Energy independence is not just a policy goal or economic ideal—it is a strategic pillar of national security. In a world marked by geopolitical uncertainty, volatile markets, and increasingly aggressive foreign regimes, the ability to produce our own energy is as critical as our defense systems, infrastructure, and technology.
At American Fossil Energy, we believe the first step toward securing America’s future is securing its energy. That means supporting and expanding domestic fossil fuel production to power our economy, protect our people, and preserve our sovereignty.
What Does Energy Independence Really Mean?
Energy independence refers to a nation’s ability to meet its energy needs using domestic resources, minimizing or eliminating dependence on foreign energy imports. This includes all forms of domestic production—coal, natural gas, oil, nuclear, and renewables—but in the United States, fossil fuels have led the way.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the U.S. achieved near energy independence in 2019 for the first time in nearly 70 years. This milestone was driven largely by a surge in fossil fuel development, including natural gas from Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale and crude oil from the Permian Basin.
This achievement was more than a headline—it delivered real-world advantages:
- Lowered energy costs for households and small businesses
- Reduced vulnerability to foreign oil shocks and supply chain breakdowns
- Increased leverage in global trade and diplomatic negotiations
When America controls its energy, America controls its future.
Energy Security Is National Security
Energy powers everything—from our homes and hospitals to our military and manufacturing sectors. When energy supplies are secure and domestic, the entire country becomes more stable and more resilient.
Here's how energy independence strengthens national security:
- Military readiness improves with reliable, domestically sourced fuels for bases, vehicles, ships, and aircraft.
- Economic strength grows when energy prices are stable, keeping costs down for consumers and businesses.
- Political independence rises when we no longer rely on foreign regimes for essential resources.
The Council on Foreign Relations warns that countries dependent on imported energy are more likely to suffer economic and strategic consequences during global conflicts or diplomatic tensions. In contrast, nations that produce their own energy maintain greater control over their policies, supply chains, and defense capabilities.
At American Fossil Energy, we see every barrel of oil, every ton of coal, and every cubic foot of natural gas produced here at home as a shield against foreign coercion and economic instability.
Fossil Fuels: The Core of a Secure Energy Strategy
Some critics claim that renewable energy alone can safeguard American energy needs. While wind and solar have a role to play in the broader energy mix, they cannot yet deliver the consistency, scale, or control that national security demands.
Fossil fuels provide the following strategic advantages:
- Dispatchability: Coal and natural gas can be deployed on demand, ensuring energy is available when needed—not just when the sun shines or the wind blows.
- Infrastructure readiness: America already has an expansive network of pipelines, refineries, and power plants that deliver fossil energy efficiently and at scale.
- High energy density: Fossil fuels pack far more energy per unit than most alternatives, making them indispensable for heavy industry, aviation, shipping, and defense logistics.
As the Brookings Institution points out, a strong and modernized fossil fuel sector remains essential to maintaining both energy resilience and global influence. Attempting to remove fossil fuels from the equation too quickly or too completely would weaken our grid, endanger our economy, and expose us to unacceptable foreign risks.
The Geopolitical Edge of Domestic Production
Global energy markets are often influenced by unstable regions—whether it’s OPEC supply decisions, Russian gas pipelines, or conflicts in the Middle East. Countries that depend on these sources for energy are forced to compromise politically and economically when crises arise.
In contrast, the United States has the potential to become a true energy superpower—one that not only meets its own needs but also helps stabilize global markets by exporting natural gas and oil to allies. This position creates geopolitical leverage and allows America to act from a position of strength rather than dependence.
When President Donald J. Trump prioritized domestic energy production, the results were immediate:
- The U.S. became the largest energy producer in the world
- Energy prices dropped across sectors
- Strategic reserves were filled, and infrastructure expanded
- U.S. energy exports surged, reducing the influence of hostile regimes on global markets
That leadership laid the foundation for a more secure, more independent America. At American Fossil Energy, we believe that legacy must be protected and expanded.
Infrastructure: The National Security Weak Point
Achieving true energy independence does not stop at production. It also requires modern, resilient infrastructure to transport, store, and deliver energy across the country. Unfortunately, many projects critical to national energy resilience—such as pipelines, transmission lines, and refining facilities—face delays due to overregulation and political obstruction.
If our grid or transportation systems are compromised during a crisis, it won’t matter how much energy we produce. We must ensure that fossil fuel infrastructure is maintained, modernized, and protected from both physical and cyber threats.
At American Fossil Energy, we support smart investments in infrastructure that enhance domestic capacity and emergency response readiness, making the nation more adaptable to global energy disruptions.
A Realistic, Resilient Path Forward
The path to lasting energy security is not about abandoning fossil fuels or rushing into single-source dependency. It’s about recognizing the strengths of each energy resource and building a diverse, flexible energy system that prioritizes reliability, affordability, and sovereignty.
Fossil fuels remain at the core of this system. No other energy source offers the same combination of availability, scalability, infrastructure readiness, and economic impact.
At American Fossil Energy, we believe energy security begins with:
- Protecting and expanding domestic production of coal, oil, and natural gas
- Reducing regulatory barriers to new energy development and infrastructure
- Investing in cleaner fossil technologies like carbon capture and advanced combustion
- Ensuring national emergency readiness through fossil-fueled strategic reserves
- Promoting energy literacy so consumers and policymakers understand what’s at stake
Conclusion: Securing the Future Starts Now
America’s national security cannot exist without energy security. In an era defined by uncertainty, we must double down on what works—and fossil fuels work. They power our grid, support our troops, strengthen our economy, and keep our nation independent.
At American Fossil Energy, we stand proudly for policies that defend our energy freedom. Because when the energy we need is produced at home, America stands stronger in every arena—from the battlefield to the boardroom.
Energy independence is not optional. It is essential. And it starts with American fossil fuels.
