Biden Denies His Policies Caused High Gas Prices

William Haupt III, The Center Square

“By reversing Trump’s energy policies we’ll reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.” – Joe Biden

President Joe Biden made a statement a few weeks ago that Russia would be banned from importing oil as a retaliation against their invasion of Ukraine. Biden stated bluntly that Americans would have to pay more for their oil at the pumps. Many people were puzzled by this statement, wondering how America could be energy independent in 2020 under Donald Trump. The U.S. was the largest exporter of oil, having produced so many petroleum products.

Biden claimed that higher gas prices are due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. For more than a year Americans have been experiencing sharp rises in gas prices and rapid increase on oil, as well as other fossil fuels, every week. Biden made America more dependent on oil imports from unreliable nations. Double-digit inflation also caused all commodities prices to soar.

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Biden, in response to the panic at the pumps, announced that he would tap into our emergency oil resources to help stem rising prices. He just released 50 million barrels of crude from the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve. In a PBS interview, the oil industry’s Dan Meter said, “This will have little impact on gas prices since Biden’s energy policies will continue to drive future prices higher.”

Biden says that once the Russian-Ukraine war is resolved, the market for energy will rebound to its pre-war state. This is not a comfort for the consumers, as gas prices, methane and natural gas have almost doubled over his tenure. There is no sign of an end to the inflation rate that has risen by double-digits.

“By God, this will be over sooner than people think. They just need to be more patient.” – Joe Biden

The liberal media and the Democratic Party are frantically running interference for Biden’s failed energy policies and the resulting chaos around the nation. Drivers in blue states find it difficult to believe that the positive effects of climate change are for their good. And red states are saying, “We told you so!”

It’s getting more difficult each day for the left to blame the conflict in Ukraine for the spike in energy prices. Biden has been in constant agreement with environmentalists as well as the EPA regarding energy policies. It will lead to further consumer debt and will have a negative impact on economic growth.

Joe Biden issued executive orders on the first day to stop new oil drilling permits in federal waters and lands. He cancelled the Keystone Pipeline and suspended oil-and gas leasing in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. He then reinstated the “Waters of the United States” rule to ban energy projects in New Mexico; a move that has infuriated the Navajo Nation.

This not only resulted in higher energy costs for all consumers, it blew gas and oil futures through the market’s roof. Prices in the United States increased 8.9% last month compared to last year. This is the biggest increase since 1982.

Biden ordered the EPA last year to enact regulations governing methane emission from oil and natural gas production, storage, and distribution. The cost of these regulations will rise by well above a million dollars.

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He also signed a resolution to cancel Trump’s EPA energy production reforms. Biden’s move will increase prices with onerous regulations, and will negatively impact consumers and businesses.

Shortly after he took office, without the consent of Congress, Biden rejoined the Paris agreement, which will result in increased “punishing new energy manifestos” that will additionally raise energy costs. Paris Energy Gurus have set new standards regarding ozone levels that could hinder energy project permit approvals. This level of air purification is impossible in every country.

Biden established a variety of new oversight agencies in order to regulate and reform energy. The councils are managed by individuals appointed by Biden without Senate approval. These councils have the broad authority to make new rules for U.S. Energy Production without Congress’ consent.

The left’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act included the climate-change wizard’s wish list of new regulations supported by the White House. They will require states to create carbon-reduction programs that need to be updated every four years. These plans must also be approved and approved by the Department of Transportation. Non-compliance will result in the loss of interstate matching funds to support highway maintenance projects.

Progressives created this plan to increase dependence on new, expensive rapid transit systems that are funded by federal and state funds. Even for rural residents where public transportation is limited, they are expected to lessen driving.

“It’s our goal to get more electric cars on American roads and more charging stations built.” – Joe Biden

Biden’s proposed new carbon taxes on electricity markets will be costly, ineffective and regressive. This is another attempt to pass former President Barack Obama’s failed “Cap and Trade” redistribution of wealth stratagem.

“Under my plan, you can build a coal fired burning plant but it will cost you dearly.” – Barack Obama

Biden and Democrats look for ways to improve public support before the midterm elections. However, they may be opening the doors to an even larger pot of trouble. They see Biden’s best bet to boost supply is reaching a nuclear deal with Iran. America can make a grave mistake if it gets in bed with a nuclear-armed rogue country.

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Biden and his advisers are discussing the possibility of banning U.S. future oil exports in order to protect U.S. drivers against global volatility. It is an ambitious pipe dream. With Biden’s current energy policies, it is unlikely we’ll ever be producing enough oil to export one single barrel again.

Stephen King wrote, “Why can’t we see the elephant in the room?” The get out of jail free card for Biden to end our dependence on importing oil from rouge nations is to trash his domestic energy killing global warming agenda. If he was to turn back the energy hands of time to the day he took office, we’d be oil independent in less than a year. But, “Hell will freeze over before that happens.”

Biden, with the Democratic Party in a tangled mess, is on a delicate balance. Socialists in the House claim the Russian invasion of Ukraine is a result of American “imperialism” and demand the U.S. withdraws from NATO. Those on the moderate left can no longer defend Biden’s energy policies. The Ukraine crisis is upending the party’s midterm agenda, and it is now “a crisis for Democrats.”

“America has no business getting involved with the war in Ukraine.” – Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Biden can run but he can’t hide from voters. His fiscal and energy policy have led to a shortage of labor, high inflation, and an enormous energy crisis. Biden is aware that he needs to clean his act in order to avoid the midterms. Since the most influential factors on how people vote Election Day are the economy, foreign and energy policies, Biden must get it right.

“The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

The Center Square permission granted this syndicated version.