Policymakers across Kansas and U.S. need to lean in on smart pro-growth energy policies

During the give and take of public discourse, few truly stop to think how absolutely essential oil and natural gas are to our lives, to our prosperity and security and to our future.

Oil and natural gas are the foundation of our energy-dependent economy. They profoundly affect how we live and work. They are key to our mobility, to keeping our homes and businesses warm, to providing us with electric power and to supplying the raw materials for countless consumer and industrial products.

The energy policy choices our nation makes today are among the most important and far-reaching policy decisions we will make in the 21st century. U.S. oil production reached a record high in 2023. If we are to continue our nation’s positive energy trends, we must implement energy policies based on current reality and our potential as an energy leader.

American energy policy should focus on what’s important: American jobs, American energy security and American global energy leadership.

Building a better future takes energy, and oil and natural gas are central to continued progress. To do this, we need policies based on science and the free market to continue the positive effects of American energy abundance.

Policymakers at the federal and state levels can move forward and build upon our nation’s energy abundance, self-determination and global leadership. Federal and state policymakers have a unique opportunity to find solutions for many of today’s most prominent issues such as creating jobs, ensuring affordable and reliable energy for consumers, and enhancing our national security.

And for all of these goals, and more, the American oil and gas industry offers a solutions.

The good news is that recent polls show that the American voter clearly want policymakers to set aside outdated assumptions and partisan talking points and work together on safe, responsible, and fact-based energy policy that grows our economy, creates well-paying jobs and maintains our nation’s global energy leadership.

Voters clearly expect their elected leaders to place what’s best for our state and nation’s economy and energy future above partisan ideology and political posturing.

A growing world demand for energy is why energy experts, economists and government agencies around the world, including the U.S. government’s own Energy Information Administration, estimates that fossil fuels will continue to provide most of the U.S. and world energy needs far into the future.

The fact is domestically produced oil and natural gas are economical and abundant. This market-driven success has helped our nation achieve significant emission reductions. The oil and gas industry has helped prove, conclusively, that oil and natural gas production and environmental stewardship are compatible.

American energy policy is not a Republican issue or Democrat issue. It is an American prosperity and leadership issue. As the 2024 elections approach, we must stay focused on energy solutions for the American consumer and work together regardless of political party.

The stakes are high, and together we are bringing the benefits of our nation’s energy abundance to all. From supporting more jobs and lowering energy costs to ensuring clean water and air, energy is not a partisan issue.

Going forward into 2024, we need smart pro-growth energy policies. Americans support developing domestic energy resources and believe that can be done in a way protective of our environment.

Policymakers at all levels should pursue energy policies that drives economic growth, lower costs for consumers, protects the environment, increases American competitiveness, and uses our considerable energy resources as a way to lift people up.

Edward Cross is the president of the Kansas Independent Oil & Gas Association.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas and U.S. policymakers should seek pro-growth energy policies