The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energy laid out a road map for energy policy yesterday. Energy Works for US focuses on nine energy areas including removing barriers to increased domestic oil and natural gas production, modernizing the federal permitting process, regulation reform, and ensuring a competitive workforce.

Chamber CEO Tom Donohue spoke on America’s energy renaissance and opportunities for the future:

“Energy is absolutely essential. We have an opportunity to transform our country from one that is dependent on imports to an energy exporter. The U.S. has such energy reserves; we shouldn’t be reliant on foreign sources.”

One big missed opportunity: Keystone XL pipeline. Donohue noted that the delay on approving the 1,700 mile pipeline is “the most blatant political decision that has been made in this country in a long time,” as American jobs, revenue, and much-needed infrastructure projects sit on the sidelines.

Karen Harbert, the Institute’s president and CEO, highlighted the need for updating current energy policies which were born out of the Arab oil embargo era of the 1970s:

“It seems that U.S. policies and regulations are targeted at extinguishing the energy revolution, not igniting it.”

Indeed, good energy policy is a topic our readers will be familiar with. America needs policies that allow for increased access to domestic oil and natural gas reserves, and regulatory and permitting policies that properly manage development without stifling job creation and revenue.

Our energy future is in our own hands, and if we get these policies right, consumers in all 50 states will benefit.

Energy Works for New York:

State Regulated Fracking is Working in North Dakota:

Illinois Has the Most to Gain from Keystone XL: