American energy independence amounts to much more than a mere talking point. It is an undeniable benefit to our economic prosperity, our national security, and our environment. But unless certain measures are taken, both in the short term and in the long term, we are at serious risk of losing it.

Last November, we finally became a net exporter of oil. The shale revolution is linked to the creation of 4.6 million new jobs and a tenth of our overall GDP growth in the last decade. We no longer fear the days of the 1970s when global oil shocks caused skyrocketing prices and long lines at the pump. Our newfound independence has enabled us to formulate foreign policy decisions based on U.S. security interests, rather than oil prices. From an environmental standpoint, American energy has been undeniably positive. Due to our more stringent regulations, every barrel produced by an American company results in fewer emissions than the global average.