Advancing domestic manufacturing, remanufacturing, and all-of-the-above energy solutions should be bipartisan objectives that we all can agree on.
Pennsylvania, a historic energy powerhouse in oil, coal, nuclear, and natural gas, can capitalize on its dominance to drive domestic energy production and focus attention on policies that support growth and innovation.
Pennsylvania’s position as a national and global energy leader is essential to our modern quality of life. Energy security and access to reliable energy resources are crucial in ensuring Pennsylvania consumers can stay cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and navigate every other climate we all come to expect living here. Likewise, security and access are key to generating electricity and making sure residential, commercial, and industrial consumers can keep the lights on.
Domestic energy dominance also means manufacturing growth and investment. Energy resources, such as oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids, are the foundations for manufacturing products that modern society relies on. The chemicals and plastics derived from these resources are the building blocks for most health care products and medical equipment, renewable energy, high-performing building materials, military equipment, food packaging, electronics, clothing, vehicles, and much more.
According to a Deloitte report, chemical, plastics, and rubber production were in the top 10 for manufacturing subsectors by value added in 2023, collectively adding over $600 billion in value. These industries play a critical role in the supply chain and support industries across the state and nation.
It’s all interconnected. When we advance energy and manufacturing dominance, we spur investment in Pennsylvania, local communities, and a brighter future for everyone.
Collaborative and thoughtful policy is the best way forward to position Pennsylvania for success. Unleashing growth in Pennsylvania is predicated on our state and federal policymakers advancing thoughtful, strategic policy approaches to energy and chemical policies. Failure to concentrate on artificial regulatory burdens that don’t address the environment and public health but create process delays and bureaucratic red tape will drive American manufacturing to other parts of the country or around the globe.
In a political world where crossing the proverbial aisle doesn’t always happen, it’s encouraging to see Tennessee Republican U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann and Texas Democratic U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey join together to establish the American Dominance in Energy Caucus. This effort transcends party politics to focus on elevating American-made energy and manufacturing and the benefits they bring to everyday consumers and businesses.
By promoting bipartisan solutions to advance innovation in domestic energy production and manufacturing, these two leaders are prime examples of how policymakers can come together for the greater good.
As a growing national and global energy leader, Pennsylvania has a unique opportunity to play an integral role in this newly formed caucus. I encourage Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation to engage with the American Dominance in Energy Caucus, and for state leaders to explore starting a similar initiative: a Pennsylvania Energy Dominance Caucus.
By leveraging its rich history of energy production and its robust manufacturing sector, Pennsylvania can lead the nation in fostering a secure, prosperous and globally competitive future through bipartisan energy and manufacturing dominance. The potential outcome: continued growth and investment, solidifying the commonwealth’s vital role in the nation’s economic and energy security.
