Energy companies deserve tax credits

Trash talking about 'big oil” seems to be fashionable among some in Washington, D.C., but we should take a minute to realize that American energy companies play a major role in maintaining our national security.

Oil companies may appear to enjoy big revenues, but that doesn't reflect the costs they incur to find and produce energy. A mere three oil companies spent more than $120 billion last year in capital expenses.

So, why does our administration keep trying to punish American energy companies by denying them the same tax credits that other companies get for creating American jobs? And why does the administration want to tax American energy companies twice on some earnings? Our foreign competitors don't do that.

We need to ensure that our energy companies are not handicapped or subjected to unfair taxes.

They probably are in the best position of any industry to create jobs and our national security depends on strong domestic energy sources.

Beware those who try to sabotage America's future by targeting this one industry. We need tax reform, but we need fair, across-the-board reform that won't harm domestic industries and national security.

Karen Fesler

Coralville