The renaissance of U.S. energy dominance

By U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman
R-Arkansas

America is blessed with an abundance of fuel to produce reliable, diversified, and accessible energy, but the consumption demands are creating supply challenges. It is senseless on many levels to throttle instead of grow energy supply as we have seen in the past. American energy supports thousands of jobs, is essential for economic prosperity, and bolsters our national security.

President Trump’s Executive Orders are first steps toward renewing American energy dominance and were officially signed by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. Energy exploration and production on federal lands and waters, together with our robust private lands energy economy, can meet our nation’s growing energy needs for transportation, heat, power, and electricity.

Additionally, creating jobs through producing and processing critical minerals will not only contribute to our energy production, but create room for hundreds of American jobs – boosting the U.S. economy and supporting families across the country. A lot of our country’s minerals are found right here in the Fourth District of Arkansas, and I look forward to seeing how our community and Fourth District family will undoubtedly benefit from these initiatives.

Policies to withdraw vital energy production projects should have never happened in the first place. President Trump and his administration are changing course, and we watch in anticipation as our nation’s energy production is on the precipice of being unleashed and communities can begin to thrive. Secretary Burgum said it best: “We are committed to working collaboratively to unlock America’s full potential in energy dominance and economic development to make life more affordable for every American family while showing the world the power of America’s natural resources and innovation.” 

House Republicans remain committed to working alongside the President to ensure his efforts toward American energy dominance are complimented with Congressional action. This week, House Republicans voted to pass The Protecting American Energy Production Act. This bill prevents future presidents from nationally banning fracking without first receiving approval from Congress. Encouragingly, the bill received bipartisan support as it easily passed the House. As Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, it was one of hopefully many energy bills I will manage and speak in favor of on the House Floor.

Hydraulic fracturing has become a staple in the oil and gas industry, propelling the United States to energy superpower status, by providing 64% of American crude oil and 78% of our natural gas. This surge in supply directly contributes to lower prices for consumers, stimulates economic growth, and creates more job opportunities – all things that my constituents and Americans across the country need.  A ban on hydraulic fracturing is ultimately a barrier between hardworking Americans and economic prosperity, and House Republicans are dedicated to ensuring that these opportunities will never be taken away from them again. 

Whether banning drilling and fracking projects on federal land or withdrawing mineral leases, these decisions cause immediate as well as delayed effects because energy and mining projects across the country are in various stages of development that can take years and even decades from the project start to production. 

Inconsistent policy creates uncertainty and cuts off our energy industry at the knees, which sets back our country’s energy production potential. This bill will protect American energy from future administrations looking to hinder energy production. This is a strong first step to address the energy crisis, and House Republicans are committed to advancing more legislation to unleash American energy as we continue to work alongside the President to restore American energy dominance.