Navigating Energy Choices in the Upcoming Election – Watts Up With That?

By Dave Schryver

The 2024 general election could be a turning point in our nation’s energy future, setting the stage for significant changes in how America produces and consumes energy for decades to come.

The development of new local, state and federal energy policies has been mixed. While there has been encouraging progress in recognizing natural gas as a clean, reliable and affordable domestic energy source, there have also been too many efforts at the state and community levels to hinder Americans’ ability to choose their preferred energy source.

As candidates debate our energy future this election season, it’s important to remember that consumer interests are directly affected – positively or negatively – by the decisions of elected officials.

Concerns have been raised about efforts to limit energy choices, due to their negative effects on energy affordability. Publicly owned natural gas systems understand the need to use sustainable energy solutions and are committed to improving energy efficiency without sacrificing affordability and reliability. As the election season progresses, here’s what I think voters should pay attention to.

What do Energy Consumers Care about?

Most Americans recognize the importance of combining natural gas with renewable energy sources to power their homes and buildings. However, recent policies from the White House and the Department of Energy (DOE) have limited the role that natural gas can play in providing reliable and affordable energy to consumers, contradicting consumers’ desire for a diverse energy mix.

As a voter, it is very important to support a candidate who listens to what energy consumers want rather than demanding the demands of the most vocal minority.

Natural gas Policy Challenges and Opportunities

The effort by state policymakers to ban natural gas in New York last year is a powerful example of some of the state’s short-sighted efforts to curb natural gas use. While the policy does not ban natural gas in all buildings, it would result in new construction, increasing utility bills for working families and jeopardizing energy security.

In contrast, the reversal of the natural gas ban in Berkeley, California – and similar repeals in other areas on the 9th^Th Circuit — illustrates the need for practical energy policy that aligns with our nation’s precedents to protect energy choices. More than 50% of states have passed energy choice legislation to date, demonstrating strong voter demand for leaders committed to preserving access to affordable and reliable natural gas for more than 157 million Americans.

By 2025, lawmakers at all levels will be faced with policy decisions that could address or exacerbate these energy challenges. As the candidates seek votes, will they listen to America’s demand for affordable and reliable energy?

Promoting Energy Choice, Equity and Innovation

Voters expect their federal, state and local elected officials to champion effective energy solutions.

119 entered^Th Congress has an opportunity to respond to what they heard from voters on the campaign trail – which should include reforming the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). First enacted in 1975, this act and subsequent amendments gave DOE the authority to set and update minimum efficiency standards for consumer products, including many natural gas appliances.

Unfortunately, many of the proposed efficiency standards are based on cost-benefit analyzes that save only the least amount of energy and consumers, which promotes the expensive fuel from gas to electric appliances. American consumers deserve policy reforms that ensure future appliance energy decisions are based on transparent criteria with true economic thresholds for significant energy savings.

As we enter the peak of the 2024 election season, let’s remember that our vote in November will shape tomorrow’s energy landscape. By electing leaders who prioritize collaborative and balanced solutions that bring all stakeholders together, we can pave the way for a sustainable energy future.

Dave Schryver is the President & CEO of American Public Gas Associationtrade association representing more than 730 local, public and municipal gas systems in 38 states.

This article was originally published by RealClearEnergy and is available via RealClearWire.

Related