I first visited Drake Well in 1999 with my mother and grandmother. At the time, it was just a stop on a road trip to visit a local college. Who knew I’d end up working for the local Congressman and eventually celebrating the 150th anniversary of Drake’s discovery here today.

At the time, I had no clue that petroleum served as the foundation for almost every product we use and consume in our daily lives. Nor did I know that natural gas was more than just a fuel we use for cooking and heating our homes. Truth is, these resources are used as ingredients in pharmaceuticals, cleaning products, clothing, polymers, toothpaste, plastics, paints and countless other products, including windmills and solar panels. The computer you’re using to read this post would not have been possible without either one of these two resources.

The Colonel looks pretty good for 150!

That’s why I find it difficult to comprehend why some organizations, individuals and bloggers are opposed to the use of these very fuels. Bloggers couldn’t blog without a computer. Individuals wouldn’t be able to move freely if it weren’t for Drake’s discovery. And the anti-affordable energy organizations wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the very energy sources they adamantly oppose.

The folks here in the Oil Region are proud of their heritage. In fact, they’d be happy to host any open minded person who wants to learn about the history of the oil industry. Like I did today, you would probably learn a thing or two.

Thank you Titusville Oil 150 and the Drake Well Museum for hosting us today. We truly enjoyed the opportunity to be part of this joyous celebration.