As Coloradans, we should be proud of the role our oil and natural gas industry plays in creating jobs, increasing economic growth, and securing America’s energy future.

By harnessing domestic energy, the U.S. can pursue a foreign policy agenda from a position of strength rather than making decisions based on our energy needs.

The path to a more secure energy future

Maintaining a steady supply of reliable and affordable domestic energy is key to strengthening America’s national security. In addition to creating good jobs and helping grow our economy, advancing U.S. energy sources reduces our reliance on foreign countries and unstable, hostile regimes to meet our growing energy needs. And thanks to recent innovations, states like Colorado are setting the bar for safe oil and natural gas production and putting the U.S. on the path towards greater energy security.

According to Forbes, fracking and advancements in responsible energy production including horizontal drilling, have made the U.S. “the world’s pre-eminent energy powerhouse” and, “it is the ability to access these gigantic, previously-inaccessible mineral resources that have enhanced our country’s strategic position in the world so dramatically.” This technology, combined with our abundant natural resources, is great news for states like Colorado. Colorado is one of the largest natural gas producers in the U.S. and a global energy leader, thanks to fracking and new technology. And, fracking supports thousands of good jobs in Colorado and generates billions of dollars in economic activity across our state from businesses to parks.

Put simply, fracking and oil and natural gas are crucial for our country’s energy security and our state’s future.