The American Petroleum Institute (API) is calling on policymakers to develop a long-term energy plan that strengthens energy independence, seizes America’s energy advantage, and accelerates innovation.
The call was made at API’s annual State of American Energy conference this week. At the event, the association also introduced its “Lights on Energy” campaign. The campaign seeks to educate voters and policymakers on the fundamental truths around American energy and the path toward an affordable, reliable, and cleaner future.
“We produce more energy than any country in the world,” API President and CEO Mike Sommers said. “This benefits our economy, our national security and is our insurance in a volatile time. This is our American energy advantage. It didn’t happen overnight, and it can’t be sustained without the right policies from Washington. To maintain America’s energy advantage going forward, policymakers must increase energy leasing in federal lands and waters, approve permits in a timely manner, and remove barriers to developing American energy,”
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt was also on hand, providing a view from the states on the critical role of American energy leadership. Additionally, U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) talked about the bipartisan path on energy in a divided Congress.
API outlined three core pillars of a long-term energy plan. They include:
• Energy Access: America’s record oil production today is largely due to policies from previous administrations. Washington can and should unite around American energy from diverse sources – including continued access to oil and natural gas.
• National Security: Geopolitical tensions highlight the critical role of reliable energy for national security. Short-sighted federal policies, which prioritize still-developing energy systems over proven ones, risk weakening our energy advantage.
• American Infrastructure: Lifting barriers to modern, innovative infrastructure development is critical to meeting long-term energy demand while accelerating climate progress.
“Our leaders are placing the American energy advantage at risk for future generations,” Sommers said. “Together, Republicans, Democrats and Independents can provide a better way … one that restores a bipartisan approach to energy. A strategy that increases access to resources, bolsters our infrastructure, and strengthens our security.”