Energy independence

Congress is currently considering a spending package that includes punitive tax and policy measures that will harm American workers and consumers and increase our dependence on foreign energy.

A proposed natural gas tax and provisions disincentivizing federal oil and gas development would not only weaken our economy and jeopardize American national security, but it could also harm the environment by increasing our reliance on coal and foreign energy produced with lower environmental standards. Congress should immediately correct this ill-conceived plan.

As the Arkansas economy recovers, energy demand will continue to rise. Without access to domestic energy sources, America will be forced to import more oil and natural gas produced by other countries to fill the gap, because reducing production does not lower demand for resources.

Increasing American dependence on foreign oil from countries with less environmentally friendly production standards will not help address climate change. It could threaten our economic recovery, over 10 million jobs supported by the industry, and more than $100 billion in annual tax revenue the industry generates for federal, state and local governments. This hurts Arkansas’ energy security and environment. This approach is a misguided, punitive and duplicative attack on America’s natural gas and oil industry and its workers.

Natural gas and oil are essential to our everyday lives; they anchor our economy and bolster our energy security. Over the past 10 years, the U.S. has made considerable progress in reducing emissions while leading the world in delivering affordable, reliable energy. The current proposals before Congress would cost jobs, undermine economic recovery, stifle innovation, reverse environmental progress and harm national security.

Americans deserve better. This approach is all cost and no benefit.

RODNEY BAKER

Little Rock

Rodney Baker is executive director of Arkansas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners.