Billy Long: With pro-energy President Trump, opportunities are endless

(From Seventh District Congressman Billy Long)

Starting on day one, President Trump promised an all-of-the-above approach to making the U.S. energy independent. From repealing onerous regulations to opening Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil drilling, he continues to deliver. President Trump understands that overly burdensome regulations and bureaucratic red tape need to be rolled back to truly have an all-of-the-above approach to energy. These previous misguided policies hinder growth and cost money and jobs.

For too long, the U.S. has relied on other countries to supply its oil rather than utilizing its own sources. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was signed into law in December, included a provision to open up non-wilderness areas of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling. Allowing this not only decreases our dependence on foreign oil, but it also creates and keeps jobs in the U.S.

In 2015, the natural gas and oil industry supported 10.3 million jobs in the U.S. and had an economic impact of $1.3 trillion. The oil and natural gas industry, which makes up 5.6 percent of U.S. employment, leads the charge in powering our homes and businesses. In 2015, the natural gas and oil industry supported more than 115,000 jobs in Missouri, had an economic impact of more than $10 billion, and contributed to $5.6 billion in wages.

But President Trump is doing more than just creating opportunities; he’s also breaking down barriers. Last October the Trump administration announced their proposal to repeal the EPA’s Clean Power Plan. This Obama-era policy claimed to combat climate change, but in reality it only hurt hardworking Americans. Repealing the Clean Power Plan will save consumers $33 billion by 2030.

Market forces and innovation are also leading to significant advances in renewable energy sources. From hydropower to solar power, Missouri is making investments in the future. Springfield City Utilities, for instance, uses renewable sources for roughly a third of its power generation. Nixa, Missouri, is also looking to the future. Earlier this summer Nixa broke ground on a solar farm that is projected to save the city $2.5 million over the next 25 years. This 33,288-panel solar farm will not only decrease the city’s carbon footprint; it also meets 9 percent of the city’s yearly power demand. Once the facility begins operating at full capacity, Nixa will be getting 20 percent of its energy from renewable energy sources.

As we move into the new year, rolling back regulations and cutting through the red tape to unleash market forces will be a top priority. Businesses have been hit by costly regulations for too long. With a pro-energy president, the opportunities for energy are endless.