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Texas energy production is key to maintaining national security 

By Dan Brouillette United States Secretary of Energy

Published 11:57 am CDT, Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Photo: Courtesy PhotoDan Brouillette is the United States Secretary of Energy.

 

A notable moment in Texas history occurred when William B. Travis, commander of the Alamo, answered the surrender demand of General Santa Anna with a cannon shot. Despite facing insurmountable odds, he, and his men, including several Texans of Mexican descent, resolved to defend the fort against the invading Mexican government forces. This spirit of independence has flowed through generations of Americans, embodied by the choices made at our most critical moments.
 
While such historical moments of heroism come easily to mind, we must also celebrate the moments when great policy and sustained action come together to further American security without requiring the ultimate sacrifice from those who serve.
 
For example, after decades of dependence on foreign nations for our energy supplies and suffering through a series of energy crises in the 1970s, the United States decided to fire a cannon shot of its own, setting out to become energy independent, rather than remain beholden to nations that did not have our best interests at heart.
 
To many, we were on a fool’s errand. After all, it was predicted that we had reached “peak oil” – the point of maximum possible production – in 1970. But innovative drilling techniques pushed energy production in Texas and a handful of other states to unprecedented heights. In fact, Texas became the top U.S. producer of both crude oil and natural gas thanks to these innovations and determined energy workforce.
 
Then, under President Trump’s leadership, we achieved energy independence and energy dominance, becoming the world’s largest producer of oil and natural gas, with Texas energy production leading the way.
 
This achievement has had a profound effect on our economy, in the form of jobs and affordable energy. It also boosts our national security in three key ways.  The following are three key examples that demonstrate this:
 
First, our military is a massive consumer of energy. In fact, the Department of Defense spends around $15 billion on energy – 2% of its annual budget of more than $700 billion. Much of the military’s energy use goes towards training and housing service members so they are prepared for overseas missions. Therefore, reliable domestic energy production is vital to our national security, ensuring that we maintain continuity of operations at bases around the country.
 
Next, our strong domestic energy production allows us to enjoy energy security. This means that we are no longer beholden to the Middle East for our energy supplies like we were 30 years ago. In 2019, Iran’s attack on a major oil processing facilities in Saudi Arabia, while concerning, did not threaten our access to energy. In addition, America’s new position as the world’s top oil and natural gas producer allows us to protect the global energy market, as opposed to being held captive to the whims of other nations.
 
In April, during the height of the pandemic, the Russians and Saudis suddenly ramped up energy production, threatening to collapse the market. President Trump brought these nations and other producing nations to the table, negotiated from a position of strength, and achieved a deal to cut production on terms favorable to the United States. The deal stabilized oil markets, proving to the American energy industry and its workers that the President and his Administration stand by them.
 
Finally, the United States’ role as a leading energy exporter helps maintain a healthy global energy market and strengthens our geopolitical relationships. Our energy exports, whether coal, LNG, or refined petroleum products, allow friendly nations to provide energy security to their people. This reduces the malign influence of countries that seek to use energy trade to exert geopolitical influence over import-reliant nations.
 
It is also clear that in key regions of the world like Eastern Europe and the Asia-Pacific, our role as a reliable energy trade partner strengthens bilateral relationships. These agreements act as a counterbalance to the hegemonic ambitions of China and Russia.
 
Led by Texas, America’s energy production dominance strengthens our national security by supporting the military’s stateside mission, providing energy security in times of uncertainty, and strengthening foreign policy relationships in key regions. The Trump Administration is committed to maintaining this energy advantage to ensure our security and prosperity.

EM         -> { Trump for 2020 }

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