What’s Happening
Amid the crisis in Ukraine, Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy recognized the need to reduce American reliance on Russian energy. This week, he released a plan to bolster American energy production with a focus on climate action, entitled “Resetting American Energy and Climate Policy.” The plan is broken down into four sections:
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Energy Operation Warp Speed
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Building Resilient Supply Chains
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Drawing Developing Countries Closer
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Aligning With Our Allies
Why It Matters
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shown the world how important energy independence is to national security. While Europe has kneecapped its domestic energy industry for the last decade, shutting down nuclear energy plants and abandoning its natural gas reservesThe Biden Administration is dangerously close to making the same mistakes. By canceling the Keystone XL Pipeline, and limiting access to oil and gas drilling permits, Biden has already threatened U.S. energy independence.
Senator Cassidy understands this risk. His plan seeks to remove barriers to domestic energy production, create supply chain security, bolster America’s allies, and reduce our reliance on nefarious actors like Russia and China.
My Take
As the world wakes up to the reality of energy insecurity, the United States has an opportunity to lead. We must show our allies that energy independence is central to both national security and success in the fight against climate change. We cannot sacrifice one for the other, as Germany has done.
While we should continue to support our domestic oil and gas industry to maintain that independence, we must also understand that we are engaged in a clean energy arms race. If we want to tackle climate change and compete with countries like China, it is crucial that we cut red tape to unleash the green economy. Instead of relying on China for our critical minerals and clean technology resources, we should empower American innovation and bring back domestic manufacturing. That is the only sustainable way to solve climate change and maintain U.S. leadership globally.
In the steps laid out by Senator Cassidy, we can also support our allies better. Rather than importing dirty Russian fuel, America’s allies can benefit from cleaner American energy resources, allowing them to reduce dependence on the Kremlin. Not only is American energy cleaner and more efficient, but it would also strengthen our friendship with Europe and other parts of the world.
Quote Me on It
“America needs an energy strategy that will ensure our economic, climate, and national security. The current administration’s energy policies are failing on all three fronts. Senator Cassidy’s plan offers a bold new vision that sets America on a better course for the future.” – VP of Government Affairs Quill Robinson