As the information presented in my book, “America Needs America’s Energy: Creating Together the People’s Energy Plan” makes it clear, America’s energy industry has an infrastructure that must be updated, and increasing numbers of drilling permits could create thousands of jobs and add billions of dollars to the US gross domestic product. These permit increases would add revenue to state and federal budgets and in the end reduce spending on foreign oil by $15 billion. To accomplish these goals, though, requires money. It will take an accommodation of both the public and the private sectors to come together for the solutions, so we definitely have to have the marriage of both, but also a policy in place. We must set the agenda for energy, starting today.
US Senator Richard S. Lugar stated it best: “Good policy emerges from serious debate, informed by the facts. Today, we need bold new approaches for forging bipartisan coalitions.”
A December, 2011 editorial in The Oklahoman stated, “The default setting for a national energy policy in this country is inertia. We don’t do much to advance a policy to promote great independence. We actually do some things to promote great reliance on foreign supplies. But mostly we sit around and talk about the need for a comprehensive energy plan. While we’re talking, the supply is walking and it’s moving west, from the Middle East to America. Decreasing foreign oil dependence is happening by default and it’s happening because of technology and free enterprise and despite US government policy and interference.”
The important point of the editorial is critical. Because of the recent increase in production in the US, there are strong rumblings that the government may start taxing oil and gas companies on the exploration and production sides of it. So now we are in a position where we find this wondrous new discovery but faced with new taxes and regulations to burden the oil and gas industry. Since the US oil and gas industry has been on route to find the equivalent of Saudi Arabian oil, the US needs to make certain we have the right incentives in place.
Bottom-line, a strong energy industry means more jobs and a more secure economy. Thirty-seven years ago, I began a journey in the energy industry. Hopefully we will leave a great energy industry in place for future generations. It is up to us!
Creating Together the People’s Energy Plan includes the US becoming less dependent on foreign oil, protecting the environment, striving for energy efficiency and making plans to share our expertise with world in order that other countries and its people can have the needed energy.
It is time we come together: The US has the immediate challenge of striving for energy independence but also, global energy security for others. It is extremely important that the US be in a strong position of securing energy reserves within its own boundaries. Therefore, we need a plan. The US needs energy security. The Global Economic Reality: America Needs America’s Energy, And the World needs America’s Know-How!
Together we can create the People’s Energy Plan! Go to www.peoplesenergyplan.com to join the effort.
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