Our Divided Nation Is United on Energy Independence

There is one issue that unites America like no other: the pursuit of genuine energy independence. Our national security demands it. Our national economy demands it. It is technically possible, legally feasible, and necessary to protect hardworking taxpayers. 

After decades of failed attempts by each of his predecessors, beginning with Richard Nixon in the 1970s, President Trump is uniquely situated to put a stake in the heart of our cruel dependence on foreign oil. Best of all, he can do it on his own without having to go the Congress for approval.

In the quarter-century I have polled American priorities and policies, never have I encountered an issue that has such universal support. Fully 92 percent of the country supports a specific effort and priority to: “Make America energy dominant by using more American-made energy, including American natural gas and biofuels like ethanol, and purchasing less foreign oil.”

This isn’t my language. This is President Trump’s language and President Trump’s policy—and it has greater support than any other issue he has raised or supported since his election. As we approach the 2018 midterm congressional elections, the data teach us a powerful lesson: fully 99 percent of Republicans, 90 percent of independents and 87 percent of Democrats support an energy dominance policy that promotes American energy resources and reduces our purchasing of foreign oil. No other issue or proposal comes close.

President Trump has unlocked the development of our natural resources, but that is not enough.  We are producing and exporting oil at historic high levels, but the sad truth is that we still import around 40 percent of our oil needs, accounting for roughly 20 percent of our national trade deficit.