The busy summer travel season is upon us, meaning increased demand for transportation fuel. According to AAA, nearly 44 million travelers were expected to head 50 miles or more from home over the recent Memorial Day travel period – an increase of 4% over last year.
As demand for affordable, reliable energy grows, American energy production has never been more important. In 2023, U.S. petroleum demand reached 20 million barrels per day, an increase of 240,000 barrels per day over 2022 levels.
The good news is that the United States is the global leader in oil and natural gas production. But this didn’t happen overnight. It took decades of smart policymaking, bipartisan commitment and industry innovation.
Problematic policies from Washington threaten this progress, however. To help keep pace with demand and ensure America maintains its energy advantage, policymakers must focus on a long-term strategy that unlocks energy access, supports infrastructure buildout and bolsters our security. This includes modernizing America’s permitting systems and opening more federal lands to oil and natural gas leases.
What doesn’t help consumers are harmful policies and mandates that restrict U.S. energy and consumer choice like the Joe Biden Administration’s de facto ban on new gasoline and diesel cars and trucks.
As we head into peak driving season, we’re reminded of the importance of abundant, affordable energy. With the right policies, we can help satisfy the growing demand for energy, spur economic growth and strengthen national security.
When it comes to energy leadership, let’s keep America in the driver’s seat.
Stephanie Catarino Wissman, Executive Director, American Petroleum Institute Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, Pa.
Read More: The United States must remain a global leader in oil and natural gas production