As the presidential candidates prepare to face off in tonight’s high-stakes debate in Philadelphia, one issue towers above the rest for Pennsylvanians: energy. Pennsylvania is the “must-win” battleground with 19 electoral votes up for grabs, and if there’s one thing Pennsylvanians know, it’s the importance of natural gas to the commonwealth. For both candidates, this debate will be a proving ground – and their views on energy policy could very well tip the scales this November.
Nearly 20 percent of America’s natural gas is produced in the Keystone State, and with the industry supporting over 123,000 high-paying jobs, $40 billion in a year of economic activity and over $6 billion in royalties reinvigorating local economies, it’s no surprise that energy development is a uniting force on the issues that matter most: jobs, national security, prosperity, and the environment.
As the candidates take stage, they’d be wise to remember that energy is not a theoretical debate for Pennsylvanians. It’s personal. It’s about the communities and hundreds of thousands of landowners stretching from Washington and Greene to Lycoming and Susquehanna Counties whose lives have been transformed by responsible natural gas development. These aren’t just numbers, they’re lifelines.
Consider revenues from the state’s tax on natural gas production alone have funneled over $2.7 billion into every county in the state. Even Philadelphia’s metropolitan and suburban communities – which have little to no industry activity – have reaped over $100 million since 2012 for critical infrastructure, local projects, and emergency preparedness.
And when it comes to environmental progress, natural gas has also proven successful. As Pennsylvania reaps the economic and consumer rewards of the abundant resource, the state has seen a remarkable decline in emissions from the power sector. In fact, natural gas is the driving force behind Pennsylvania’s largest year-over-year reduction in power sector emissions, proving that energy development and environmental progress don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Pennsylvanians understand natural gas is part of the solution to both economic and environmental challenges, and polling shows 68 percent of Republican and Democrat voters in the state support continued investment in this critical industry. That’s bipartisan support that can’t be ignored.
So, when the candidates spar over energy policy in Philadelphia this evening, Pennsylvanians will be listening closely. Will they address the regulatory hurdles holding back natural gas expansion? Will they recognize the sector’s potential as a key player in securing America’s energy future, ensuring affordability, reliability, and independence?
The stakes are high. Southeastern Pennsylvania, with its strategic position and port infrastructure, could become a hub for exporting LNG to regional and global markets. Imagine the world benefiting from Pennsylvania’s clean, reliable natural gas, produced under some of the strictest environmental regulations in the world, while helping to free our allies from their dependence on foreign despots for their energy needs. The opportunity is enormous – not just for local workers and communities, but for America’s leadership on the global energy stage.
National security and energy security go hand in hand. The world is watching as energy shortages grip Europe and geopolitical tensions escalate. Pennsylvania’s natural gas is a strategic geopolitical asset. The question isn’t whether natural gas will shape America’s future, but rather how we harness it for maximum benefit both at home and abroad.
This election season, Pennsylvania is at the crossroads of America’s energy future. The candidates must make it clear: are they ready to champion the opportunities presented by natural gas, or will they allow regulatory roadblocks and political posturing hold us back? There’s no room for half-measures. Pennsylvania and America need decisive leadership on energy policy. And in this debate, there should be no doubt: natural gas needs to be the keystone of that vision.
