One of the first moves President Trump made in his second term was to declare a “National Energy Emergency.” This executive order leans heavily on the claim that the previous administration shut down U.S. fossil fuel production and left America dependent on foreign energy. But that narrative simply isn’t true. In reality, over the past four years, U.S. crude oil production soared to a record-breaking 13 million barrels per day — the highest ever, surpassing even Saudi Arabia. Natural gas production is also at an all-time high, with the U.S. leading the world by producing 41.2 million cubic feet in 2023 alone. So why declare an energy emergency when the country is producing more energy than ever? This move takes us into a confusing and dangerous place where “up” is “down” and “shortage” means “abundance.” The consequences of this declaration are unfolding quickly. The Department of Interior has announced new permitting rules that aim to sidestep key environmental protections, like the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. Public lands—places many Americans treasure for outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking—are suddenly up for grabs for more oil and gas drilling. Beyond public lands, this order could even threaten private property rights by encouraging federal agencies to use eminent domain to force landowners to give up property for energy development. At a time when U.S. oil production is at historic highs and oil companies are already profiting handsomely, this raises serious concerns about fairness and property rights. But the bigger issue is this: Energy markets don’t respond to political orders. They respond to geology and economics. U.S....
At Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship (CRS), we are firm believers in the old adage: waste not, want not. To that end, we have been advocating for standards that reduce the amount of natural gas (methane) we lose through leaks, shoddy maintenance, unnecessary flaring, etc. And as we work to reduce methane waste and pollution, we are witnessing just how conservation and economic prosperity go hand in hand. Not only does this work conserve a valuable energy resource, but it is spurring job growth and economic opportunity. A new analysis by Datu Research shows just how a costly waste problem has spawned a growing industry that is creating jobs, strengthening local economies, and reducing natural gas waste. This ensures that our energy production is cleaner and more efficient. A Booming Industry The methane mitigation industry is rapidly expanding, creating high-quality jobs and driving innovation in emissions-reducing technology. This growth isn’t accidental—it’s fueled by smart policies that provide regulatory certainty, allowing businesses to develop cost-effective solutions. States like Texas, California, and Colorado are leading the way, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and economic opportunity go hand in hand. Datu Research’s latest findings highlight the rapid expansion of methane mitigation: • The number of methane mitigation firms has jumped 23.7% since 2021, reaching 268 companies. • Employee locations have grown by 39%, totaling 1,040 nationwide. • Texas is the industry’s epicenter, home to 291 company locations—28% of the national total. • California and Colorado remain at the forefront of innovation, with 87 and 74 locations, respectively. • Leak detection and measurement technology leads the sector, with 55 companies producing these tools. • Demand...
The sweltering Summer of 2023 has come to a close. According to NASA and the World Meteorological Organization, it was Earth’s hottest summer on record, with July and August being the two hottest months ever recorded. Our warming climate has moved well beyond the era of minor temperature fluctuations and scientific modeling, it is slapping us in the face by smashing records and adversely affecting people’s lives. Here in the U.S., more than a dozen cities experienced their hottest summer ever. These include Pensacola, Sarasota and Key West, Florida; Mobile, Alabama; Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Del Rio, El Paso, San Antonio and Victoria, Texas; and Roswell, New Mexico. We are seeing real impacts on our health, on our economy and cost of living, and on our water and food supplies. The impacts of climate change are impossible to ignore, and its time for conservatives to get more engaged in crafting real solutions. Climate change is driven by the accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the Earth’s atmosphere, gases that act like a blanket to trap more the sun’s heat rather than allowing it to escape back into space. That extra heat not only results in sweltering heatwaves, it affects weather patterns, intensifies storms, expands the range of destructive or dangerous pests, and fuels wildfires. Florida, Arizona, California We have witnessed some record-breaking heat that put all previous summers to shame. NASA’s temperature data show that this summer’s record heat was not just a small blip on the radar. Average temperatures across the country during these months reached levels we’ve never seen before, bringing with them a multitude of challenges for...
