October 25th, 2024

• Stay up to date on all things energy by visiting the TEA Newsroom.
• America needs Affordable, Reliable, Clean energy security.
• Opinion: We must continue to support fossil fuels.
• EVs become a flashpoint in a pivotal Michigan Senate race.
• La. Gov. Landry recognizes natural gas as ‘affordable, reliable and clean.’
• The GOP’s electric car attacks crash into Dems’ closing message.
• Supreme Court opens debate on venue for EPA rule challenges.
• Utility plans to build two new natural gas plants in Kansas by 2030.
• DC Circuit leans toward DOE in fight over Alaska gas exports.
• Renewable PPA prices are on the rise – and aren’t stopping soon.

The issue: In terms of residential energy costs, electricity is now 3 and a half times more expensive than natural gas, according to the latest DOE report on average unit costs of energy. Lower prices for household energy bills (and reducing inflation) starts with expanding natural gas production.

Why it matters: Noted energy expert Robert Bryce authored this piece, looking at what ‘electrifying everything‘ really means. It’s a regressive energy tax disguised as climate policy. When you hear “electrify everything,” that really means get ready to “pay more for everything.”

He added another twist, writing: “The DOE has been delaying the publication of the figures because the agency’s staff knew the cost data would embarrass the Biden Administration and the numerous NGOs (non-governmental organizations) that are pushing the electrify everything agenda.”

That means the Joe Biden AND Kamala Harris Administration, since she has been a key part of the agenda for nearly four years, according to the President’s own words.

Consider:

• The cost of energy goes into everything we produce, from food to automobiles, furniture and household appliances.
• When energy prices are affordable, the cost of most everything else comes down and the latest Department of Energy report confirms that natural gas is the most affordable.
• Natural gas costs $13, compared, for example, with propane at $34 and electricity at $47 per million BTU.
• Heating with electricity this winter will cost 75% more than using natural gas.

On the campaign trail, Republican candidate and former president Donald Trump says he’ll cut energy costs by 50%. “It all starts with energy. We have more energy than anybody, we don’t use it,” he said. “Energy brings everything down.”

Bottom line: The DOE report on residential energy prices confirms what we’ve said for years – when you hear ‘electrify everything’, your wallet should be scared. Households using electricity pay 3.5 times more than those using natural gas.

The issue: In another understated move, Kamala Harris says she won’t support expanding fossil fuel drilling, according to her campaign.

Why it matters: The comments come as Harris has continued to face questions about her stance on energy production, going from supporting a ban on fracking just five years ago to touting the “largest increase in domestic oil production in history” during her time as vice president. She has been all over the board, and in our opinion, doing so intentionally. She can’t afford to lose Pennsylvania and other energy producing states, but her Green New Deal roots run very deep.

Consider: Some critics, including TEA, have slammed the campaign’s recent production talking point, arguing that the energy industry was able to achieve record numbers despite Biden administration policies, not because of them. Her campaign has been dodging questions about whether she still supports her past positions on energy-related topics.

• On this latest issue of expanded drilling, she again hid behind her spokesperson rather than addressing the issue herself publicly.
• In 2019, then-Sen. Kamala Harris pledged as president to eliminate Senate filibuster rules to pass a multi-trillion dollar Green New Deal to transform U.S. energy and climate policy.
• Now, Harris’ campaign declined to say if she would push for such a reform if she is elected president.

The record does not match the rhetoric, as noted energy-related public policy analyst/consultant David Blackmon points out, when it comes to fracking and oil and gas leasing, either. Harris’ campaign has attacked Big Oil, and at the same time tried taking credit for record hydrocarbons production over the past four years.

Bottom line: The Harris campaign showed once again they do not have a coherent message on energy. One day she takes credit for expanding fracking, the next day she runs from it. Voters know the truth – she will never be a pro-American energy advocate.

Gas prices are down another 5 cents over the past week, with the national average for a gallon dropping to $3.14. As of this week, there are only 3 states in the country where drivers are paying over $4 at the pump. California (thanks capt. obvious), Washington, and Hawaii are the unlucky recipients of this award.

Nothing on the calendar for next week!

“Under Trump, America became a net energy exporter for the first time in 75 years. Under Kamala, the energy industry faced 250 different attacks from the Biden admin.”

— Daniel Turner, Executive Director of Power the Future, on Twitter/X.