Ben Shepperd,
PBPA President
Now that Election Day has passed and most races have been called, we have a much clearer picture of what 2021 will look like. Energy and the environment were leading topics in races around the country. One thing that became abundantly clear during this election season is that our industry has been used to highlight political divisions in America by those who would like to see our entire industry, including the jobs it creates and the positive impact it has on state and federal budgets, completely gone.
In unprecedented efforts around the country, “progressives” have waged political war on our industry more strongly than ever before. Make no mistake, we are absolutely fighting for the future of our industry, and we need operators of every size to step up and join the fight.
Time and time again on radio, TV, and digital advertising our communities were bombarded with anti-energy messages, and audiences were told emotional, and misleading, stories about the perils of the oil and gas industry.
Ignored at every turn were our efforts to reduce emissions and increase production in the United States. Our industry was completely victimized by the misrepresentation of statistics for a political purpose.
Even though for years we have been working with member companies and regulators to reduce environmental impacts and increase our stewardship through private investment, only critical portrayals of industry challenges have been heard.
Because of the demagoguery and the ill intentions of energy foes, PBPA is working harder every day to visit with lawmakers all across the region and beyond to outline the incredible benefits of oil and gas operations and environmental progress. Our industry provides everyday Americans a quality of life that is the envy of the world.
Increasingly, the oil and gas industry is providing developing countries the benefit of energy development and increasing quality of life. Our industry is helping transition communities around the world from energy production based on animal excrement, wood, and even coal, all the while providing environmental benefits.. At this time, because of the switch to natural gas to produce electricity in the United States, we see carbon emissions at 20-year lows all the while producing more oil and gas than ever before.
In short, even though the United States has become the leading energy producer in the world, it has led on emissions reductions.
This session, our efforts in New Mexico, Texas, and at the federal level will be more vital to the success of the industry than ever before. Your participation in PBPA, and your support through membership renewal, will allow us to meet these challenges head on.
We need to take the fight to those who would end the industry that powers our world, including our military, our law enforcement and first responders, and our hospitals. Not to mention the dire need for personal protection equipment (PPE) and other vital medical devices in the middle of this pandemic.
We are proud to stand for all the values our industry represents and for the work that you do to keep America and her allies energy secure. Thank you for your support and please let us know how we can continue to work for you in 2021 and beyond!