2016 could be a turning point for American energy. Will increasingly well-organized attacks on energy result in policies that hinder or stop shale development? Or will our industry rally and win battles in the halls of government and at the ballot box?

The best way to advance our industry in the policy arena is to get involved with Energy Nation. Our industry’s employee-powered advocacy community, Energy Nation is always free to join and participate. Once you sign up, Energy Nation will provide you with information, training, and tools that enable you to be an energy champion. By bringing your expertise and informed views to the debate, you’ll help our industry turn back challenges at the local, state, and national levels.

Energy Nation advocacy isn’t just about fighting challenges. It’s also about seizing opportunities to expand American energy development. Right now, Energy Nation is pushing hard to lift the ban on oil exports. If we can sell to the world, we’ll see new investment, new growth, and new job creation in our industry.

Energy Nation also helps us educate others and be energy advocates in our communities—and even with our friends and family. We have a great story to tell. American energy development keeps energy affordable—for households and businesses. Communities around the country also benefit from royalties, lease fees, and energy taxes. Extra energy dollars help fund schools, parks, public safety, and infrastructure.

We are also a safe industry. Energy Nation provides resources and facts that you can share with others. We need to fight back against myths, misinformation, and outright lies—and Energy Nation helps make it possible.

Our industry should not be the piggy bank or the punching bag for government. If we allow attacks to go unanswered, we will be overtaxed and overregulated—beyond even what we endure today. We have to be the loudest voice in energy policy debates, or we’ll pay the consequences.

Every reader of Shale Directories should learn more and sign up for Energy Nation—and encourage others to do so as well. Let’s shape our own destiny rather than letting others dictate energy policies for us. It’s time to stand up for our industry—and our jobs.

Joseph Barone
www.ShaleDirectories.com