Kevin Cramer

Senate Banking Committee Passes Clarity Act

Position: Senator Cramer supports the Clarity Act, which establishes a federal regulatory framework for digital assets, arguing that clear rules will protect consumers and keep the industry competitive domestically.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After months of negotiations, the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee passed the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (Clarity Act) today. This legislation establishes regulatory parameters for digital assets, eliminating the unclear framework which has long plagued the industry. The bill heads to the Senate floor for consideration. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Banking Committee, celebrated the markup. “Today’s successful bipartisan markup of the Clarity Act in the Banking Committee establishes American regulatory guardrails around this emerging technology. We’ve already watched the majority of the industry leave for unregulated overseas markets, leaving consumers completely vulnerable to fraud or abuse. There’s more to be done to perfect this bill, but we’re working with Democrats on the committee to refine this framework and incubate a promising industry.”

Department of War Awards Nearly $10 Million for Work at Fargo-Based Packet Digital

BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Department of War (DOW) has awarded a $9,799,991 order to Packet Digital in Fargo, advancing efforts to onshore battery manufacturing for military drones and autonomous systems. The award supports the domestic production of lithium-based battery cells and battery packs under the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding Innovative Technologies program, which is designed to move emerging technologies from development into operational use. “This investment in Packet Digital—nearly $10 million—ensures we are building the key battery technologies our warfighters rely on right here in the United States,” said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). “By strengthening domestic production of these essential components, we’re securing our supply chains, accelerating innovation, and making our nation safer. We are also revitalizing our own manufacturing workforce and bringing back jobs that have been lost to overseas competition.” Work will be performed in Fargo and is expected to be completed in November 2027. Tags: Defense & Foreign Policy

Cramer Highlights Grid Reliability, WOTUS Rule at EPW Hearing

Position: Senator Cramer argues that renewable energy subsidies and backup infrastructure costs are not adequately accounted for in comparisons of energy costs, and that regulatory mandates favoring less reliable renewable energy increase electricity rates. He supports the Trump administration's pending WOTUS rule revision.

***Click here for video. Click here for audio*** WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bad math and bad policy were center stage when Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin testified before the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee on the Fiscal Year 2027 EPA budget request. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) first pushed back on misleading claims from U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), who alleged electricity bills were increasing as a result of a “fossil industry plot to subvert the powers of government to keep inexpensive clean energy off the grid.” Whitehouse referred to intermittent energy sources, like wind, as “zero cost,” yet neglected to mention the significant government subsidies and dispatchable power necessary to back up these sources. “Some of the comments that Senator Whitehouse made are a little incomplete,” said Cramer. “I want to ask you a couple of questions about the preference of renewables on the grid because of their low marginal, nearly net-zero, marginal costs per kilowatt hour (kWh). I think you even use the number 9 cents out of the average 18 cents. Do you think that includes the 2.3 cents per kWh subsidy that the taxpayers pay for production tax credit? Does it include the 30% investment tax credit that the utility or the producers had to invest before they could even generate this zero-cost energy? Do you think those prices include that?” “Respectfully, Senator Whitehouse's math is extremely wrong,” answered Zeldin. “We spend a lot of time talking about rates, but not [much] time talking about costs, because near as I can tell, taxpayers are ratepayers as well,” Cramer followed up. “Do you think that also includes, or does it leave out the additional investment that a utility has to invest to back up the wind when it doesn't blow the other 70% of the time? You have to have a backup that's more reliable. Do you think his math, includes those costs?” Zeldin explained, “There's no way to explain his math.” Cramer continued with the topic of preference on the grid, explaining how, “[For] Net-zero, marginal costs, you'd be crazy if you didn't put it on the grid first if you're already stuck with all the investment costs and the taxpayer costs. So that I understand, and that's part of the rate structure. Isn't it true that there are regions and states that add regulatory or legal mandates that require the less reliable energy to be on the grid, first before they then go to the much more reliable extra cost electricity that goes on the grid?” “Senator it is not a coincidence that the 10 states that have the cheapest rates across the country voted for President Trump, and nine of the 10 with the highest rates voted for Kamala Harris,” replied Zeldin. “That's not a coincidence.” Cramer pivoted to the Trump administration’s pending Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, thanking Zeldin and his team for holding the first listening session in North Dakota. In December, Cramer welcomed state, local, and federal officials to Bismarck. The event provided an opportunity for stakeholders to provide input on the proposed rule to EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials. Reflecting back on the listening session, Cramer said, “One of the things that was interesting to me, that I did not expect, frankly, at that listening session was when the president of the Home Builders Association, testified after a question, that the surveying and studies that they've done, show that the cost of a lot—due to the Waters of the United States, in certain areas—increased $25,000 per lot for a home before a shovel went into it. Does that not seem like a cost issue or an inflationary issue that could have been relieved by a better rule?” “Absolutely, there are landowners, farmers, ranchers, there are entire states who have come to us, they've done the math,” said Zeldin. “The impact of the way the Waters of the United States was defined previously, results in a heavy cost to be able to hire an attorney or a consultant to tell them whether it was a Water of the United States. That great uncertainty has caused a lot of issues across the country, and that's what we're working to fix.” Tags: Energy and the Environment

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Examines Cramer Bill to Support Outdoor Recreation for Veterans

Position: Senator Cramer advocates for the Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act, which would authorize $10 million annually in grants to state VA organizations to deliver structured outdoor recreation programs for veterans, citing evidence that such programs reduce depression and anxiety symptoms.

Cramer Cross-Examines VA Witness ***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.*** WASHINGTON, D.C. – A proposal to expand veterans’ access to outdoor recreation programs was on the docket at a hearing of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC). The Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act, introduced by U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Boozman (R-AR), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), will ensure outdoor recreation is an available tool to facilitate community among veterans after leaving military service. The bill reflects the growing recognition of how recovery from service-related injuries, both physical and psychological, does not occur solely within the walls of a clinic or hospital. Early studies show these programs are an effective tool in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety among veterans. Cramer spoke about the bill, highlighting its authorization of $10 million each year for a grant program for state U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) organizations to deliver structured outdoor recreation programs for veterans. The bill creates a base allocation structure for funding, providing any eligible state which applies at least $200,000 for these activities. Under the proposal, states and contracted partners are encouraged to coordinate with relevant federal land management agencies to utilize these spaces for the outdoor programs if suitable. Although the VA acknowledged the importance of expanding outdoor recreation opportunities for veterans, Cramer criticized the agency’s lack of engagement and initiative. He noted “[The testimony] reads like a bureaucrat - that doesn’t want to do any more work - wrote it. Probably worked harder at writing it than the work that would be required to carry it out.” Acting Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Patient Care Services at Veterans Health Administration Mark Koeniger said the department would work with Cramer to improve its efforts to understand the bill. “What I can say, is that it’s my understanding that the VA is working with your staff to make sure that we understand the language appropriately and that we get to some kind of agreement here,” said Koeniger. “The VA fully understands that there is potential therapeutic value in outdoor rec activities. What we want to be sure is that we’re able to measure that therapeutic value and that there are appropriate boundaries put in place for such activities.” Koeniger reiterated, “Our goal is to support veterans and improve their outcomes.” Cramer said, “our view is pretty well written in the bill, to be honest, and the language seems quite clear to me.” He added he would be happy to work with the VA, but if the Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act is passed into law and signed by the President of the United States, he expects the VA to carry it out as written. The Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act is supported by the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (NDDVA), American Legion, Veterans Outdoor Advocacy Group, the Action Foundation, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the National Association of State Park Directors, and the Action Foundation. In a letter to SVAC Chairman Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), the Veterans Outdoor Advocacy Group emphasized the bill is a “measured, evidence-informed step that builds on proven VA models while addressing a clear gap in access. It aligns with how many veterans are already choosing to reconnect and move forward.” Written testimony from the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) said it would “be grateful for the opportunity to continue working with Sen. Cramer and members of the Committee to pass this important legislation.” “The mental and physical health benefits of outdoor recreation are well documented, and VA recognizes that engaging with nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and strengthen coping skills through accessible, low-cost activities integrated into daily life,” said Brian Dempsey, Director of Government Affairs for WWP. “VA research, including work from the South Central Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, shows that even brief, regular time outdoors can enhance wellbeing and emotional regulation, including for veterans facing mobility or disability related barriers.” AMVETS said it supports the Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act and its intent to broaden the “wellness and rehabilitation options available to veterans. AMVETS fully believes that recovery and resilience are not limited to traditional clinical settings. Structured outdoor programs can complement existing care by improving engagement, strengthening social connections, and supporting long-term wellness.”

Resolution Recognizes April 2026 as Second Chance Month

***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.*** WASHINGTON, D.C. – After serving their sentences, formerly incarcerated individuals should be stepping into a new chapter. But for many, the next chapter is defined by barriers, not opportunity. The challenges they face – from employment to housing to education – don’t end when they are released and persist long after their time is served. Seeking to shine a national spotlight on both the promise and the difficulty of reentry, the Senate passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) designating April 2026 as “Second Chance Month.” U.S. Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-AR-04) and Danny Davis (D-IL-07) introduced a companion measure in the House. The resolution recognizes April 2026 as “Second Chance Month” to highlight the importance of removing barriers hindering individuals with criminal records from successfully rebuilding their lives. It acknowledges the efforts of organizations and communities working to expand opportunities for reentry and calls on institutions to mark the month by promoting awareness, advancing second-chance policies, and supporting individuals as they move forward after completing their sentences. Roughly 80 million Americans have a criminal record. In North Dakota alone, about 2,200 individuals are incarcerated and another 7,200 are under community supervision. Individuals who have been incarcerated even once are nearly seven times more likely to experience homelessness than the general population. The resolution underscores the importance of matching individuals with opportunity, and ensuring successful reentry to strengthen families, communities, and the broader economy. “Way too often, the conversation around criminal justice ends at punishment,” said Cramer. “I think, instead of dwelling on incarceration, we really ought to focus on what comes next. Our resolution simply recognizes the importance of another chance and ensuring individuals have another shot at rebuilding their lives, supporting their families, and most importantly, contributing to their communities. Those who have reconciled with society deserve an opportunity to succeed, and Second Chance Month really reinforces that commitment.” “As a former prosecutor, I have seen firsthand the challenges facing those who have been formerly incarcerated,” said Klobuchar. “People are capable of change and many deserve a second chance. This bipartisan resolution to recognize ‘Second Chance Month’ will bring awareness to these barriers and promote opportunities for those who have served their time to access stable jobs, continue their education, and become productive members of society again.” The legislation is endorsed by Prison Fellowship, American Correctional Association, Brennan Center for Justice, Conservative Political Action Conference, Due Process Institute, Families Against Mandatory Minimums, Major County Sheriffs of America, Modern Fortis, National District Attorneys Association, Niskanen Center, Right on Crime, and Unify.US. Cramer has seen these challenges and opportunities firsthand. During visits to the North Dakota State Penitentiary, he met with participants in the Prison Fellowship Academy, which takes a restorative, faith-centered approach to preparing incarcerated individuals for life beyond prison walls. He also toured the Restoring Promises Unit, where young adults build accountability and leadership through peer mentorship, and Rough Rider Industries, which equips individuals with practical job skills aimed at easing their transition back into the workforce.

President Trump’s FY27 Budget Secures Nuclear Modernization Projects at Minot AFB

Position: Senator Cramer supports federal funding for nuclear modernization projects at Minot Air Force Base, including $124 million for a Sentinel maintenance complex and $108 million for a Security Forces Operations Center, as part of the Trump administration's broader nuclear deterrence strategy.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Minot Air Force Base is slated to receive a $230 million nuclear modernization facelift under President Donald Trump’s proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget, zeroing in on support for the next generation of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) operations. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) announced plans to fund two cornerstone projects tied to the LGM-35A Sentinel program, the replacement for the aging Minuteman III system. Minot, the nation’s only base supporting two legs of the nuclear triad, is slated to receive $124 million for a new Sentinel maintenance complex and $108 million for a state-of-the-art operations center. Cramer’s support for the Sentinel program investments in Minot extends the base’s central role in U.S. strategic deterrence. “Our Airmen at Minot operate in some of the toughest conditions anywhere and they still show up every day to keep America’s nuclear deterrent strong,” said Cramer. “Investments in the Sentinel program are about protecting the country and backing the people undertaking the mission. Getting these projects into the budget is a big step toward safer, long-term solutions on the ground, and I’m excited to see the impact at Minot.” The executive budget’s proposals align with a broader push by the Trump administration to accelerate nuclear modernization, with major investments aimed at enhancing deterrence across air, land, and sea. Cramer, chair of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee, has consistently prioritized strengthening and modernizing North Dakota’s defense capabilities and has brought senior defense officials to Minot Air Force Base to observe its mission up close. A new consolidated vehicle maintenance complex would replace infrastructure dating back to the Eisenhower era by phasing out five outdated facilities built in the late 1950s and early 1960s—structures not designed for today’s fleet of more than 1,100 oversized vehicles. Right now, Airmen are often forced to repair equipment outdoors in difficult conditions, especially in the winter months when temperatures drop below zero. The new building shifts resources away from costly patchwork solutions and toward long-term capability. The budget also advances a new Security Forces Operations Center for the 91st Missile Wing, consolidating training, storage, and deployment functions under one roof. The facility will support everything from convoy security to missile site protection for over 1,000 Air Force Defenders. After more than 50 years of service, the Minuteman III system, with roughly 400 missiles deployed across three bases, is set to be replaced by LGM-35A Sentinel. The transition is expected to begin in 2030, modernizing the land-based leg of the nuclear triad amid rising global threats. As the first North Dakotan to serve on SASC and co-chair of the Senate Defense Modernization Caucus, Cramer has championed Minuteman III’s next generation replacement. His work on behalf of the base has taken him across the country, including a recent visit to Hill Air Force Base in Utah, which supports the Minuteman program and is the proving ground for Sentinel. Meanwhile, efforts to preserve the legacy of the current system are also underway. Cramer worked with the U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman to secure a decommissioned Minuteman III missile for public display. The missile is now headed to the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, where it will anchor a new Military Gallery set to open in 2027 and offer the public an up-close look at the weapon system.

Cramer Calls on USDA, USTR to Support U.S. Onion Growers, Ensure Fairness and Safety in North American Food Supply Chain

Position: Senator Cramer and Representative Evans call on the USDA and USTR to impose a $5 per 50-pound bag tariff on Mexican onions to offset cost disparities, address food safety inspection gaps, and level the competitive playing field for U.S. onion growers.

BISMARCK, N.D. – Over the last three decades, domestic onion production costs have risen sharply from $1,876 per acre in 1992 to $6,438 in 2025. American onion growers operate under some of the strictest labor, safety, and regulatory standards in the world, but compete against foreign importers with far less stringent oversight, such as those based in Mexico. The outcome is unfair for domestic producers and dangerous for domestic consumers. In 2021, Mexican onions were recalled and credible safety threats meant Food and Drug Administration inspectors were unable to conduct on-site investigations. Today, inspectors are still largely unable to conduct adequate oversight, and Mexican producers are aggressively expanding their market share. At the same time, Mexico has violated its water-sharing obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty. In the five-year cycle from 2020-2025, Mexico provided less than half of the 1.75 million acre-feet of water it owed the U.S. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and U.S. Representative Gabe Evans (R-CO-08) wrote to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer (USTR) stressing the need to level the playing field for domestic onion producers. “We appreciate the Trump Administration’s commitment to restoring fair trade practices that prioritize American jobs and strengthen local economies,” the senators wrote. “That leadership is urgently needed as U.S. onion growers face an increasingly uneven competitive environment. Structural cost disparities, inconsistent regulatory enforcement, limited access to food-safety inspections, and rapid agricultural expansion in northern Mexico are distorting the market and placing sustained pressure on domestic producers. We ask for your support in ongoing trade negotiations with Mexico to end these unfair practices and ensure American growers can meet domestic demand. “We respectfully ask USTR to consider increasing duties on imported onions from Mexico,” the senators concluded. “A $5 duty per 50-pound bag of onions would most effectively offset existing cost disparities and ensure that imported onions compete under conditions comparable to those required of U.S. producers. Domestic producers stand ready to meet U.S. demand, and such a fee would stabilize the market while strengthening food safety, regulatory compliance, and fair competition within the North American produce sector.” Cosigners of the letter include U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) and U.S. Representatives Rick Allen (R-GA-12), Cliff Bentz (R-OR-02), Lauren Boebert (R-CO-04), Julie Fedorchak (R-ND-00), Jeff Hurd (R-CO-03), Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04), Mike Simpson (R-ID-02), and Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24).

Senate Republicans End Run Democrat Obstruction, Start Process to Fund ICE, Border Patrol Through Budget Reconciliation

Position: Senate Republicans advanced a budget reconciliation process to fund ICE and CBP operations, characterizing this as necessary to enforce immigration law and secure the border after what they describe as failed Biden-era policies that allowed high levels of illegal immigration.

***Click here to download audio.*** WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Senate passed a budget resolution by a vote of 50 to 48 today, marking the first phase of the budget reconciliation process. This resolution is the first step in passing a targeted reconciliation bill to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations for at least the remainder of the Trump administration. The House of Representatives must now pass its version of a resolution. “There’s a pretty obvious reality here: Democrats are way more focused on keeping illegal immigrants here in the United States than they are on keeping our communities safe,” said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). “But today, their obstruction is nearing an end. This is not the ideal way to fully fund ICE or Customs and Border Protection, but Democrats walked away from the appropriations deal that we negotiated. This vote gets us close to making sure these agencies have the resources they need so we can deliver the rule of law and security Americans overwhelmingly voted for in 2024.” Under the Biden administration’s failed immigration policies, the priorities of American citizens were ignored, and a flood of illegal aliens entered the country. There were more than 11 million encounters with illegal immigrants nationwide, including roughly 8 million at the southern border. Over 4 million were released into the United States. Now, under the Trump administration, crossings are at historic lows. Daily apprehensions have dropped to 245, a 95% decrease from the 5,110 daily average during the Biden-era. CBP recorded 237,538 encounters at the southern border in 2025, a dramatic fall from more than one and a half million in 2024, over two million in 2023, and more than two million in 2022, making it the lowest level since 1970. January marked the ninth straight month with zero releases of illegal immigrants into the interior of the country. The Senate’s passage of the budget resolution follows its vote at the end of March to provide funding for the rest of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s core operational agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration, the Coast Guard, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The bill is awaiting passage in the House.

Cramer Questions Federal Reserve Chair Nominee Kevin Warsh at Banking Hearing on Debanking, Cautions Against Groupthink at the Federal Reserve

Position: Senator Cramer questions the Federal Reserve Chair nominee on institutional independence and philosophical diversity within the Fed's decision-making process, expressing concern about excessive unanimity in interest-rate votes and advocating for openness to diverse viewpoints rather than groupthink.

***Click here for audio. Click here for video*** WASHINGTON, D.C. – As Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s term comes to a close, the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee held a nomination hearing for Kevin Warsh, President Trump’s Federal Reserve Chair nominee. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) asked Warsh about the independence of the Federal Reserve, and if he has observed philosophical independence within the institution’s deliberative process. Cramer said he’s often found it curious “people expect somebody who's appointed by an elected official and has to be confirmed by 100 other elected officials would somehow not have a philosophy. […] I think we should not forget that it would be common for a president who believes that interest rates should be lower, to want to nominate somebody who has expressed that maybe interest rates could be a little lower, as opposed to the quid pro quo that's being accused of today.” Cramer highlighted the frequent unanimity within the Federal Reserve, asking Warsh, “Do you have any idea how often, an interest rate decision by the Fed is a 12-0 or a 10-0 vote?” “I'd say over the last 15 years, decisions have been unanimous or near unanimous,” responded Warsh. “As I said to one of your colleagues earlier, I prefer clean memos and messier meetings, and there's nothing wrong with the divergence of opinion. These are very hard calls.” Prior to serving in the private sector, Warsh spent over 10 years in public service, including five years on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Cramer questioned Warsh on whether his viewpoint had evolved over the last two decades. “Absolutely,” answered Warsh. “It is essential for the chair of this organization, to be open-minded to new ideas. The world is moving fast. The mistake that's common in the economics profession, which Secretary Schultz once described to me when I was telling him that I was thinking about pursuing further studies. He said, ‘it's fine to get a PhD, but make sure that's not the last day you are learning.’ Too many people in the profession go back to what they learned 30 or 40 years ago. We've got to be open minded. The world's changing and the facts are changing. To the characterization I heard from some of your colleagues about, did my opinions change? My opinions change when the facts change. When interest rates are at zero and the balance sheet is growing and the economy is booming, well, relative to that, I will say I sounded hawkish. In 2018, when the Federal Reserve pushed to raise rates into a financial market meltdown and economic weakening, I said that was a mistake. That was dovish. I expect to have a divergence of views based on the facts on the ground.” Cramer also highlighted the practice commonly referred to as debanking, in which banks discriminate against law-abiding industries and groups by refusing to provide financial services.“Speaking of institutions that are dug in, I think out of 22,000 [Federal Reserve employees], there are a lot of them who still believe that reputational risk should be a factor, and that reputational risk should be based on out-of-favor industries. Can you give me a sense of how you plan to attack that?” “Politics have no place, not just in monetary policy, but in supervision and regulation,” said Warsh. “If central bankers should stand for anything, it's to resist fads, resist trends, call balls and strikes. That's exactly what I would intend to do.” Cramer concluded by describing his support for Warsh as a “hard yes.”

ICYMI: Domestic Production Plus Refining Equals Dominance

Position: Senator Cramer advocates for increased domestic refining capacity to complement U.S. oil production and achieve energy independence, arguing that current refining infrastructure is outdated and misaligned with domestic crude production.

BISMARCK, N.D. – American energy markets are experiencing a full-circle moment nearly 50 years in the making. In 1977, President Jimmy Carter delivered an “unpleasant talk” calling “the energy crisis” “the greatest challenge our country will face in our lifetime … the moral equivalent of war.” Two years later, Iran’s revolution sparked global energy chaos. Fast forward to today, “Iran” and “gas prices” are again dominating headlines, bringing questions about energy independence to the forefront. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) penned an op-ed in the Fargo Forum, advocating for increased domestic refining capability, saying, “turning our production dominance into energy independence requires our refineries being tuned to operate in this century’s reality, not the last one.” Domestic Production Plus Refining Equals Dominance The Fargo Forum – April 18, 2026 American energy markets are experiencing a full-circle moment nearly 50 years in the making. In 1977, President Jimmy Carter delivered an “unpleasant talk” calling “the energy crisis” “the greatest challenge our country will face in our lifetime … the moral equivalent of war.” Two years later, Iran’s revolution sparked global energy chaos. Fast forward to today, with “Iran” and “gas prices” again dominating our headlines—are we energy independent? Few Americans filling up their tanks would say the price they’re paying isn’t affected by circumstances in the Middle East. Consumers see record production and rightly question the disconnect at the pump. During the crisis, Carter acknowledged, “We have the natural resources. We have more oil in our shale alone than several Saudi Arabias.” He was right, but it was President Ronald Reagan who met the moment by leasing almost three times as much public land for energy development as any other president. Since then, the shale revolution paired with President Trump’s energy dominance agenda has made the U.S. the world’s largest oil producer, from roughly 8 million barrels per day (mbpd) at the start of Carter’s administration to 13.5 mbpd today. Iran’s chokehold on the Strait has increased demand for U.S. crude, while President Trump’s “drill, baby drill” policies ensure the world can “buy oil from the United States of America.” But production is only half the story. Despite increasing production, refining capacity regressed, swapping one vulnerability for another. In 1982 there were 254 refineries; now there are 132. On the East Coast, capacity has declined by more than half in the last two decades while on the West Coast, the number of refineries is expected to drop from 23 in 2000 to 11 by the end of this year. This trend concentrated capacity in the Midwest and Gulf Coast, forcing consumers to absorb higher transportation costs. Worse, nearly 70% of domestic refining capability is tuned for imported heavy-sour crude, while only 30% is optimized for the light-sweet crude we actually produce! Our archaic system remains rooted in Carter’s world of imported dependence rather than optimized for Reagan and Trump’s vision of American strength. So, are we energy independent? At best, “sort of.” For the greatest nation in the world, that’s not good enough. In fact, it’s infuriating. But before we talk solutions, let’s take a few things off the table. One of the worst reactions in the 1970s was the oil export ban, a policy treating production as static, instead of a commodity which is responsive to demand. There is already chatter of reinstituting the ban—a colossal mistake because hoarding domestic crude can’t solve the problem if only a third of our refineries use it. It would reduce production, eliminate jobs, and weaken our geopolitical position. We should do the direct opposite of California. Despite vast reserves, California’s high taxes, overregulation, and climate mandates created an affordability nightmare, and still require the state to import over 60% of its crude from foreign sources with over 20% traversing the Strait of Hormuz. A similar pattern exists for much of Europe, where natural resources are squandered by incompetence, only to be backfilled by despots, leaving consumers to pay the price. Oil is a global commodity. Prices will fluctuate, but turning our production dominance into energy independence requires our refineries being tuned to operate in this century’s reality, not the last one. Section 7 of Trump’s executive order declaring a “national energy emergency” directs a review of vulnerabilities tied to “insufficient transportation and refining infrastructure." This report can’t sugarcoat the risk in our supply chains; it must reject the antiquated notion America doesn’t need additional refineries, as well as the dour forecasters whose predictions on peak oil have been as accurate as the overpopulation doomsdayers of the 1960s and 70s. There are opportunities to reverse course. President Trump announced a new refinery in Texas and North Dakota has a fully-permitted refinery pending financing. Congress is debating permitting reform, and the administration has tools at its disposal to facilitate new or retooled refineries. The Working Families Tax Cuts bolstered loan programs and Defense Production Act funding for energy security projects. Everything must be on the table. As we are seeing today, history repeats itself. Carter knew we had more oil and he knew accessing it would make us more secure, but it was Reagan who promoted policies to capitalize on our resources. We need to follow his example. We can learn from history’s lessons or suffer its same mistakes. We have seen how visionary leaders can turn a crisis of confidence into energy abundance through wise public policies. It’s time to do it again. Tags: Energy and the Environment