newYou can now listen to Fox News articles.
While all Americans would agree that we need clean air and water, a radical “anti-fossil fuel” climate change stance oversimplifies complex issues while simultaneously hurting America. It threatens the energy supply of our people, our allies around the world, and the developing world. Contrary to the notion that fossil fuels are insurmountable obstacles to progress, embracing US energy sources such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) can simultaneously reduce harmful emissions and improve US security and security. It will strengthen economic power, improve poor communities around the world, and strengthen democratic values.
We are not in an energy transition, we are in an energy expansion. In fact, global energy demand is projected to grow by 47% by 2050 compared to he 2020 demand. Radical climate change activists completely ignore this increasing demand for energy and the vital importance of energy access to a country’s economic development.
The argument that wind and solar energy are the cheapest forms of new power generation conveniently ignores the reality that neither wind nor solar can provide a reliable base load for power generation. Moreover, neither of these renewable energy sources would exist without expensive and unreliable batteries made from minerals mined in China using slave labor. Also, none of these batteries can produce energy for more than a few hours at a time.
In contrast, natural gas production has lowered both prices and emissions. In 2019, economists estimated that the shale revolution caused domestic natural gas prices to fall by 63% and wholesale electricity prices to fall by 45%. This saved the US consumer an estimated $203 billion annually, or her $2,500 for a family of four. In terms of emissions, methane emissions from the oil and gas sector fell by 14% and CO2 emissions from the U.S. power sector fell by 28%, with power generation from natural gas accounting for more than half of that decline. . . Emissions fell by 31.9 million tons of CO2 from 1990 to 2017, according to the EPA, while natural gas production increased by 51% over the same period.
US grid operators warn Biden’s power plant crackdown could cause ‘significant power shortages’
Energy security is an important factor for national sovereignty and global stability. If the United States adopts the radical goals of climate change lobbying, China and Russia could quickly overtake the United States in geopolitical power, further aggravating dictatorships rife with human rights violations. Instead, by responsibly exploiting domestic natural gas reserves, the United States can reduce its reliance on energy imports from unstable regions. This strategic shift strengthens our geopolitical clout and economic resilience, and serves as an example for countries seeking to strengthen their sovereignty.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONS
Finally, access to reliable and affordable energy is fundamental, and energy poverty is a problem that affects millions of people around the world. What is the solution to energy poverty? American energy. In fact, the increase in US energy production enabled by the shale revolution has lifted more than a billion people out of poverty since 1990. The introduction of natural gas has transformed communities by improving living conditions, spurring economic growth and empowering local residents. This comprehensive approach is consistent with environmental and humanitarian goals and highlights the potential of fossil fuels as a stepping stone to a brighter future for all.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Realism, not panic, is paramount in the complex realm of climate change and energy availability. Abandoning fossil fuels will lead to economic disruption, energy insecurity and increased emissions. It would weaken the US while strengthening China, Russia and other dictatorships.
In contrast, the potential benefits of tapping natural gas from the Permian Basin and other major producing regions of the United States are far-reaching, including economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and political empowerment. By using this resource strategically, we have an unprecedented opportunity to lift the needy out of poverty, reduce harmful emissions, and strengthen our democracy while strengthening our economy. It is imperative that we seize this moment to balance present needs with future imperatives, paving the way for a prosperous and secure society.
Click here for more information from our representatives.August Pflueger
