The United States must build a more sustainable global future and write energy policy that no longer accommodates and enriches Russia, said Gene Barr, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry president and CEO.
Oil is Russia’s biggest and most profitable export and is the second-highest exporter of oil to the United States. In 2021, imports of Russian oil doubled year-over-year to the highest level in a decade, according to federal energy regulators.
Pennsylvania has helped the United States reduce greenhouse gas emissions through competitive markets and leadership production in shale gas, Barr said.
“Our state is now the number two producer of natural gas and the leader in energy exports to other states,” Barr said. “Unfortunately, neighboring states like New York and New Jersey have blocked new pipeline construction, to the applause of environmental groups. The result? Power prices and emissions have skyrocketed, and New England has imported Russian gas into its terminal near Boston to keep the lights on in the winter. New England has also had to turn to fuel oil to prevent blackouts, resulting in a 44 percent increase in greenhouse gas emissions this past winter.”
Pennsylvania has the ability to deliver reliable energy, Barr said, but it needs new pipeline infrastructure, domestic liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes, and new LNG export.