Kamala Harris’ environmental policies could potentially harm the Pennsylvania economy and impact all Americans

Since the inception of America’s first oil well in Titusville in 1859, Pennsylvania has been at the forefront of energy production in the United States.

Today, the industry sustains almost half a million jobs in the Keystone State, contributing over $75 billion to the state’s economy.

With Vice President Kamala Harris poised to become the Democratic nominee, the future of this progress and optimism is uncertain.

If Harris assumes the presidency, her policies and vision could potentially overshadow the lackluster first four years of the Biden-Harris energy agenda.

A review of Harris’ statements reveals multiple concerns.

During her presidential campaign in 2019, Harris openly announced her support for banning fracking.

Fracking, a drilling technique used to extract oil, gas, geothermal energy, or water from deep underground, plays a significant role in Pennsylvania’s economy, particularly in the Marcellus Shale region, supporting around 123,000 jobs and sustaining families across the state.

President Biden’s decision to halt liquefied natural gas exports this year raised concerns in Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry.

The announcement from the White House emphasized that it was a decision made by the Biden-Harris administration, not solely by President Biden.

This move endangered jobs and destabilized communities reliant on natural gas in Pennsylvania and beyond.

Criticism of the decision came not only from opponents of the administration but also from Pennsylvania’s Democratic senators, John Fetterman and Bob Casey Jr., who expressed their disagreement with the LNG export pause.

Governor Josh Shapiro, rumored to be a potential running mate for Harris, also raised concerns about the pause. The willingness of these prominent figures to criticize the policy indicates its misguided nature.

A ban on fracking could lead to the loss of thousands of jobs, devastating communities heavily dependent on the industry.

Not only would the economic impact be severe, but it would also result in higher energy prices, increasing the financial strain on families already grappling with inflation.

Harris has also supported the controversial Green New Deal, aiming for total reliance on renewable energy by 2050. The enormous costs associated with this initiative raise concerns about its feasibility.

The Green New Deal’s agenda to phase out traditional energy sources would eliminate jobs and create challenges for those affected. Harris’s vague promise of “an ability to transition” does little to reassure those impacted.

As national Democrats veer away from pragmatic energy policies, they risk losing voters. The advantage held by registered Democrats in Pennsylvania has diminished to just 4%, contrasting sharply with the 12% advantage in 2008. The increasing number of registered independents signals a desire for leaders with a more moderate approach.

Harris’s energy policies not only pose challenges for Pennsylvania’s energy sector but also present hurdles in securing Pennsylvania votes.

As a sudden change in stance, the Harris campaign claimed Harris no longer intends to ban fracking. Such a significant policy reversal should be communicated by the candidate herself, not an anonymous campaign official, suggesting a lack of transparency.

Pennsylvania’s energy industry is crucial not just for jobs and prices, but also for energy independence. The ability to produce and export natural gas boosts the United States’ position in global markets and reduces reliance on foreign oil, a key aspect of national security and economic stability. Biden-Harris policies targeting natural gas production and exportation could weaken this independence.

Imagine the potential impact under a President Harris.

Having called Pennsylvania home for over a century, I wish to see my state prosper and the next generation have promising opportunities. This can only be sustained if the next president supports Pennsylvania’s position as the second-largest energy producer in the nation.

In the upcoming election, we need a shift in energy policy, not an affirmation of the status quo. Let’s hope for the best outcome for Pennsylvania.

Joseph Pitts, a former Republican representative for Pennsylvania in the US House of Representatives from 1997 to 2017, served on the Energy and Commerce Committee and chaired its Subcommittee on Health.