Commentary: American energy policy is a bipartisan issue

Edward Cross, Chicago Tribune on Mar 2, 2026

Published in Op Eds

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The energy policy choices our nation makes today are among the most important and far-reaching policy decisions we will make in the 21 st century.

U.S. oil production reached a record high last year. If we are to continue our nation’s positive energy trends, we must implement energy policies based on current reality and our potential as an energy leader. American energy policy should focus on what’s important: American jobs, American energy security and American global energy leadership.

Oil and natural gas are the foundation of our energy-dependent economy. They profoundly affect how we live and work. They are key to our mobility, to keeping our homes and businesses warm, to providing us with electric power, and to supplying the raw materials for countless consumer and industrial products.

Building a better future takes energy. To do this, we need policies based on science and the free market. Policymakers at the federal and state levels can move forward and build upon our nation’s energy abundance, self-determination and global leadership. Federal and state officials have a unique opportunity to find solutions for many of today’s most prominent issues such as creating jobs, ensuring affordable and reliable energy for consumers, and enhancing our national security. And for all of these goals, and more, the American oil and gas industry offers solutions.

The good news is that recent polls show that Americans clearly want lawmakers to set aside outdated assumptions and partisan talking points and work together on safe, responsible and fact-based energy policy that grows our economy, creates good-paying jobs and maintains our nation’s global energy leadership.

Americans clearly expect their elected leaders to place what’s best for our state and nation’s economy and energy future above partisan ideology and political posturing. I strongly believe that the American people need and want moral, intellectual and strategic clarity and courage from our policymakers.

A growing world demand for energy is why energy experts, economists and government agencies around the world, including the U.S. government’s own Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that fossil fuels will continue to provide most of the U.S. and world energy needs far into the future.

The 2025 OPEC World Outlook 2050 report projects that global energy demand will increase 23% by 2050, and 50% of that energy demand will be met by oil and natural gas. The world will need more energy in the future, and oil and natural gas are poised to be the primary sources for that energy for decades to come.

Beyond consumption, we continue to make and pursue advancements in energy efficiency. A recent EIA study indicated the U.S. saw a 15% reduction in carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions from 2000 to 2024. Additionally, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, American oil and natural gas producers have reduced methane emissions by 42% from 2015 to 2023 while increasing oil and natural gas production by almost 50% over the same time frame.

The fact is domestically produced oil and natural gas are economical and abundant. This market-driven success has helped our nation achieve significant emission reductions. The oil and gas industry has helped prove, conclusively, that oil and natural gas production and environmental stewardship are compatible. Clearly, a majority of Americans reject the stale mindset of last century’s thinking peddled by some that oil and natural gas production and environmental stewardship are not compatible.

As the 2026 elections approach, we must stay focused on energy solutions for the American consumer and work together regardless of political party. The stakes are high, and together we are bringing the benefits of our nation’s energy abundance to all. From supporting more jobs and lowering energy costs to ensuring clean water and air, energy is not a partisan issue.

Going forward, we need smart pro-growth energy policies. Americans support developing domestic energy resources and believe that can be done in a way protective of our environment. Policymakers at all levels should pursue energy policies that drive economic growth, lower costs for consumers, protect the environment, increase American competitiveness and use our considerable energy resources as a way to lift people up. For our part, the oil and natural gas industry will continue our high standard of environmental stewardship.

American energy policy is not a Republican issue or Democratic issue. It is an American prosperity and leadership issue.

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Edward Cross is CEO of the Illinois Oil & Gas Association. He is also an executive board member of the Domestic Energy Producers Alliance and partnering society member of the Council for a Secure America. Cross is a licensed geologist and a Southern Illinois University alumnus.

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