We need a clear and smart energy policy

July 30, 2014

The below was written by Major General Doug Bunger, USAF (Ret.), Vets4Energy volunteer.

Having served for 31 years in the finance and logistics related specialties in the United States Air Force, I have always been concerned about sources and accessibility of energy for our defense forces.  Without adequate and free-flowing fuel supplies, our unrivaled national defense forces are greatly diminished - - especially in times of international crisis. For this reason and many other economic reasons, I strongly support securing America’s energy future — because it is indeed inextricably linked to America's national security interests.  We need a clear and smart energy policy that is fully integrated with our national defense policy.  We currently do not have one.

We import a large amount of oil from countries in the Middle East region. While they seem happy to sell us their oil, those nations certainly don't have America's best interests at heart.  Our  dependence on countries that are unstable and often antagonistic does not enhance our national security. Iran, by threatening to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, reminds us they are a threat to our national security.  Oil that comes to American refineries from the Persian Gulf region must be shipped through the Strait of Hormuz.  Also, with the recent political changes sweeping through the Middle East Region, there is no guarantee that some of our current suppliers will remain reliable suppliers.

We need to begin to take steps to free us from having to deal with Middle East nations who are threats to our national security.  There are energy solutions here in our own country and encouraging possibilities in dealing with friendly neighbors that would allow us to provide the energy our country needs and enhance our national security as well.

It is time to begin to increase exploration and production at home.  It is time to increase the development of all energy resources at home - wind, water and solar power, natural gas, shale oil and gas, and traditional production of oil.  Developing these rich energy sources here in America, in safe and environmentally responsible ways, will reduce our dependence on Middle Eastern oil, and help secure our energy future and national security.  An important added bonus in developing American energy resources is job creation and greatly needed economic development across the board.

The oil and gas industry has provided good paying jobs in our own state and across the
nation.  Even more jobs are created to transport these new goods to market, to manufacture the
equipment necessary to access and refine this new energy, and to provide other goods and
services to the workers doing all of these new jobs.  At a time when unemployment is so high
and the economy remains sluggish, a sensible domestic energy policy could help point our
economy in the right direction.

America can also pursue a more secure energy future and increased national security by increasing energy imports from friendly nations.  Canada is currently the largest provider of
imported oil to the States.  Through projects like the Keystone XL Pipeline, we could increase
the amount of oil our friends and allies to the north send our way. Buy more friendly nations and
less from unfriendly nations...it seems so simple. Some of the benefits are much closer to home
than we might imagine. Welspun Tubular right here in Arkansas is a huge supplier of pipeline
for projects like Keystone.  Let's help them continue to provide more good jobs for Arkansans.

Smart and sensible policies that increase domestic energy development, and increase energy imports from allies are true enhancements to national security. It is time to move forward toward stronger national security through energy security.