In January, President Obama delivered his seventh and final State of the Union Address and notably emphasized our collective responsibility to address climate change — a cause that is sure to be a hallmark of his legacy.
These collective efforts have included the energy industry, which has helped propel the economy and the search for cleaner sources of fuel with a boom in the exploration of natural gas. Indeed, only two years ago, President Obama hailed America’s natural gas as a “bridge fuel” that will cut pollution. “My administration will keep working with the industry to sustain production and job growth while strengthening protection of our air, our water, and our communities,” he pledged.
Unfortunately, the narrative in Washington is changing. It seems the focus is no longer on the benefits of partnering with the energy industry for growth and progress. Instead, we are gripped by the polarization that has so often dominated our national conversation on energy policy.
But instead of mischaracterizing the industry as the “bad guy,” we should join with the industry to ensure it effectively continues its efforts to address climate change. And further, as the industry both grows and changes, we should identify opportunities for job creation, contracting, and economic development, especially in underserved communities in our nation’s cities.
The oil and natural gas industry has been a pillar of strength in a period of otherwise anemic growth. Oil and natural gas production supports over 9 million jobs in the United States and contributes about $1.2 trillion in added value to the economy. Contrary to popular perception, that’s not work done by big corporations. More than 90 percent of oil and natural gas production is completed by small businesses with 500 or fewer employees, according to the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council.
America’s energy industry is delivering jobs where they are needed most. A recent study found oil and gas development will create more than 100,000 jobs that will be filled by African-Americans in the next 15 years. About two-thirds of those will require skilled workers. These are well-paying jobs; the average non-gas station salary exceeds the national private-sector average by more than 90 percent.
At the same time, the United States’ robust energy portfolio provides policymakers with options to meet our demands here at home while continuing to bring new energy sources to market. Alongside oil and gas, solar electricity generation has increased 20-fold, more than doubling over the last two years. The cost of solar energy is falling. These are gains that would not have been achievable on their own.
By vilifying an “all the above” energy strategy that is consistent with addressing the concerns of climate change and economic growth, opponents threaten to reduce America’s energy options and potentially negatively impact economic growth. This could increase costs for everyday consumers, jeopardize families’ access to reliable energy, and limit policymakers’ ability to bring foreign leaders to the table during international negotiations.
As he enters the final year of his term, President Obama should toe a delicate balance. Certainly, he must continue to press forward to cement his work towards addressing climate change. But that work should not come at the expense of the resurgence of domestic oil and natural gas production that is happening across the country.
President Obama will leave behind a strong legacy. And putting America in a position of energy independence can be among his accomplishments.
Arness Dancy is the president and CEO of the Chicagoland Black Chamber of Commerce. Thinking of submitting an op-ed to the Washington Examiner? Be sure to read our guidelines on submissions.
