Energy Independence Could Offer Bright Future, But Policy Choices Loom

A significant majority of American adults believe the nation should achieve full energy independence, a goal that appears within reach if supported by favorable policies, according to recent polling. A survey conducted for the Council for a Secure America found that 53% of U.S. adults agree that "America’s energy independence makes our country safer." Additionally, nearly 60% believe "energy independence helps the economy grow by creating high-paying jobs," while approximately 71% state "it’s better for America to produce its own energy."

These sentiments have remained consistent, with a June 2025 poll from the same council showing similar results, independent of recent price fluctuations influenced by global events. Energy independence is seen as a key factor in bolstering national security by reducing reliance on foreign energy suppliers. Furthermore, energy abundance, closely linked to independence, is associated with lower prices, economic growth, higher living standards, and an improved future for Americans.

The United States has been moving toward greater energy independence for years. After reaching peak import levels around 2006, the nation's net energy exports—the difference between exports and imports—reached over 9 quadrillion British Thermal Units (BTUs) in 2024, hitting an all-time high of 11 quadrillion BTUs in 2025, with indicators pointing to continued expansion.

This growth in exports has occurred alongside near-record domestic energy consumption, indicating that U.S. fuel production is outpacing demand. The fracking revolution, which significantly boosted oil and natural gas extraction, has been a primary driver. This progress has been met with varying policy approaches; while the Biden administration implemented measures such as canceling the Keystone XL pipeline and restricting new drilling on federal lands, which the source suggests hindered production, the Trump administration reversed these policies. Trump's approach included an emphasis on boosting nuclear power generation through streamlined approvals for new reactors and reforms to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, with a stated goal of quadrupling nuclear power capacity by 2050.

In contrast, the article contends that current Democratic policies at both the state and federal levels aim to create energy scarcity. In states like New York and California, efforts focus on eliminating fossil-fuel carbon emissions, while progressives in Congress reportedly advocate for legislation that could hinder energy generation, exploration, and transmission. The author suggests that the concept of "abundance liberalism," which prioritizes affordable energy, electricity, consumer goods, and housing, has faltered among Democrats, who are now largely focused on blaming former President Trump for higher gas prices rather than promoting energy abundance.

The article draws a parallel with Germany, where, it claims, anti-fossil-fuel and anti-nuclear policies have led to soaring energy costs and economic stagnation. The piece concludes by warning that a Democratic victory in the upcoming November elections could result in policies that impede the drive for energy prosperity, thereby jeopardizing energy abundance and America's economic future.