North Vegas Times

Energy organizations are calling for increased domestic American energy production to counter currently skyrocketing gas prices.

As gas prices continue on their steep upwards trend, organizations such as the American Petroleum Institute (API) are pushing for increased American energy production. A recent poll from the API shows strong support on this matter from both Democrats and Republicans. In the state of Nevada, gas prices are averaging $4.92 per gallon as of today, while the national average is $4.33 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).

The API poll showed that 9 out of 10 U.S. voters support American energy production over foreign energy reliance. Metrics from the poll further revealed that 92% of Democrats and 90% of Republicans support the U.S. developing its own domestic sources of energy.

The poll showed 84% of voters agree that producing natural gas and oil here in the U.S. helps make our country and allies more secure against actions by other countries, such as Russia. Of that number, 83% of Democratic voters and 88% of Republican voters are supporters. The poll was conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of API in late February, among a national sample of 2,002 registered voters. The survey results have a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points, according to the API's website.

The API poll also showed that 85% of voters believe U.S. natural gas and oil production helps America maintain a leadership role during a period of global uncertainty, and could help lower energy costs for American consumers and small businesses.

Ahead of Biden's State of the Union address, API president and CEO Mike Sommers emphasized the importance of American energy leadership, as both geopolitical volatility and energy costs rise. He said, "While it’s unclear what lies ahead as Russia invades Ukraine, we know one thing for sure: American energy is a positive force in difficult times, helping to provide stability for the U.S. and our allies. We have the technology, innovation, and resources here in the U.S. to meet this moment, while at the same time furthering progress toward our shared climate goals.”

Sommers also said, "Now, more than ever, is the time for President [Joe] Biden to confirm the United States’ role as a global energy leader, and send a clear message that America will be a reliable producer and supplier of natural gas and oil at home and abroad for decades to come."

Early this year, Biden stifled domestic energy production by signing a series of executive orders that instead prioritize climate change, according to CNBC News.

Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-Washington) believes the Biden administration is to blame for the country's position, amid high energy prices. He said on his website on Tuesday, "By effectively shutting down our own supply of critical oil and gas, the Biden administration increased our reliance on foreign countries for our energy needs, increased global emissions, and increased gas prices for American families." 

As of Thursday, the average cost for a gallon of regular gas in Nevada was $4.87, as reported by the AAA. This is significantly higher than the average the previous week, which was $4.29 per gallon, and the average a year ago, which was $3.15.

Biden said on Tuesday that the U.S. is "banning all imports of Russian oil and gas and energy," according to a video on Twitter. The president said the immediate ban targets "the main artery of Russia's economy."