Drill, baby, drill? Should we increase domestic oil and gas production now?

Increasing oil and gas production in the United States is critical for ensuring national security, strengthening the economy, and protecting American jobs. Despite the push for renewable energy, the reality is that oil and gas remain the backbone of the global energy market, and reducing domestic production could lead to negative consequences across multiple sectors. Here’s why boosting oil and gas output is essential from a conservative perspective.

Strengthening Energy Independence

One of the most important reasons to increase oil and gas production is to ensure U.S. energy independence. By expanding domestic production, the U.S. can reduce its reliance on foreign oil, especially from countries that may not share America’s interests or values. Depending on foreign energy sources leaves the U.S. vulnerable to supply disruptions, geopolitical instability, and price manipulation from hostile regimes like Russia and Iran.

Energy independence is vital for national security. The more oil and gas the U.S. produces, the less it needs to depend on foreign energy markets. By expanding drilling and production, the U.S. can secure its energy supply, protect against global supply shocks, and ensure stable energy prices for Americans.

Supporting Economic Growth and Job Creation

The oil and gas industry is a major driver of economic growth and job creation in the United States. According to the American Petroleum Institute, the oil and gas sector supports over 10 million jobs, both directly and indirectly, across the country. These jobs range from well-paying positions in drilling and refining to those in transportation, infrastructure, and construction. Boosting production would preserve and create thousands of jobs, particularly in states like Texas, North Dakota, and Louisiana, where oil and gas production is a key part of the economy.

Additionally, higher oil and gas production can generate significant tax revenue for federal and state governments. These revenues can be used to fund essential public services, infrastructure projects, and community programs, benefiting all Americans.

Ensuring Affordable Energy Prices

Increased oil and gas production leads to more stable and affordable energy prices. High energy costs, driven by limited production or restrictions on domestic drilling, hurt everyday Americans. From rising prices at the gas pump to increased home heating costs, energy prices impact nearly every aspect of daily life. When oil and gas production is constrained, prices rise due to limited supply, making life more expensive for everyone—particularly for middle- and lower-income families who are disproportionately affected by rising energy costs.

Boosting domestic production helps to lower prices and provides a buffer against global supply disruptions, ensuring that Americans can enjoy affordable energy.

Maintaining Global Energy Leadership

The U.S. has become one of the world’s leading producers of oil and natural gas thanks to technological advancements such as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling. This leadership in energy production has given the U.S. significant geopolitical leverage, allowing it to influence global energy markets and support allies. By continuing to invest in oil and gas production, the U.S. can maintain its position as a global energy leader, ensuring that it remains a key player in setting international energy policies.

Cutting production would mean ceding ground to other major producers, such as Russia and OPEC nations, which may not have America’s best interests in mind. Maintaining strong oil and gas output ensures that the U.S. continues to influence global energy dynamics rather than becoming a passive participant.

Balancing Energy Transition with Economic Realities

While renewable energy is important for the future, the reality is that oil and gas are still the most reliable sources of energy. Renewables like wind and solar are not yet able to provide consistent, reliable power on the scale needed to meet global energy demand. Until renewable technologies advance and become more cost-effective and scalable, oil and gas will remain crucial to powering economies and industries.

Increasing oil and gas production ensures that the U.S. has a stable energy supply during the transition to renewables. It’s important to recognize that an abrupt move away from fossil fuels could destabilize the economy and cause energy shortages, leading to higher costs for consumers and businesses alike.