President Biden has dealt a major blow to energy independence with his executive order banning new oil and gas development on federally owned territory. Consumers will become increasingly reliant on imported oil from Russia and the Middle East as American energy development stalls.

Ironically announced during a week beginning with the stated theme of “buy American,” the fracking ban’s biggest winners are the country’s adversaries and competitors. Russia and OPEC members will seize the opportunity to strengthen their positions in the global energy market.