Bernie Sanders and other Democrats want to end the use of oil, natural gas and coal in America.

If their policies are ever enacted, it would ruin Oklahoma and be devastating for the nation.

According to energy experts, energy produces about one third of the total economic output of Oklahoma and it provides more than 350,000 jobs. Energy add tens of millions in tax money to public education.

A new report by RegionTrack Inc. for the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board (OERB) stated the oil and natural gas industry generated $65.4 billion in state GDP in 2018.

That by far is the  largest private-sector contributor to Oklahoma’s economy.

The oil and natural gas industry contributes more than $2 billion in taxes each year for state and local use. In fiscal year 2019, $245 million was apportioned to education-related funds and $104 million was returned to counties for roads.

The oil and natural gas industry generates $36.8 billion in household earnings in 2018. Oil and natural gas provided nearly $2.5 billion in royalty payments to Oklahomans.

The OERB, through a voluntary one-tenth of one percent assessment on oil and natural gas, the OERB provides free environmental restoration of historic well sites and extensive educational resources.

America is finally energy independent and natural gas production has played a big role in that achievement. The country with the most energy usually wins the war.

Everyone wants a cleaner environment. And no one is trying to stop development of alternative energy sources.

But it is foolish and dangerous for Democrats like Sanders to advocate the demise of America’s energy industry.