U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) introduced legislation Thursday recognizing Pennsylvania’s natural energy resources as the U.S. addresses its energy security and works to decrease its dependence on foreign oil.
The resolution, H. Con. Res. 85, urges President Joe Biden to consider the impacts on the state’s workforce, economy, and energy security when setting domestic and international energy policies. This includes purchasing oil from foreign adversaries, pipeline approvals, and energy and mineral development permits.
“While energy prices continue to skyrocket, President Biden chose to release 180 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve rather than acknowledge our great potential for domestic energy production,” Thompson said. “Pennsylvania sits atop the vast Marcellus and Utica shale and holds an abundance of additional natural resources. The current disruption in world energy markets and geopolitical conflicts are a stark reminder that we must create an energy policy that focuses on America’s well-being and affordability for consumers. Simply put – you’re not going to grow jobs, manufacturing, or our economy without dependable energy pricing.”
Thompson’s office said the U.S. oil industry was born in Pennsylvania in 1859, and the state continues to be an energy resource to this day. The state is the second-largest producer of natural gas in the United States and boasts 49 underground gas storage sites – the most in the country. It is also the third-largest coal-producing state, the largest net exporter of electricity, and is ranked second in the country for nuclear power electricity generation.
The resolution is co-sponsored by U.S. Reps. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Fred Keller (R-PA), Dan Meuser (R-PA), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), and John Joyce (R-PA).
“Pennsylvania is abundant in energy and natural resources. The commonwealth produces nearly one-fifth of all the natural gas drilled in the United States every day,” Kelly said. “Destructive policies that stifle pro-American energy production not only keep prices high and jeopardizes our national security, but they also kill jobs. I’m proud to join my Pennsylvania colleagues to stand up for Pennsylvania energy and to protect local jobs.”