Achieving energy independence is a national imperative Image By John Albers The United States must urgently recommit to energy independence, and I am glad to see the new administration focusing on this critical issue. This is not just a matter of economics – it is a matter of national security, public safety and global stability. The ability to produce, refine and distribute our own energy resources is one of the greatest strategic assets we possess, and we must not squander it. The consequences of relying on foreign adversaries for our energy needs have never been clearer. Volatile international markets, foreign conflicts and unpredictable supply chains place America in a vulnerable position. When we allow others to control the energy, we rely on them to power our homes, fuel our vehicles and sustain our industries. We are blessed with an abundance of natural resources including oil, natural gas, coal and critical minerals that can be developed responsibly to meet our energy needs. Instead of harnessing these resources, federal overregulation and ideological energy policies have increasingly tied the hands of American energy producers. Shutting down pipelines, restricting drilling permits and pushing costly mandates have made us more dependent on countries that do not share our values. The benefits of American energy This dependency is not just a strategic misstep; it is a direct threat to our national security. When we rely on oil from Venezuela, the Middle East or Russia, we empower regimes that use energy as a weapon against freedom and stability. Energy independence gives us the leverage to stand strong without being manipulated by foreign powers. We cannot protect American interests abroad if we are weakened at home by energy scarcity and price shocks. Moreover, energy independence brings enormous economic benefits. When America leads in energy production, we create jobs, lower fuel costs and reduce inflationary pressures. Energy prices affect everything from groceries to goods on the shelves. High fuel and electricity costs hurt working families, small businesses and rural communities the most. By expanding domestic energy production, we can ease this burden and create a more stable economic environment. Inflation, which has eroded the purchasing power of American families, is deeply tied to energy costs. Whether it is transporting goods across the country or heating our homes in the winter, energy is embedded in nearly every product and service we use. The Biden administration’s war on fossil fuels drastically drove up these costs, placing an unsustainable strain on household budgets. A return to an “all-of-the-above” energy policy where oil, gas, nuclear, renewables and clean coal are all part of the equation – is the smart path forward. Leading through innovation Critics argue that we must sacrifice traditional energy production to combat climate change. But this is a false choice. America leads the world in reducing carbon emissions – not because of federal mandates, but because of technological innovation, market-driven efficiency and cleaner domestic energy sources like natural gas. We can continue to be good stewards of our environment while also ensuring that our lights stay on, and our economy stays strong. Public safety also depends on a stable energy supply. Hospitals, law enforcement and emergency services all rely on uninterrupted energy access. During natural disasters or national emergencies, a strong domestic energy infrastructure can mean the difference between resilience and chaos. Rolling blackouts, energy rationing and price spikes undermine public confidence and threaten our way of life. Energy independence also supports our allies. When we export clean American natural gas to Europe or Asia, we offer our partners an alternative to energy from authoritarian regimes. This strengthens our global alliances and promotes freedom and prosperity abroad. The United States should never apologize for using the resources we have been blessed with. We should invest in energy infrastructure, modernize permitting processes and unleash innovation. We must stand up to the radical environmental agenda that prioritizes symbolism over substance and puts ideology over national interest. Energy independence is not a partisan goal – it is an American necessity. It strengthens our economy, secures our nation and uplifts our citizens. Let’s put common sense back into energy policy and build a future where American power both literally and figuratively comes from within. Georgia state Sen. John Albers sits on the Senate’s Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee and represents District 56, which includes constituents in Cobb, Cherokee and North Fulton counties. *The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of EnergyPlatform.News.
