Rep. Barton: Maintaining American Energy Supremacy

Joe Barton-01Star-Telegram | June 7, 2016 | Rep. Joe Barton

Energy policy come-ons line up like barkers at a sideshow: Come and get your “energy independence,” your “energy security,” your “green plan,” your “all-the-above-strategy.”

Somehow, “just keep winning” never seems to get a shout-out, but I’ve started hoping that one of the two all-but-nominated presidential candidates will give it one.

Why? Because buzzwords come and go, but facts stick around and ultimately are hard to ignore. Here are some:

Never in history have Americans been blessed with such access to our own numerous energy resources and, in that, the kind of distinct competitive advantage that drives growth and prosperity.

It is no understatement to say that American energy has created thousands of jobs at home and secured our prominence around the globe more than any army.

Having been a part of every energy policy debate in Washington for three decades, I can testify that it isn’t rocket science, either.

Donald Trump has outlined some of his ideas, but here’s something more that I wish he would think about:

First, keep in mind that the free market works for energy. Second, embrace our natural and technological advantages. Third, get government out of the way as much as possible.

Read the full editorial here.

U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, a Republican, represents Texas congressional District 6.

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