With 2024 underway and many significant issues up for debate surrounding the future of America’s energy, Pennsylvania should lead the way. That means implementing commonsense policies that support all kinds of energy development, as discussed in “2024 will be a critical election year for Pennsylvania energy” (Jan. 18).
To give one example, here in the Keystone State, the natural gas and oil industry supports jobs for over 423,000 workers, equivalent to 5.6% of state employment, and has an economic impact of $75 billion. Beyond the numbers, Pennsylvania families and businesses depend on these vital resources to fuel their cars, heat and light their homes and power their communities. Our lawmakers should support the development of these vital energy resources.
State leaders have the opportunity to enact policies that help ensure Pennsylvania – and by extension America as a whole – have long-term energy security. This includes policies that open more public lands for – natural gas and oil production, limit burdensome permitting regulations, and encourage all kinds of energy development.
Officials in Washington have an important role to play as well. The current administration has continuously erected new roadblocks to natural gas and oil production and restricted available land for development. But there is still time to chart a new path that embraces our natural resources as strategic assets.
Policymakers in Pennsylvania and Washington are in the midst of shaping this year’s policy priorities. At the top should be smart policies that secure our nation’s energy future.
Stephanie Catarino Wissman, Executive Director, American Petroleum Institute Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, Pa.
Read More: State legislators can help ensure our nation’s energy future
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