As Biden Eyes “Transition Away” From Fossil Fuels, Pennsylvania is Second-Largest Natural Gas Producer in US
Richard Moorhead
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Joe Biden’s announcement that he plans on a “transition away” from the use of fossil fuels as an energy source may not go over smoothly with the people of Pennsylvania- a state that has scored as the second largest producer of natural gas anywhere in the country.
Joe Biden admitted at the Thursday debate that he plans to “transition away from the oil industry,” citing pollution.
Joe Biden says he will "transition from the oil industry" pic.twitter.com/0TgtYhhLEZ
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) October 23, 2020
The United States Energy Information Administration identifies a considerable 20.0% of national natural gas production as coming from the state of Pennsylvania, making it the second biggest producer behind Texas. The state punches well above its weight in doing so, producing almost as much natural gas as Texas despite having less than half of its population.
Biden has sought to dismiss his track record of support for the banning of fracking oil extraction, employing a similar thinly veiled rhetorical trick by stating he’d only decline to allow any new fracking.
The energy industry continues to be a source of gainful, family-supporting employment for over ten million Americans. It’s not an option to “transition away” from the use of fossil fuels in the immediate future- a fact Biden tacitly admitted to after the debate suggestion, perhaps indicating that he realized the political folly of the statement.
Biden also said he’s talking about “getting rid of the subsidies for fossil fuels. But we’re not going to get rid of fossil fuels for a long time.”
— Jennifer Epstein (@jeneps) October 23, 2020
A study from the American Petroleum Industry indicates that more than 322,000 Pennsylvanians are employed by the natural gas industry that Biden wants to transition away from.
Pennsylvania is shaping up as the most critical swing state in the election, and in nearly every plausible election night scenario the winner of the state’s 20 electoral votes secures the 270 needed to win the election.
Perhaps Joe Biden should transition away from national politics, and leave policy answers relating to carbon emissions, the environment and a strong energy industry to those more considerate of the role of the natural gas industry in Pennsylvania and around the country.
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