WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., on Thursday introduced H. Con. Res. 85, which recognizes Pennsylvania’s abundant natural resources as the U.S. addresses its energy security and lessens its dependence on foreign oil.
The resolution urges President Biden to consider the potential impacts on Pennsylvania’s workforce, economy, and energy security as the U.S. pursues domestic and international energy policy. This includes the purchase of oil from foreign adversaries, the approval of pipelines, and the consideration of permits for energy and minerals development.
The U.S. oil industry was born in Pennsylvania in 1859, and it continues to have a natural bounty of resources today. The Commonwealth is the second-largest producer of natural gas in the U.S. It boasts 49 underground gas storage sites, the most in the nation. It is the third-largest coal-producing state, the largest net exporter of electricity, and is ranked second in nuclear power electricity generation.
“While energy prices continue to skyrocket, President Biden chose to release 180 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve rather than acknowledge our great potential for domestic energy production,” Thompson said. “Pennsylvania sits atop the vast Marcellus and Utica shale and holds an abundance of additional natural resources. The current disruption in world energy markets and geopolitical conflicts are a stark reminder that we must create an energy policy that focuses on America’s well-being and affordability for consumers. Simply put: you’re not going to grow jobs, manufacturing, or our economy without dependable energy pricing.”
The resolution is co-sponsored by fellow Republican representatives Fred Keller (R-12th district), Mike Kelly (R-16th district), Dan Meuser (R-9th district), Lloyd Smucker (R-11th district), Guy Reschenthaler (R-14th district), and John Joyce (R-13th district).
“In Pennsylvania and across America, it’s not just the energy producers and their workers who are feeling the impacts of President Biden’s attack on American energy. Our schools, hospitals, local governments, and downstream job creators are also suffering. Pennsylvania’s world-class natural gas industry has created incredible partnerships that are actively working to ensure we can meet America’s energy needs right here at home. Domestic energy means national security, a stronger workforce, and lower energy costs. It’s time we embrace American energy, not abandon it,” Keller said.
