Kathy Jackson: Oklahoma must protect its position as an energy leader

Within the first 100 days of his presidency, President Trump has made one thing clear: energy dominance is a top priority of this administration. Between establishing the National Energy Dominance Council and spotlighting energy in the joint address to Congress this month, it is clear that the focus on energy is here to stay. Fortunately, Oklahoma is leading the way on this front, boasting a strong all-of-the-above energy mix that is ready to fulfill the America First energy agenda.

Oklahoma is no stranger to leading the way on achieving energy independence. We are a top-10 energy producing state, a result of our diverse energy landscape which includes oil, natural gas, hydropower, wind, and solar. We know that it takes a range of traditional and renewable resources to achieve energy abundance and keep costs low for hardworking families across the state. That is why it is so puzzling to see our elected leaders pushing legislation that would tear down – not build up – our energy dominance. These bills under consideration in the legislature would pick winners and losers among energy resources, crush our wind production by infringing on private property rights, and increase permitting headaches for a host of energy projects.

Efforts like these take us in the wrong direction–we should be looking for ways to build on our dominant energy position. This is personal to me, as my family has worked in both oil & gas and renewables. If we want to remain a national energy leader, fulfill the promise of an America First energy agenda through energy dominance, and continue to attract commercial investment that is fueling our state’s economic growth, we cannot afford to enact legislation that would undermine our energy security and impair Oklahoma’s economy for years to come.

By Kathy Jackson

Director/Founder of The SpiritWind Kidz Ranch, Inc.