NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The importance of clean air and water is recognized by all Americans. However, the radical ‘anti-fossil fuels’ climate stance oversimplifies the complexity of the issue, putting the energy supply for Americans, our global allies, and developing economies at risk. Instead of viewing fossil fuels as a hindrance to progress, we should embrace American energy sources such as liquified natural gas (LNG) to simultaneously reduce harmful emissions, enhance U.S. security and economic strength, uplift impoverished communities worldwide, and support democratic values.
We are not merely transitioning in terms of energy, but rather expanding our energy resources. Projections indicate that global energy demand will increase by 47 percent between 2020 and 2050. Radical climate activists fail to consider this rising demand for energy and the crucial role energy access plays in the economic development of nations.
The argument that wind and solar energy are the most cost-effective options for power generation disregards the fact that neither can reliably provide a base load for power generation. Moreover, these renewable energy sources rely on expensive and unreliable batteries made from minerals mined using slave labor in China. Additionally, these batteries can only produce energy for a limited duration.
On the other hand, natural gas production has led to reduced prices and emissions. Economists estimated that the shale revolution in 2019 resulted in a 63 percent decrease in the domestic price of natural gas and a 45 percent decline in the wholesale price of electricity, saving U.S. consumers approximately $203 billion annually. Methane emissions from the oil and gas sector have also dropped by 14 percent, and CO2 emissions from the U.S. power sector have decreased by 28 percent, with natural gas contributing more than half to this decline. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported a drop of 31.9 million metric tons of CO2 emissions between 1990 and 2017, while natural gas production increased by 51 percent during the same period.
US GRID OPERATORS WARN BIDEN’S POWER PLANT CRACKDOWN COULD TRIGGER ‘SIGNIFICANT POWER SHORTAGES’
Energy security plays a vital role in national sovereignty and global stability. Embracing the radical climate lobby’s goals would result in China and Russia surpassing the U.S. in geopolitical power, further strengthening their autocratic regimes that are riddled with human rights abuses. However, by responsibly utilizing domestic natural gas reserves, the United States can reduce its dependence on energy imports from unstable regions. This strategic shift will enhance our geopolitical leverage, bolster economic resilience, and set an example for other nations striving to enhance their sovereignty.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION
Access to reliable and affordable energy is a fundamental necessity that impacts millions worldwide. The solution lies in American-made energy. In fact, increased U.S. energy production, made possible by the shale revolution, has lifted over a billion people out of poverty since 1990. Natural gas has transformed communities, improving living conditions, driving economic growth, and empowering local populations. This inclusive approach aligns with both environmental and humanitarian goals, emphasizing the potential of fossil fuels to pave the way for a brighter future for all.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
In the complex realm of climate change and energy availability, pragmatism should prevail over panic. Abandoning fossil fuels will lead to economic turmoil, energy insecurity, and increased emissions. It will weaken the United States while empowering China, Russia, and other autocratic regimes.
In contrast, harnessing natural gas from regions like the Permian Basin in the U.S. offers extensive benefits, including economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and political empowerment. By strategically utilizing this resource, we have an unprecedented opportunity to eradicate poverty, reduce harmful emissions, and strengthen democracy, all while bolstering the U.S. economy. It is crucial that we seize this moment to strike a balance between present needs and future imperatives, paving the way toward a prosperous and secure society.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM REP. AUGUST PFLUGER
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
