American energy leadership hinges on sensible state policy Image By Dan Haley We may live in a world of constant change and uncertainty, but we know for certain one thing won’t change: The world’s growing population will need more and more energy to thrive, and survive, in the 21st century. The question is who will provide that energy? The United States is poised to lead – President Trump has declared a new era of energy dominance – but states, such as Colorado, also will need to continue to play a vital role in that leadership if our country is to maintain its status as the No. 1 producer of oil and natural gas in the world. With two wars being fought in the Middle East and Europe, a new administration in Washington, D.C., and new leaders expected this year across the globe from Canada to Germany, domestic oil and natural gas production will become an even more vital tool for geopolitics and world affairs in 2025. The United States absolutely needs to assume the mantle of energy leadership. It’s essential for national security, for keeping costs low for consumers, and for protecting the environment. Our leaders also must recognize that we live in a country, and world, increasingly concerned about climate change and other environmental challenges. While it’s very tempting to adopt a “drill baby drill” mantra after the past four years of bans, fear-mongering and anemic federal lease sales, it’s likely not a long-term political winner. Striking a balance In Colorado we have worked hard to strike a balance, embracing the mantra that we can have the energy we need, the economy we want and the environment we value. But it’s not always easy. Extreme activist groups have pushed for bans on oil and gas at the legislature and at the ballot box. They’ve also pushed for laws that have created massive regulatory entanglements that have increased permitting times and made it very expensive to work in Colorado. But I would argue few, if any, places on the planet are developing natural resources cleaner, better or safer than Colorado. Under Colorado’s rigorous regulatory framework, companies utilize state-of-the-art technology and innovation to decrease emissions, reduce leaks, limit venting and flaring and disturb less land. (It’s also true that no other country is developing its oil and natural gas resources cleaner or better than the United States, and that should give us great pride.) Environmentally responsible production Colorado has shown not just through words, but with data and science, that our industry can become a critical ally in efforts to combat global climate change and strengthen our environmental security, both here and abroad. While production has gone up, our emissions have gone down. That’s meaningful, especially given that Colorado is the fourth largest producer of crude oil in the United States and the ninth largest producer of natural gas. And if we’re not able to develop this resource in places like Colorado or New Mexico, we risk our environment by depending on countries with poor standards, poor oversight, and poor regulations. Our energy reality The federal government predicts that global demand for natural gas and natural gas liquids will continue to increase through 2050. Relying solely on wind and solar or other renewables to meet global energy demand is simply not feasible. Technology doesn’t exist to power a stable electric grid solely through renewables, and we don’t have a replacement product for oil, which is needed in everything from our toothbrushes to our clothing to our cellphones and our camping equipment. Simply put, the world will continue to demand clean, affordable, and reliable energy. Let’s heed the call and commit ourselves to policies that make sense. That means policies that protect our ecosystems while also ensuring our abundant, local resources are responsibly developed. In Colorado, we can show the world the clearest path to a cleaner tomorrow. A path that strengthens our national security, rather than our enemies, and a path that bolsters our energy security, fortifies our environmental security, and keeps energy costs low for consumers. Dan Haley is an advocate for American energy and the former president and CEO of the Colorado Oil & Gas Association. *The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of EnergyPlatform.News.
