As Republican presidential candidates prepare for their first debate on Thursday, the leader of the nation’s top oil industry trade group says it’s time for them to provide more details about their plans for U.S. energy policy.
“Those who seek to represent us must go beyond the talking points and outline a clear vision for energy that will advance our nation’s economy, security and standard of living,” says American Petroleum Institute President Jack Gerard.
As FuelFix.com reports, API’s clear preference is for candidates who will “pursue an American future of energy abundance, self-determination and global leadership,” as Gerard puts it. But for now, with nearly two dozen serious declared Republican and Democratic contenders, Gerard says it’s most important that they all start talking.
“We’re encouraging all of them—Democrats, Republicans, socialists—to start talking about your issues,” he says. “Start telling us where you stand because we want the American public to know.”
Gov. Bobby Jindal, who is not among the 10 leading GOP hopefuls who will be on the main stage at Thursday’s first debate, has been touting himself as a candidate who is doing more than just spouting rhetoric on major issues. To that end, he released a detailed energy policy in September of last year.
Other GOP White House hopefuls, including some who’ve just declared their candidacy, are still rolling out their platforms and policy positions. Across the large slate of Republican candidates, there is “a consistent pro-energy focus” so far, Gerard says.
But he already sees nuance and expects more of those distinctions to be teased out as the field narrows. Gerard singled out one of the Republican contenders—Ohio Gov. John Kasich—for pushing a 6.5% severance tax on oil and gas production. That proposal was later blocked by GOP leaders in the state Senate.
