The United States must recognize that access to reliable and affordable energy is the basis for economic expansion - and global competitiveness. And the nation must move from discouraging fossil fuel development - which is largely our approach today - to enabling it. We need all forms of energy to keep our economy strong.

Despite some struggles of our own, America's business and economic system remains the envy of much of the world.

You know, Chevron - we don't do original research on climate change. It's the government's role to do that, and we accept the determinations that are there.

Every barrel of oil that we produce around the world benefits Americans because it keeps prices down. We can talk more later about American energy independence, but the facts are, every barrel we produce helps Americans because it keeps prices down.

The greatest advancements in living standards over the past century have been coincident with affordable energy.

For most of the countries I visit, getting affordable energy in the hands of the people is a preoccupation.

We're going to need oil and gas and coal for a long time if America wants to keep the lights on.

I believe in free markets. I believe in free trade. I believe in creating the conditions that will allow that to happen. And if we do that, American companies are going to be pretty darn competitive.

The United States needs an energy policy that ensures America's tax, trade, regulatory and access policies are transparent and predictable.

Historically, the United States has had a wonderful energy policy. We're blessed with a diversity of resources. We have oil. We have gas. We have coal. We have nuclear. And renewables. And as a result, one of our biggest competitive advantages has been affordable energy. You need a strong economy and you need affordable energy to fuel that economy.