Jeff Bartos: Pennsylvania’s energy resources are a national security asset

As America faces unprecedented global threats from geopolitical instability to economic uncertainty, we must harness every available asset to secure our economic future and safeguard our national security.

My home state, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is rich in natural resources and possesses unlimited economic potential. We are uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in securing our nation’s future through responsible energy policies that prioritize fracking and the expansion of natural gas production, downstream processing and related industries.

Pennsylvania sits atop the Marcellus Shale, one of the largest natural gas reserves in the world. Pennsylvania’s rich history includes the world’s first commercial oil well in 1859. More recently, the advent of fracking reestablished the state as an energy powerhouse, drove job creation, reduced energy costs, and positioned Pennsylvania and the United States as leaders in global energy markets. 

At the same time, political and environmental roadblocks have prevented Pennsylvania from fully capitalizing on our potential. The time has come to enact policies that will unlock the full capacity of the resources beneath our feet to ensure not only economic growth for our state but a stronger, more secure America.

Let’s face it: In a world where energy is a critical geopolitical tool, America must strive for energy independence. Under former President Donald J. Trump, the United States achieved energy independence for the first time in over 60 years.

But, for far too long, our national security has been compromised by reliance on foreign oil, often from volatile nations in regions hostile to U.S. interests. The 1970s oil embargo is a stark reminder of how foreign energy dependence can cripple our economy and weaken our standing on the global stage.

By embracing fracking and expanding natural gas production, Pennsylvania can help America reclaim our position of dominance in global energy markets. The U.S. already exports natural gas, but we can do a lot more.

Increased production from Pennsylvania’s rich reserves can reduce the need for imports, making us less vulnerable to global energy market fluctuations and hostile foreign actors like Russia and Iran, who use energy as a weapon of economic warfare.

Natural gas has become a key instrument of power, especially in Europe. Russia has long used its vast energy supplies to manipulate and coerce countries that depend on its exports. By unleashing natural gas production, Pennsylvania can help the U.S. become the world’s leading exporter, thereby weakening Russia’s ability to use energy as leverage over our allies.

We’ve already seen the consequences of Russia’s dominance in Europe’s energy market. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is a glaring example. European nations, reliant on Russian gas, have been hesitant to fully support Ukraine for fear of economic retaliation. If Pennsylvania and the rest of the U.S. increase natural gas exports, we can offer Europe an alternative, reducing Putin’s grip on the continent and diminishing his ability to destabilize the region.

Additionally, expanded domestic energy production weakens the influence of regimes hostile to the United States and our allies. Countries like Iran use oil and gas revenues to fund terrorism and pursue aggressive foreign policies that threaten U.S. interests. By re-establishing ourselves as the global energy leader, the U.S. can outcompete hostile nations, cutting off their economic lifeline and strengthening our national security.

Beyond the obvious national security implications, increasing natural gas production will also deliver significant economic benefits to Pennsylvania, our region, and our nation as a whole. Fracking has already created thousands of high-paying jobs in the state, from engineers and rig workers to truck drivers and service providers. With more investment in infrastructure and streamlined regulations, these benefits can multiply, bringing prosperity to rural and working-class communities often overlooked by coastal elites who don’t worry about energy prices and have never met an energy-industry worker.

A robust economy is the backbone of strong national security. With a growing economy, we can afford to invest in our military, bolster our defense systems, and maintain our technological edge. Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry is a critical component of this strategy. If we allow the full potential of our resources to be tapped, we can generate the innovation and revenue needed to strengthen our economy while protecting our way of life from external threats.

Pennsylvania’s energy potential is not just an economic issue — it is a key national security asset!

It’s time for Pennsylvania to lead the way, putting our national security first by unleashing the full power of our natural resources. In an increasingly dangerous world, we cannot afford to leave such a critical asset untapped any longer. 

Jeff Bartos is a Republican strategist and former U.S. Senate candidate from Pennsylvania. He tweets at @jeff_bartos 

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