Administration needs to stop sending mixed messages on energy production 

To the editor:

Across the board, Americans are facing higher prices and tighter budgets. With summer driving season upon us, some are seeing gas prices rise.

Consumer costs at the pump are primarily a reflection of global energy markets and the price of crude oil. Oil prices can fluctuate amid the current environment of supply crunches, workforce constraints, geopolitical instability in Europe and policy uncertainty from Washington. We need our leaders to take action to achieve more stability for Buckeye State motorists.

First, the administration needs to stop sending mixed messages about energy production. One week they are asking U.S. companies for more supply and the next they are raising rates and fees to produce oil and natural gas. The administration should incentivize – not discourage – new energy production.

Second, the Department of the Interior should belatedly release a congressionally mandated 5-year offshore leasing program in the Gulf of Mexico that supports new development in the region. This was supposed to be in place more than a year ago and continues to face delays.

Third, Congress could pass comprehensive permitting reform that simplifies the process for all kinds of energy infrastructure development, but especially that of American oil and natural gas. The current system is tangled with red tape that can lead to further instability going forward.  

Taking these steps and more, leaders in Columbus and Washington can support new oil and natural gas development to ensure Ohioans have access to affordable and reliable energy.

Sincerely,
Chris Zeigler
Columbus
Executive Director
American Petroleum Institute Ohio