fuels on the environment, America needs an energy policy that supports the development of green, alternative, renewable and sustainable energy sources.

The rest of the world will not wait for America to take the lead in this area. Our failure to act will result in the loss of industry leadership, job opportunity, and economic security to countries like China who are making these investments now. Investments in energy efficiency, clean power, mass transit, next-generation vehicles, new technologies, education, and training will result in new opportunities and new industries.That means many more jobs!

The development of green industries will reduce carbon emissions and reduce our dependence on foreign oil thereby enhancing our national and economic security.  Geothermal, wind, solar, nuclear, fuel cell technology, and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) are but a few of the underutilized and underdeveloped potential energy sources that we can develop. Some of these can be exported to the rest of the world which means more jobs here. All of them contribute to our economic and national security while enhancing job growth opportunities for hard working Americans.