Our nation needs a public policy framework that ensures future energy security for our nation. We need elected and appointed officials who understand the energy challenges we face. We need a greater commitment to increased energy efficiency. We need to diversify our energy resources, drawing upon the full range of energy sources, including alternatives. And, we need to enhance energy technologies, remaining on the cutting edge of advanced technology.

But of utmost importance, America needs policies that promote greater supplies of oil and natural gas, not policies that hinder the industry’s ability to provide consumers the energy they demand and need. The U.S. could significantly improve its energy security by allowing access to domestic oil and gas resources.

A recent study from ICF International shows more access to domestic energy resources could generate $1.7 trillion in government revenue, create thousands of new jobs and enhance America’s energy security by significantly boosting energy production here in the United States.

The study, commissioned by API, shows that developing offshore areas previously off-limits to exploration, as well as ANWR and a small portion of off-limits land in the Rockies, would increase U.S. crude oil production by as much as two million barrels per day in 2030, offsetting nearly a fifth of the nation’s imports. Policies that will allow energy companies to make the most of the energy resources we have here at home are crucial to the U.S. economy. We need to get it right on energy. Too much is at stake for our nation to do otherwise.