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Carson oil refinery on August 7, 2006, in Carson, California. (David McNew via Getty Images)

In RealClearEnergy [[link removed]], Hudson Senior Fellow Brigham McCown [[link removed]], director of the Initiative on American Energy Security, explains that the United States needs a realistic domestic policy centered on energy for the country to have an effective foreign policy.

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Key Insights

1. America’s Energy Independence Boosted Prosperity

Thanks to both innovative extraction methods for fossil fuels and a boom in renewables, the US reached near energy independence by 2019. That independence brought available, reliable, and affordable energy, which helped return manufacturing jobs to the US. It also eased consumers’ pocketbooks directly and indirectly by lowering the price at the pump while making consumer goods and industrial supplies less expensive. Moreover, low energy prices strengthened the economy and inoculated the country from global instability. It removed a lever for our geopolitical enemies to exploit. They say that the best defense is a good offense, and the best foreign policy is good domestic policy. That starts with energy security.

2. Poor Policy Choices Threaten America’s Energy Security

The recent volatility in energy prices was entirely preventable and directly resulted from poor policy choices. Restrictions and burdensome permitting are hamstringing both fossil fuels and renewable deployment. Energy-thirsty supply chains are raising the cost of goods and resources. All the while, many fear imminent harm as temperatures drop. But it does not have to be this way. America hosts some of the deepest and most diverse reserves of natural resources of any nation. From fossil fuels to nuclear and rare earth elements necessary to produce renewables, from vast flat plains to wind-brushed coasts, we have the means of energy independence entirely within our grasp.

3. For America to be an “Arsenal of Democracy,” It Needs a Better Energy Policy

The future belongs to a new generation of energy, predominated by renewables and alternative energy already in use, such as hydropower and nuclear. But today’s shortages cannot be dismissed. Today and in the near term, the fastest route to energy is tapping our reserves and promoting the exploration and production of oil and natural gas. By showing strength at home, America is better equipped to aid our allies while increasing our footing to ward off would-be adversaries. American energy security is integral to being an “Arsenal of Democracy.” But this can only occur when the current administration understands it has a role to play in promoting a true “all of the above” approach to energy. Throwing stones at the fossil fuel industry is unwise and creates uncertainty. Regulations aimed at kneecapping the industry intentionally create ambiguity about the viability of investing in additional capacity. This uncertainty has deliberately raised financial risk in capital markets required to finance other production and the infrastructure needed to transport it to the market.

Quotes may be edited for clarity and length.

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US Needs to Play Larger Role as Swing Producer of Oil and Gas in the Current Crisis [[link removed]]

As Russia threatens Europe’s energy supplies, Senior Fellow Thomas J. Duesterberg [[link removed]] describes in a Hudson policy memo [[link removed]] why the United States needs to become a swing producer of oil and natural gas to alleviate current shortages.

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America Can Do More for Its Allies—and Itself [[link removed]]

In the Wall Street Journal [[link removed]], Senior Fellows Thomas J. Duesterberg [[link removed]] and Brigham McCown [[link removed]] commend US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel for urging Japan not to use energy supplies from despots. But they highlight how the Biden administration needs to boost US oil and gas production, particularly in Alaska, to help allies like Japan.

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Virtual Event | American Energy Security: A Conversation with Senator Dan Sullivan [[link removed]]

Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska and Senior Fellow Brigham McCown [[link removed]] discuss America’s need for a clear and concise national energy policy [[link removed]] that ensures an accessible, affordable, and reliable supply of domestic energy.

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