Energy matters – a lot. In the last 200 years, global life expectancy has doubled. Extreme poverty has dropped from 90% of humanity to 10% and falling. The growth in human liberty and the dramatic increase in available energy are likely the two main catalysts for this tremendous progress.
Few doubt that energy has improved lives and enabled human progress. Yet one of the biggest challenges facing the world is the polarized debate over the future of energy. Facts and economics are too often replaced with assertions and emotions. Discussions about fossil fuels and alternative energy sources often degenerate into a battle to delegitimize the other side. This is a recipe for inaction. And it keeps billions of people trapped in energy poverty.
We should avoid energy policies driven by a zero-sum philosophy for energy that says we must have less fossil fuel so we can have more of something else. History has shown that short-sighted energy plans often fail because they start with a preferred resource and work backwards. The Biden Administration’s energy plan promises to repeat the Obama/Biden legacy of failed energy policy, but this time he intends to spend more taxpayer money on what will likely be another failed enterprise.
According to the U.S. EPA and U.S. EIA, the U.S. decreased energy related CO2 emissions in 2019 more than any other country. Since 2005, U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have fallen by 12%, total CO2 emissions have fallen by 14%, methane emissions have fallen by 4%, and power sector CO2 emissions have fallen by 33%. The EPA’s GHG reporting data show the aggregate share of GHG inventory from oil and natural gas production is just 1.22% of total U.S. GHG emissions. America leads the world in environmental quality.
Reality has a way of biting back if you’re not paying attention to it. The Biden Administration’s desire for extensive and unnecessary climate regulations will drive up the cost of energy. Higher energy costs disproportionately harm low-income groups. The Biden Administration’s energy policy is out-of-touch with working people and the economy.
It doesn’t make sense to place unnecessary political and legal obstacles in the way of responsible American oil and natural gas production, cancel oil pipelines, discourage investment in fossil fuels, stimulate demand through outlandish spending, and then beg OPEC+ (where oil is produced under much less-strict environmental standards) for more oil to contain inflation.
The oil and gas industry has done such a good job of creating abundant, affordable, always-available energy that the world takes it for granted. Energy is so woven into our daily lives that few question whether it will be there, or where it comes from. Because energy is so reliable and available, the public believes they no longer require it.
We often encounter this paradox anytime we engage in a conversation about energy and the environment. Some folks assume that we don’t need fossil fuels anymore. A stark example is anyone who wants to end oil and gas production while still benefitting from oil and gas based materials and fuels.
The U.S. has a unique opportunity to show the world how energy can be used as a positive force to lift people up – which is different than a zero-emissions philosophy. To rise out of poverty and enjoy health and safety, people need more energy, not less. We should all work together to ensure more people have access to safe, affordable, and reliable energy, no matter which state, nation, or continent they reside.
Edward Cross is president of the Kansas Independent Oil & Gas Association.