A Call for Change in Energy Policy
The recent election sent a clear message from voters: remove the barriers hindering fossil energy production, particularly American oil and natural gas. This sentiment reflects the economic advantages associated with efficient fossil energy production, which bolsters employment and economic productivity nationwide. Battleground states such as Pennsylvania and Michigan highlighted this shift in priorities, where energy policy played a decisive role in shaping electoral outcomes.
Pennsylvania, the second-largest natural gas producer after Texas, showcased voter dissatisfaction with current federal energy policies. The Biden administration’s resistance to expanding natural gas exports, paired with Vice President Harris’ unconvincing reversal on her fracking stance, raised concerns. Pennsylvanians feared regulatory pressures could severely constrain domestic energy production, including pauses on new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm’s announcement of an upcoming Department of Energy study on LNG exports further fueled apprehensions, as such reviews could reopen approvals granted by the Trump administration, delaying progress.
Federal Leasing and Energy Security
Federal policy changes have significantly impacted fossil energy production, particularly oil and gas. Leases for exploration on federal lands dropped from 1,841 in 2019 to just 144 in 2023 under the Biden administration. Industry leaders believe an incoming Trump administration could reverse this trend by increasing leasing, potentially boosting production after a few years.
Energy security also emerged as a crucial issue. Expanding U.S. LNG exports positions the nation as a stable competitor to natural gas producers in Russia and the Middle East. These regions, known for political instability and unreliable delivery, underscore the strategic advantage of U.S. exports. Critics argue that suppressing new LNG projects undermines this competitive edge, benefiting adversarial producers without yielding meaningful gains for Americans. These concerns likely contributed to Republican victories in Pennsylvania, including Donald Trump reclaiming the state after losing it in 2020 and Dave McCormick narrowly defeating longtime Senator Bob Casey.
Economic Consequences in Michigan
Michigan, the epicenter of U.S. automobile production, illustrated voter discontent with the Biden administration’s regulatory push toward electric vehicles (EVs). Critics view the EV mandate as central planning at the expense of market-driven solutions, resulting in significant financial losses for automakers like GM, Ford, and Stellantis. Thousands of skilled workers face potential layoffs, while related industries, including designers, engineers, and toolmakers, endure ripple effects.
Vice President Harris’ failure to clarify her position on the EV mandate added to voter frustration. Polls showed strong opposition to the policy, with Blue Rose Research pollster David Schor noting that it made voters more inclined to support Republicans. Consequently, Michigan voters helped Trump secure nearly 50% of the state’s vote, reversing his 2020 loss.
The election results emphasize a broader economic narrative: promoting natural gas and traditional energy sources fuels economic growth and safeguards jobs. Conversely, policies curbing fossil energy production risk significant harm to working Americans. Lawmakers seeking reelection may find greater success by addressing these concerns and prioritizing practical energy strategies.
