The recent conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated how critical domestic energy production is to our country’s energy independence — and to national and global security as well.
But we can’t help ourselves or our allies if we can’t get the fuel to market.
It’s true that in recent years Pennsylvania has surpassed several states to become the United States’ second-largest producer of natural gas behind only Texas. It is also true that constraints in pipeline infrastructure have held us back from reaching our full potential and taking over that top spot, restraining our own economy and limiting what we can do for foreign partners who need us now.
The reality is that we have cases where our resources cannot get to markets that need them because of unnecessary regulations that block pipeline development or opponents who delay construction.
Energy is sometimes a divisive issue, but one thing Democrats and Republicans agree on is the need to become more independent and less reliant on foreign sources, and to have the resources available. The conflict in Ukraine puts an exclamation point on that notion, where our allies are more reliant on energy supplies from our adversaries than us, making the world less secure.
Pipelines are crucial to ensuring we continue to enjoy the benefits of abundant, affordable, domestic natural gas at home. But this crucial infrastructure also plays an invaluable role in helping our nation protect democracy around the world.
Author: PennLive Letters to the EditorPublication: Penn Live
https://www.pennlive.com/