The backbone of Oklahoma’s economy needs no taxpayer payouts

As legislators mark “Clean Energy Day” at the State Capitol, the Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma is reminding our state’s leaders that natural gas is the only clean energy source actually paying taxes and putting Oklahomans to work.

Oklahoma is the nation’s third largest producer of clean, abundant natural gas, thanks to companies located right here in Oklahoma. These companies employ more than 350,000 Oklahomans and together comprise the largest source of tax revenue for the state. Unlike other less reliable energy sources like wind and solar, Oklahoma’s natural gas producers are making our air cleaner and driving our economy without being subsidized by Oklahoma taxpayers.

Increased production and use of Oklahoma natural gas is generating both economic benefits for the United States and clean-air benefits for the world. Data from the International Energy Agency released this month shows the United States recorded the largest decrease in carbon dioxide emissions of any country last year, due to the continued transition to natural gas for power generation. U.S. emissions were down 2.9% in 2019 compared to the year before. Natural gas has cut 50 percent more emissions in the United States than wind and solar combined since 2005.

The men and women of Oklahoma oil and natural gas live, work, and raise their families right here in our great state. We are proud of the clean energy we provide for America, and we are proud to be the engine driving Oklahoma’s economy. Our industry is part of the solution to a cleaner energy future, which must have as its foundation clean-burning natural gas.