Letters to the editor

Letter to the Editor: Biden’s fossil fuel policy

There has been ongoing debate on the current administration's policy on fossil fuels, considering the enormous increase we have seen at the pump starting in early 2021. There has been quite a bit of spin on the air waves regarding this. Let's take a look at what Joe Biden campaigned on.

During a July 31, 2019, democrat debate, Biden was asked, "Just to clarify, would there be any place for fossil fuels, including coal and fracking in a Biden administration?" Biden: "No, we would -- we would work it out. We would make sure it's eliminated and no more subsidies for either one of those … any fossil fuel."

During a campaign stop in September 2019, Biden looked directly into the eyes of a supporter and said, "I want you to look at my eyes. I guarantee you. I guarantee you. We're going to end fossil fuel."

At a December 2019 campaign stop in New Hampshire, Biden made these statements. "We have to set sort of guide rails down now, so between the years 2021 and 2030, it's irreversible -- the path we set ourselves on. And one of which is doing away with any substance for fossil fuels -- number one." Number two, holding them liable for what they have done (referencing fossil fuel executives), particularly in those cases where your underserved neighborhoods and -- you know the deal, OK. And by the way, when they don't want to deliver, put them in jail. I'm not joking about this." In response to a question from the an audience member, "If we don't stop using fossil fuels"...Biden cutting off the question, "We are all dead."

During the Oct. 20, 2020 presidential debate, Biden responded to a question regarding the oil industry. "I would transition from the oil industry," Biden replied. Then added "It's a big statement, because...the oil industry pollutes, significantly."

In his first few days in office, Biden signed executive orders, nixing the Keystone XL Pipeline from Canada, and also one eliminating gas and oil activity in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The Keystone pipeline could have transported up to 800,000 barrels per day from Canada to refiners in the southeast.

Now my question to Biden is: How do you plan to convince the rest of the world to cease using fossil fuels, and what will you use as a substitute for the thousands of products that use fossil fuels in their manufacture? One barrel of oil can provide 19 gallons of gasoline. The remaining 23 gallons is used for thousands of everyday items. Can we do without plastics? And my question to the consuming public is why would American oil companies invest billions of dollars into exploration and development if they are convinced they would only be ramming their heads into brick wall after brick wall?

And yet, it has been reported that Biden has been asking the Middle East and Venezuela to increase oil production, and also pushing for the Iran nuclear agreement to be resurrected, so they will be able to sell oil to the U.S. What is wrong with this picture? Lastly, Biden has publicly blamed the Russian invasion of Ukraine for the rise in pump prices. From Biden's inauguration up to the invasion, average gasoline prices increased 50%, and since the invasion they have increased 23%. I must have failed math in school.

Larry Reed

Parkersburg