WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) yesterday sent a letter to the White House urging President Obama to highlight the geopolitical benefits of oil and natural gas production in the forthcoming National Security Strategy. The administration has indicated the document, which sets the president’s priorities and strategic vision, will be released in January.

“Geopolitical implications of the energy revolution pose tremendous opportunities for our nation to enhance its national security,” Murkowski said. “Increased production coming out of the Bakken and Eagle Ford tight oil plays served to mute the impact of supply disruptions in Iran, Libya, and elsewhere. Dramatic increases in natural gas production in the Marcellus and other regions are providing greater flexibility to American allies in Europe.”

Sen. Murkowski noted that the previous National Security Strategy, which was published in May 2010, did not address the unconventional fossil fuel boom, preferring clean energy technology instead. The Energy Information Administration projects that fossil fuels – natural gas, petroleum, and coal – will account for 80 percent of the nation’s total energy production in 2025.

Past and current members of the Obama administration have referenced the positive impact of the oil and gas revolution in various venues, including in testimony to Congress.

Murkowski’s full letter can be found on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee website.

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