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Global Conflict Shows Need For Strong Domestic Energy

March 12, 2026

Need to know

ARC in the states

  • Testimony by Heartland Impact in West Virginia in support of Senate Bill 420.
  • SB 250 in Kentucky. Create a new section to define terms … to adopt rules and policies to prioritize securing affordable, reliable and clean energy by prioritizing domestic fuel sources.

RealClear

Common Sense

SHORT-TERM PAIN, LONG-TERM GAIN: Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Sunday said the spike in gas prices will not stick, arguing rising prices resulting from the war in Iran will not last for an extended time period.

“Look, you never know exactly the time frame of this, but, in the worst case, this is a weeks thing, this is not a months thing,” Wright said.

Why it matters: Some on the left are rushing to make quick changes, out of desperation to make political points. However, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said its 32 member nations should consider releasing oil stockpiles during Operation Epic Fury.
Oil prices fell sharply on Tuesday after President Trump said that the war in Iran would come to an end “very soon.” He added the ‌United States is waiving certain oil-related sanctions as a way to ensure adequate oil supply and lower prices.
Consider:
  • The conflict in the Middle East — sparked with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28 — has roiled energy markets and driven up prices for crude, natural gas and oil products, threatening to unleash a wave of global inflation.
  • Last weekend, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline rose 14 percent, marking an almost two-year high as the Strait of Hormuz’s near closure continues to spawn economic instability.
  • President Trump also assured Americans it is temporary.
Obviously there is no panic in The White House, despite media reports to the contrary. Natural gas and oil production must remain strong during times of peace and times of global conflict. We believe America must continue to “Drill, Baby, Drill” and “Build, Baby, Build.“

We have an abundant energy supply, with enough natural gas to power the nation for 130 years at our current consumption rate. That’s reassuring, particularly during these uncertain times.

Ironically, against this backdrop, Trump announced the opening of  America First Refining’s first new US oil refinery in nearly a half century in Brownsville, Texas, The $300 billion deal will break ground this spring.

“It will fuel U.S. markets, strengthen our national security, boost American energy production, deliver billions of $ in economic impact, and will be the cleanest refinery in the world,” Trump said in a Truth Social post.
Bottom line: Every global energy crisis proves the same point: America needs strong domestic energy production — something President Trump has championed from his first term into his second.

Nonsense

RELIABLE FOSSIL FUELS: There is plenty of talk about an energy transition. Renewables are growing, thanks largely to subsidies granted by the Biden administration. Yet fossil fuels still provide roughly 80% of global energy and will for years to come.
Why it matters: Energy prosperity comes from thoughtful policy guided by markets and consumers — not hasty mandates. The Affordable, Reliable Clean Energy Security Act moves America in that direction.
Consider: There is a transition underway, but it is incremental, not a rapid replacement of fossil fuels. Global energy demand and reliability needs mean natural gas, oil and coal remain central to the energy system for the foreseeable future.
This continues to increase as populations grow, developing countries industrialize and electricity demand expands (AI, data centers, EVs).
It generally takes years for a transition to occur. Oil → natural gas expansion, for example, spanned several decades.
  • Over 78% of U.S. electricity generation comes from traditional energy sources and over 43% comes from natural gas alone.
  • Besides being an energy source, petrochemicals derived from oil and natural gas make the manufacturing of over 6,000 everyday products and high-tech devices possible.

Dr. Matthew Wielicki, earth science professor, outlines the truth: Wind and solar aren’t replacing fossil fuels. They’re being added on top of them.

That’s not a transition. That’s energy expansion.
The world isn’t choosing between fossil fuels and renewables. It’s choosing more energy of every kind because billions of people still want electricity, transportation, heating, cooling and modern living standards.

Bottom line: Hydrocarbons aren’t going anywhere. Their usage is growing and likely will continue that upward trend for decades — no matter what you’ve been told.

 

A look ahead

Hearing On Critical Minerals: On Tuesday, March 17, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will have a hearing on “Unleashing America’s Mineral Potential: The Critical Mineral Commodity Supply Chain.”

FERC Open Meeting: On Thursday, March 19, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will hold an Open Meeting of the Commission.

Quote of the week

“The plan is to get oil, and natural gas, and fertilizer, and all of the products from the Gulf flowing through the straits. One large tanker has already gone through the straits with no issues at all…energy will flow soon.”
PHOTO CREDIT: (Jesse Paul, The Colorado Sun)