Issue Position: Energy

Issue Position

We are reminded of the importance of the energy industry every time we refuel our vehicles.
The oil and natural gas industry has long been the backbone of Oklahoma and is critical for the overall national economy. If elected, I will be a strong advocate for this industry that is so vital to our national security as well as the creation of jobs in America.
The current high price of oil is because of the unrest in the Middle East and failure of our government to prepare for the future; and while it is temporary, it's a wakeup call for America to produce more of its own energy. In order to keep moving in this positive direction of reducing our dependency on foreign oil, the expensing of intangible drilling costs and percentage depletion must be maintained.
In 2010, almost four million direct, indirect and induced jobs were supported by independent producers -- more than 3% of all U.S. jobs. The average salary of an oil or gas upstream job is $96,844 per year, more than double the national average for other industrial occupations.

America's domestic energy industry contributed 4% of total annual GDP in 2010. We must continue to support an industry so critical to the survival of our nation's economy.

The Oklahoma Energy Resources Board has a motto that says it all: "Our best energy answers will always come from inside our borders."

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