Op-ed: US Needs to Unleash Domestic Energy Innovation
U.S. needs to unleash domestic energy innovation
By Victoria Vincent
Vincent is the National Committeewoman for the Utah Young Republicans, an organization that represents young conservative professionals throughout the Beehive State.
Victoria Vincent, who serves as the national committeewoman for the Utah Young Republicans, is out with an excellent op-ed in the Salt Lake Tribune. As she writes:
“Asia — and China in particular — is dominating another key industry, which can threaten U.S. stability and security: clean energy technology.
As the demand for energy grows around the world, so too will the need for low-cost, clean energy. Whichever nation capitalizes on this opportunity and becomes the world’s leading energy innovator will enjoy remarkable economic growth, access to developing markets, and geopolitical influence. These are the benefits that can come from the U.S. competing in — and winning — the 21st century energy arms race.”
As she continues:
“Unfortunately, in many ways, this is a competition the U.S. is currently losing. The solar panels you might purchase to use on your home were most likely manufactured in China, which dominates 60% of the global solar panel market. The world’s largest capacity for wind energy: also, China. And on top of that, the Chinese Communist Party is rapidly accelerating its ability to export technology and infrastructure as part of the Belt and Road Initiative.
On this critical topic, America has yet to bring its A-game. If we do, we could grow our economy and create hundreds of thousands of new jobs, help secure our energy independence, crowd out China’s influence on the world stage, and cut the carbon pollution that’s driving billions of dollars in climate damage to the American homeland.
To surge ahead, there are a suite of potential investments and responses U.S. lawmakers and innovators can make. However, any serious response must harness the full entrepreneurial and innovative power of the U.S. marketplace. Most importantly, this means putting a price on carbon.”
As Vincent summarizes:
“The U.S. has so much to gain from leading on this issue. From ensuring energy security, to reducing pollution, to growing our economy, the geostrategic benefits are enormous — and they could determine the balance of power in the 21st century and beyond. It is time for America to play offense and show China what we’re made of.”