The Importance of Energy Issues to Pennsylvania Voters

Pennsylvania's role in the upcoming presidential election is crucial, and energy affordability is a key issue for voters. The Empowerment Alliance (TEA) has compiled data that shows around 38% of the state's 8.8 million registered voters, or 3.2 million individuals, prioritize energy affordability when voting. These voters, termed as American Energy Patriots, are likely to support candidates who advocate for cost-effective energy policies. Currently, the Biden-Harris administration has a negative 31.8% approval rating among this group.

Why Pennsylvania Matters

With 19 electoral votes, Pennsylvania holds the most among the seven battleground states. Historically, the state tends to back the winning candidate in U.S. elections. In the 2020 election, Joe Biden won the state by approximately 1.16 percentage points over Donald Trump. However, Trump had a narrow victory over Hillary Clinton in 2016. TEA has analyzed the energy policies and records of both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, which are important considerations for Keystone State voters. Since Biden and Harris took office, the cost of electricity, natural gas, and gasoline in Pennsylvania has risen significantly. Despite promises not to ban fracking, the Biden-Harris administration allowed a fracking ban in the Delaware River Basin, impacting parts of Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware. A nationwide fracking ban could potentially cost Pennsylvania 600,000 jobs and $260 billion in lost Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Unclear Energy Policies

Harris has been criticized for her lack of clarity on energy policy, which some describe as "strategic ambiguity". This approach is seen as an attempt to avoid alienating both environmental activists and moderate voters. The state's natural gas producers have pressed Harris for specifics on her policies, which have been inconsistent or in some cases, nonexistent. Harris has changed her stance on several energy-related issues. Though she initially supported a ban on oil and gas fracking on federal lands during her 2020 presidential run, she now opposes it. She also previously backed the Green New Deal legislation in the Senate, which aimed to end U.S. reliance on fossil fuels within 10 years, but has since withdrawn her support.

Trump's Energy Policies

In contrast to Harris, Trump's stance on energy issues is clear. His commitment to domestic energy production and pipeline expansion is well known. If re-elected, Trump has pledged to dismantle federal regulations, increase domestic hydrocarbon production, and attract "energy-hungry industries" to the United States.

The Role of Natural Gas in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is second only to Texas in estimated total proved natural gas reserves. The state's reserves have increased significantly from 2011 to 2021 due to increased natural gas development in the Marcellus Shale region. In 2021, the oil and natural gas industry contributed $75 billion to the Pennsylvania economy, and workers in the industry earned an average annual income of $95,047.

Conclusion

Pennsylvania's diverse economy relies on the protection of jobs and livelihoods by electing leaders who will fight for domestic energy with a focus on consumer well-being. The development of the Marcellus Shale is an American success story that has enabled the extraction of clean, job-creating, American natural gas. This success needs to continue for Pennsylvania's families, farms, businesses, and industries to thrive. A Harris presidency could potentially weaken domestic energy producers and increase America's reliance on foreign oil. Based on her home state of California's record, it is likely she will advocate for more green-at-any-cost schemes. This could be detrimental to Pennsylvania's energy sector, entrepreneurs, and families.

Bottom Line

This article highlights the importance of energy issues to Pennsylvania voters and the potential impact of the upcoming presidential election on the state's energy sector. What are your thoughts on this topic? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss. You can also sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.