Biden’s Energy Policies Have Consequences

October 1, 2021

President Biden’s continued attacks on the energy industry is producing major consequences for the American people. Hours after he was sworn into office, he canceled the Keystone Pipeline, taking away roughly 3,000 construction jobs and more than 40,000 indirect jobs. Suzanne Walker was one of those workers who immediately lost her job by Biden’s overreaching order his first day in office. Walker has been a pipeline welder since 2008 and discusses how President Biden’s radical policies have changed her life.

After working 10 to 12 hour shifts on projects across the country and making a good living, I was instantly out of a job when President Biden decided to favor foreign pipelines over critical infrastructure projects like the Keystone XL pipeline here at home. Not only was I immediately out of a job during a struggling, post-pandemic job market, but I was pregnant with my first child. This past year and a half was supposed to be the most joyful year of my life— not the most stressful. However, President Biden seemed to have other plans for pipeliners like myself.

It is sad to see a hardworking American mother out of a job because of a President who doesn’t support domestic energy or energy infrastructure projects, but has no problem supporting pipelines overseas. 

Pipeline welding is all I’ve ever known. And I don’t just believe in it because it’s my job, I believe in it for the sake of my son’s future – our nation’s future. Hardworking families like mine need affordable gas for our vehicles and cheap energy to heat our homes, dry our clothes, and cook dinner. I can’t imagine how bad it will be if these rising gas prices continue.

Prioritizing pipeline infrastructure in America is the best path forward from an environmental perspective. A recent study reaffirms that pipelines are 4.5 times safer than transporting oil and gas by rail or truck. If the Biden administration is trying to be environmentally conscious, they better look at the facts before trying to threaten viable pipelines like Dakota Access. Pipelines are the most climate-friendly, effective option; far more “green” and safe compared to the alternatives.

The Biden administration needs to realize what their radical policies are doing to this country and its citizens. These policies are not sustainable and will continue to hurt the American people. We need reliable, safe, and affordable energy in the U.S. for everyday activities – the sooner this administration realizes that the better for everyone.