Moving one step closer to a sound energy policy
We agree with U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, and U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Howard: The Biden administration’s hostility to conventional domestic energy contributed to the rising cost of living that proved too burdensome to Pennsylvania families and voters. And the Trump administration’s positions on energy policy are promising and a reason for families and businesses throughout our region to be hopeful.
“During his first term, the U.S. became a net energy exporter for the first time in 70 years, we led the world in oil and natural gas production, and families saved an average of $2,500 annually on energy costs,” Meuser remarked in an article in Tuesday’s edition of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette. “Trump’s administration increased liquid natural gas (LNG) exports fivefold, opened federal lands to energy development, and cut burdensome permitting red tape to accelerate energy infrastructure projects. In his second term, President Trump will build on these successes by revoking restrictions on offshore drilling, approving export permits for new LNG projects, and holding lease sales more frequently on federal lands.”
We do not want to be misunderstood — drilling for domestic oil and gas, by itself, is not the solution to all the woes affecting businesses’ and families’ budgets but only part of the solution. The U.S. lacks refinery capacity, creating a bottleneck effect from when oil is drilled to when it reaches consumers at the gas pump.
But the incentive to develop refineries itself is dependent on what the industry’s perception of the federal government’s attitude toward conventional energy is — there is a greater likelihood that refineries will be expanded or built if officials within the federal government recognize the necessity of consuming oil and gas, while such development is far less likely if investors and the industry anticipate federal authorities will create obstacles and impediments to this vital energy sector.
And under the change of leadership underway, we are confident that we are closer to the development and investments that can lower energy prices for our homes and for our employers.