Energy Nation Launches Voter Resource to Support Energy-Focused Americans
Mark Green
Posted August 2, 2012
We’re less than 100 days from Nov. 6—when we’ll select the next set of leaders to steer our country. As voters make those decisions they should put a priority on where candidates stand on energy issues.
Here’s some help. Energy Nation has launched a voter resource for energy-invested citizens across America. The Vote 2012 page will help you find the candidates running for office in your state and district, along with other useful voter information, such as absentee voting, early voting and a primer on the tough-to-crack Electoral College. You’ll also find a number of ways to share and spread your support for energy issues from the Twibbon to the Facebook page.
Energy runs our economy, literally, and the quest for it supports millions of jobs and could create hundreds of thousands more. Our need for reliable, affordable energy figures prominently in national security and foreign policy decisions. An America that meets most or all of its energy needs here at home would be safer, its prosperity less vulnerable to geo-political developments.
A recent Pew Poll indicates voters increasingly understand the importance of energy in this election. The poll found that 61 percent of respondents said energy will be very important in making their decision on candidates to support this fall. As informed citizens we can help convert the promise of America’s secure energy future into a reality by ensuring our political leaders speak honestly about our nation’s energy goals.
With the right leadership and vision the United States can take control of its energy future. If pro-development energy policies are followed, the U.S. oil and natural gas industry could make 10 million barrels worth of added daily oil and natural gas available by 2030, generate more than 1.4 million new jobs, and create $800 billion in additional cumulative government revenue.
What steps do we need to take to get to a secure energy future? Earlier this year API presented a series of policy recommendations—calling for parties, candidates and elected officials to support:
- Greater domestic resource access including offshore, a small portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and parts of the Rocky Mountains;
- Common sense regulation that is transparent, based on cost-benefit analysis and not duplicative;
- Efficiency and timeliness in permitting, including approving the complete Keystone XL pipeline immediately; and
- A sustainable energy future that is committed to market-based development and an end to calls for special, punitive tax increases on the oil and natural gas industry.
In short, we need pro-development policies, combined with safe and responsible production, that can spur economic growth, add to job creation, and improve our energy security.
In this election year Americans must demand that politicians speak clearly and factually about our nation’s energy goals—that they lay out in clear terms the policies they support to meet the challenges ahead. Visit Energy Nation’s Vote 2012 resource guide to learn more.
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.