Democrats, such as Bob Casey, who supported Biden’s energy policies will face consequences in the upcoming election.
Energy is a critical issue in the upcoming November elections, and Democratic leaders who have supported President Biden’s anti-fossil fuel policies are starting to feel the consequences.
With prices for utilities, consumer goods, and food soaring under Biden’s administration, exacerbated by rising gas prices, Democratic senators like Jon Tester of Montana and Sherrod Brown of Ohio, both representing states with Republican majorities, are feeling the pressure.
However, no one is feeling the heat more than Bob Casey, a three-term Democratic senator from Pennsylvania.
Despite his 18 years in the Senate, Casey’s legislative career has been unremarkable, with few notable accomplishments to his name.
Compared to his fellow Democrat, Senator John Fetterman, Casey has failed to make a significant impact.
Fetterman, known for his populist appeal and willingness to challenge his party’s extremists, has gained unexpected support from the right for his bold stance against anti-Semitism.
When it comes to Pennsylvania, a leading producer of natural gas through fracking, both senators have differing views on the issue.
During his 2022 campaign, Fetterman faced criticism for his shifting stance on fracking, ultimately coming out in support of it.
Despite being a former Bernie Sanders supporter, Fetterman recognizes the importance of the state’s oil and gas industry, dating back to its role in America’s rise as a global power.
With nearly half a million Pennsylvanians employed in the oil and gas sector, and the industry contributing significantly to the state’s economy, Fetterman’s support for fracking is understandable.
In February, Fetterman publicly opposed the White House’s ban on approving liquefied natural gas exports, a move that even Casey eventually backed.
However, most Senate Democrats, including Casey, Brown, and Tester, have remained largely silent on Biden’s aggressive regulatory agenda targeting fossil fuels.
Since taking office, Biden has taken steps to fulfill his campaign promise of ending fossil fuel usage, such as canceling the Keystone XL pipeline and restricting new oil and gas leases on public lands.
While Fetterman has actively opposed some of these measures, Casey’s support has been lukewarm at best.
As Biden tours Pennsylvania, Casey faces a dilemma in aligning himself with the president, who may be unpopular in regions where his anti-fossil fuel policies have hit hard.
Casey’s voting record, closely mirroring Biden’s positions, may pose a challenge in the upcoming elections, as he seeks to distance himself from the administration while retaining support from Democratic strongholds.
In conclusion, energy workers in key states like Pennsylvania, Montana, and Ohio could play a significant role in the upcoming elections if candidates focus on their concerns. By addressing these issues, not only can candidates secure victory, but they can also work towards a better future for the nation and the world.
Daniel Turner is the founder and executive director of Power The Future, a national nonprofit organization advocating for American energy jobs.
