WV Vets4Energy Chairman: "...we as West Virginians must come together and insist that our local and state elected officials 'provide for the common defense' of our state economy, which can be accomplished through our emerging natural gas industry."

US Energy Information Administration's Short-Term Energy Outlook projects that energy-associated CO2 emissions will fall to 5,179 million metric tons in 2016, the lowest annual level since 1992.

"Energy security is about more than just producing more of our oil and gas here at home; it's also about being able to transport it safely, securely and efficiently to our communities, homes and businesses where it is needed," James McCormick of Vets4Energy said.

By Vets4Energy's Capt. James McCormick, USA (ret.): "The United States oil and natural gas industry has produced at an astounding rate... [and] presents the U.S. with the incredible opportunity to become energy independent."

"Americans don't realize how important the increase in our energy production has been for our national security," said Vets4Energy. "If this energy had stayed in the ground, we'd be paying more, have less clean air, and our economy would be substantially weaker. And that's something our enemies would notice."

"I think the majority of voters don't understand energy issues," said Richard DeNoyer, the Massachusetts state chairman of Vets4Energy and a retired U.S. Marine officer.

"People don't realize that without this new energy revolution, America would be hurting," says William Schachte, a retired U.S. Navy rear admiral and volunteer chairman of South Carolina's Vets4Energy.

"It has the size and scale to play a meaningful role in sustaining the Alaskan oil business over the next three or four decades..."

What if we'd just "left it in the ground?" The U.S. would be short 4.3 million jobs and over half-a-trillion dollars in annual GDP. Electricity prices would be 31% higher, we'd all be paying 43% more at the pump, carbon dioxide emissions would be 23% higher and we'd be importing 160% more oil. That's just to start.

Despite the negativity many associate with fracking, it has had a positive impact on mortgage defaults in areas where fracking occurred, according to research by a Clemson University finance professor.