Don't tell me that there's no way in which crude oil -- an American natural resource -- cannot be valuated and credited back to the people! Take the sold-for price, deduct the verified cost of taking it out of the ground, and return the balance to the public coffers.
This policy transforms publicly owned natural resources into a direct economic dividend for citizens. By claiming the net profits from crude oil extraction, the state ensures that the wealth generated by American natural resources benefits the public rather than exclusively private corporate interests.
The Core Mechanism
- Asset Valuation: Calculate the total market value of all crude oil extracted from public lands and waters over a fiscal year using the U.S. Energy Information Administration pricing data.
- Cost Deduction: Subtract the audited, verified extraction and operational costs incurred by private operators.
- Direct Dividend: Return the remaining net balance directly to the public through a universal, yearly state dividend (similar to the Alaska Permanent Fund model).
Key Arguments & Justifications
- Right of Ownership: Crude oil is an American natural resource. Its underlying value belongs to the people, not just the corporations extracting it.
- Economic Equity: Provides a steady stream of income directly to citizens to combat inflation and rising costs of living.
- Corporate Accountability: Ensures operators deduct only strictly verified and audited costs, eliminating unchecked corporate profiteering at the expense of public wealth.
- Future Security: Establishes a permanent trust fund to continue payouts even after fossil fuel reserves are depleted.
Economic Formula
The dividend payout per citizen is calculated as follows:$\text{Dividend} = \frac{\text{Total Sold-for Price} - \text{Verified Extraction Costs}}{\text{Total Number of Eligible Citizens}}$
