This is a complete misunderstanding of economics. People often complain about productivity as a “job cost”, but it is completely different than structural changes like shifting jobs overseas. Improving productivity is beneficial to the economy because anything which improves the value of one hour of labor makes our economy more competitive.

Whether this increased wealth goes to a few individuals or is distributed throughout the economy is a different question — one that neither party has addressed very effectively. Drilling for oil in America will always keep more money in America.

Drilling is also only one aspect of fuel production — there is also refining and distribution. It is foolish to believe that no jobs would be added in these areas, if we increased drilling in our country. Instead of fifty people per well, we may only have ten, but these would still be additions to our economy and in fundamental areas of production.