White House focusing on strengthening US energy industry

A number of media outlets have recently reported the Trump administration is focusing efforts on strengthening the US energy industry and investment in critical energy infrastructure. In addition to being a key advancement for economic growth, Politico reports these efforts also aim to portray strength to Russia, as US states in the northeast have previously relied on imported LNG from Russia – partially due to a lack of energy infrastructure in the region.

The President plans to use executive action if necessary in order to encourage further investment in infrastructure and streamline the regulatory process. Politico also highlights President Trump’s past executive orders to approve permits for the Dakota Access Pipeline and Keystone XL. While legal challenges carry on regarding Keystone XL, Dakota Access has been safely transporting 500,000 bpd for more than a year.

The Daily Caller recognized the White House’s emphasis on bolstering the energy industry, writing:

The administration’s policies have been met with fruitful results. The U.S. last year surpassed both Russia and Saudi Arabia to become the world’s largest crude oil producer. The U.S. shale oil boom, made possible with the invention of hydraulic fracturing, has continued to witness record-setting production numbers, blowing past the predictions of international analysts. The Energy Information Administration announced Thursday that it now expects the U.S. to become “energy independent” by 2020.

Expanding the nation’s pipeline system is a major goal of the White House. As hot development spots, such as the Permian Basin in Texas and the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania, continue to churn out oil and gas, the administration wants pipelines to deliver product to markets across the country.

Increased investment in our critical energy infrastructure, bolstering the industry, and developing a stronger, more resilient grid will benefit Americans from coast to coast. From more affordable fuel costs to new jobs and economic growth, the focus on US energy can play an important role in meeting our nation’s growing needs.