As I arrived in Washington, D.C. on September 27th, I knew what the subject for my next column should be: “federal tax reform and the U.S. energy industry.” That same day the Republicans unveiled their blueprint for tax reform. The dialogue had begun.
The first question on my mind: How is tax reform going to impact my home state of Oklahoma and the U.S. energy industry overall? It was evident that during my recent visit to Washington DC, and even as I write this column, that the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans are laser-focused on implementing tax reform.
The last time there was major comprehensive tax reform in the U.S. was in 1986 during the Reagan administration. I testified during that time before the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee about the implications of tax reform to the oil and gas industry.
There is no question that pro-growth tax reform is needed. Developing a more competitive and fair tax system will support more investments and more jobs. The U.S. has one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world. The Administration has called for “American energy dominance.” With the right kind of tax structure in place, America can reach that goal. Under the proposed plan the corporate tax rate will drop to 20% from 35%, as one example of reform.
In the U.S., corporate taxpayers have the ability to recover costs and be taxed only on net income. These provisions, tax expenditures, are not subsidies. Cost recovery such as the depletion allowance and intangible drilling costs are not subsidies but incentives to sustain a strong energy industry which supports sustained oil and natural gas exploration and production activity.
According to a recent Wall Street Journal editorial, “Overall, the GOP has produced a tax-reform outline that can revitalize a weak economic expansion, lead to more new business creation, enhance worker productivity, and lift wages.” Economic expansion, new business creation, work productivity and increased wages are what the energy industry needs now!
By turning to new technologies, innovation, and the enduring American spirit that has enabled us to overcome challenges this nation has faced, the goal of a job-growth tax plan is essential in the U.S. energy industry. It is time for us to evaluate our energy future. “Future generations are depending on us to keep the American dream alive!”
In a recent op-ed in Investor’s Business Daily, Barry Russell, Independent Petroleum Association of America CEO and President, sums it up: “As Washington, D.C. looks to tackle reforming the tax code, the critical role of American energy production cannot be overlooked. Tax reform…needs to move in the direction of strengthening businesses of many shapes and sizes, putting our economy on a track for success, and creating new jobs and opportunities along the way for our workforce.”
What do you think? It is time for National Energy Talk. www.nationalenergytalk.com
Mark A. Stansberry, Chairman of The GTD Group, is an award-winning author, columnist, film and music producer, radio talk show host and 2009 Western Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductee. Stansberry has written five energy-related books. He has been active in the oil and gas industry for over 44 years, having served as CEO/President of Moore-Stansberry, Inc., and The Oklahoma Royalty Company. He has served as Chairman of the Board of Regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma, Chairman 2016-2017 of the Gaylord-Pickens Museum/Oklahoma Hall of Fame Board of Directors, Lifetime Trustee of Oklahoma Christian University, and Board Emeritus of the Oklahoma Governor’s International Team. He has served on several public and private boards.
- Mark Stansberryhttps://energiesmedia.com/author/mark-stansberry/
- Mark Stansberryhttps://energiesmedia.com/author/mark-stansberry/
- Mark Stansberryhttps://energiesmedia.com/author/mark-stansberry/
- Mark Stansberryhttps://energiesmedia.com/author/mark-stansberry/
- Mark Stansberryhttps://energiesmedia.com/author/mark-stansberry/
- Mark Stansberryhttps://energiesmedia.com/author/mark-stansberry/
Oil and gas operations are commonly found in remote locations far from company headquarters. Now, it's possible to monitor pump operations, collate and analyze seismic data, and track employees around the world from almost anywhere. Whether employees are in the office or in the field, the internet and related applications enable a greater multidirectional flow of information – and control – than ever before.