The U.S. must step up to become the world’s leading energy superpower

By Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks

America has the potential to become the world’s energy superpower, but misguided policies from the left have hindered this progress.

Radical climate activists and their allies in the Democrat Party continue to push for policies that stifle American energy production, all while putting our energy security, economy, and global leadership at risk. As Chair of the Conservative Climate Caucus and a member of the House Committee on Energy & Commerce, I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of these policies. From President Biden’s tailpipe emission rule, which would phase out internal combustion engines, to halting exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), America’s energy independence has been under assault.

The U.S. is already a global leader in producing clean, reliable energy. If Democrats and climate activists truly want to reduce emissions and transition to the cleaner energy sources, they should be supporting a boost in American energy production, not restricting it. The U.S. produces some of the cleanest oil and gas in the world, and the Biden Administration’s decision to halt LNG exports directly contradicts the environmental goals that the left claims to support. U.S. LNG exports are 40 percent cleaner than those from Russia, Iran or Venezuela, making them a more environmentally friendly option for our allies around the world.

The U.S. has led the world in reducing carbon dioxide emissions for the past 15 years, cutting emissions by 879 million metric tons, or 14 percent. Why would we allow our allies to rely on harmful energy sources when we can offer them cleaner, more responsible alternatives?

The decision to halt LNG exports is an economic failure as well. Before the Biden Administration’s restrictions, LNG exports were projected to create 453,000 American jobs and contribute $73 billion to our economy by 2040. By curtailing these projects, we risk higher energy prices, job losses, and a diminished role on the global stage. That’s why I voted to reverse the pause and ensure American energy remains a dominant force in the world.

The demand for affordable, reliable, and clean energy has never been higher. The solution is not to abandon traditional, carbon-based energy sources but to champion all forms of American energy production. Take Iowa as an example: more than 50 percent of our electricity is generated by wind and we are a net energy exporter. Our state shows that a balanced energy strategy can deliver both abundant energy and economic growth and a cleanlier, healthier planet

The U.S. is uniquely positioned to lead the world in energy production, but we must embrace our potential. That means ending harmful restrictions on domestic energy development, unleashing American energy production while reducing emissions and lowering costs for families, creating thousands of new jobs, growing our economy and securing our energy independence.

I am committed to working with the incoming Trump Administration, the Senate, and my colleagues in the House to make America the world’s energy superpower because the American people deserve nothing less.