Staff Reports
In recent discussions surrounding America’s energy strategy and its competition with China, a startling revelation has emerged. Reports have surfaced indicating that Chinese nationals are facing serious charges related to the smuggling of a biological pathogen into the United States, specifically linked to their work at the University of Michigan laboratory. This news comes on the heels of ongoing concerns about COVID-19’s origins and the rampant flow of fentanyl into the United States. With these escalating threats, a question begs to be asked: How can America engage in meaningful trade negotiations with a Communist regime that seems intent on undermining the nation at every turn?
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum weighed in on this pressing issue, stating that the rising fentanyl crisis is contributing to significant loss of life in America, with over 100,000 casualties reported in just one year. This statistic paints a grim picture of how serious the drug crisis has become, spurred on by a porous southern border that has facilitated an influx of dangerous substances. The situation is compounded by what Burgum refers to as “agro-terrorism,” suggesting that China’s aggressive tactics go beyond economic competition and into the realm of biological warfare. The Secretary pointed to past incidents, such as Chinese spies stealing agricultural seeds, as a troubling pattern that has only intensified over recent years.
As these issues unfold, there is a broader conversation about America’s dependence on critical and rare earth minerals, materials necessary for technologies that power industries from semiconductors to electric vehicles. Burgum emphasized that China controls more than 85% of the processing of these essential minerals. This domination gives China significant leverage in the global economy, essentially holding nations hostage in a new era of technological advancement. This dominance highlights the urgent need for the United States to reclaim its energy independence and production capabilities, especially under the current administration.
During an enlightening trip to Alaska, Secretary Burgum observed firsthand the tremendous energy potential that America has, particularly with liquefied natural gas (LNG). The administration’s focus, he argued, should shift back towards maximizing domestic energy production instead of leaning on international sources that may not align with America’s interests. It is a sentiment not lost on many, who feel that the previous administration’s pro-energy policies paved the way for significant advancements in national energy security. The contrast with the Biden administration’s restrictions on Alaska’s energy production illustrates a stark difference in priorities.
Furthermore, as the demand for energy rises with technological innovations, the Secretary noted that electricity has never been more valuable. This ever-growing demand, coupled with the need to produce intelligence through advanced data centers, underscores the importance of energy independence as a national security issue. Burgum highlighted China’s aggressive expansion in coal production as a reminder of the stakes involved in this energy race, lamenting American policies that have stalled progress in domestic energy production. As nations scramble to enhance their energy strategies, the U.S. must focus on a robust, clean energy framework that can sustain its interests now and well into the future.
Looking at the future, the Secretary underscored the importance of nuclear energy as an essential part of the energy mix. With executive orders recently signed to rejuvenate the nuclear industry, Burgum expressed optimism about the potential for innovation over regulation. There’s hope that new technologies, such as small modular reactors, could provide safe energy solutions not just for the U.S. but for military bases around the globe. In a time when energy security and technological advancement are interlinked more than ever, the push towards revitalizing nuclear energy showcases a promising path forward. As America strives to become a leader in energy once again, it will take a diligent and unified effort to reclaim that status from competing powers like China and to ensure that prosperity prevails on the global stage.
