By Senator Casey Murdock 
National Clean Energy Week is a good time to recognize the important contributions that energy development makes to our state, which includes increasing our production of renewable resources like wind power. Oklahoma’s economy is stronger—and our communities are more vibrant—thanks to our responsible, all-of-the-above approach to energy development.
Like the rest of our state, Western Oklahoma, including the panhandle, is proud to be the home of all types of energy production, from traditional sources like oil and natural gas to clean energy sources like wind and solar. Last year, Oklahoma was the fifth-largest producer of natural gas and the sixth-largest producer of crude oil, while we ranked third in the nation in terms of electricity generated by wind power.
Given that we produce nearly three times more energy than we consume, Oklahoma is also a key domestic energy exporter, helping to strengthen our nation’s energy independence while powering a stronger economy for our state. Continuing to invest in new, more sustainable forms of energy production will enable our state to build upon and strengthen Oklahoma’s role as an energy leader.
Increasing all forms of energy production, including from wind and other renewable and clean energy sources, will also help create new, 21st century jobs for hardworking Oklahomans. Moreover, continuing to lead on traditional and clean energy will help support local businesses and industries tied to the energy supply chain, while attracting new ones to our state. That, in turn, will help foster even further economic growth and development across Oklahoma.
That is why it is so important for Oklahoma to continue to invest in an all-of-the-above approach to responsible energy development that includes expanding and improving upon our clean energy capabilities. As my colleagues and I in the state legislature seek to support a positive policy environment to further these goals, our elected officials in Washington, D.C., can help complement our efforts by advancing commonsense policies that help support American energy.
In honor of National Clean Energy Week, Senators James Lankford and Markwayne Mullin and the rest of Oklahoma’s congressional delegation should continue advocating and passing American energy policies that will help spur increased investments in new energy projects here and across the country. Ultimately, that will help us create more jobs, strengthen our economy, and increase energy independence for all Americans.
