Energy Workforce & Technology Council President Tim Tarpley and EWTC Board Member Ron Gusek, President, Liberty Energy, recently testified before the U.S. House of Representatives House Oversight Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs during the Field Hearing titled “Drilling Down: Oversight of the Challenges and Opportunities Facing the U.S. Energy Production.” The hearing focused on exploring the challenges faced by American energy producers, including regulatory uncertainty caused by administration policies, and highlighted career training opportunities aimed at growing the energy workforce.
During the hearing, Energy Workforce President Tim Tarpley emphasized the increasing worldwide demand for all forms of energy, predicted by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) to rise by 50% by 2050. He pointed out that AI and data centers are driving a significant increase in power demand forecasts, necessitating a substantial buildout in natural gas power generation to meet this growing need. Tarpley criticized the Biden administration for obstructing domestic energy production through delay tactics and legal maneuvers, denying Americans access to vital resources.
Ron Gusek, President of Liberty Energy, expressed skepticism about the idea of transitioning fully away from fossil fuels in the near future. He argued that such a transition is unrealistic and politically motivated attacks on the energy industry will only harm consumers both in the United States and globally. Gusek warned against ignoring the reality of the world’s energy needs and the importance of supporting domestic energy production to ensure a stable and affordable energy supply for all.