Energy Clarity 101
Mark Green
Posted July 6, 2011
I like choices that are clear cut. You know: PB&J or grilled cheese? Cats or dogs? Boxers or briefs?
So how about energy? During his Twitter town hall today, President Obama talked a lot about improving the economy. Unfortunately, he also talked about increasing energy taxes. Another either/or proposition: You can't do both.
As the graphic below shows, there's another policy choice that will improve the economy: developing more of America's oil and natural gas reserves.
As a study by energy consulting firm Wood Mackenzie shows, increased access to domestic oil has clear, positive results - versus clear, negative outcomes from raising energy taxes.
All of the things Washington decision-makers seek - more energy, more jobs, more tax revenue - will come with developing our resources. Raising taxes? As anyone can see, that's a lose-lose-lose proposition. Clearly.
A video that helps drive things home:
About The Author
Mark Green joined API after a career in newspaper journalism, including 16 years as national editorial writer for The Oklahoman in the paper’s Washington bureau. Previously, Mark was a reporter, copy editor and sports editor at an assortment of newspapers. He earned his journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma and master’s in journalism and public affairs from American University. He and his wife Pamela have two grown children and six grandchildren.