What to look for in candidates’ energy platforms this November.
Prioritizing Economic Recovery
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 elections are a chance to chart a strong, lasting recovery. Vote Energy candidates will prioritize ramping up American productivity and resist calls to sidetrack recovery efforts with special deals and new spending on politically-favored energy and transportation sources, such as electric vehicles. Vote Energy candidates will focus on the bread-and-butter of a working economic comeback, not green giveaways that benefit those with the most access to government offices.
Supporting Affordable, Reliable Power
Electricity markets left free from government mandates are the best way for us to ensure affordable, reliable power for American homes, factories, hospitals, and more. Mandates for so-called renewable power sources from the federal government and from state governments put affordability and reliability in jeopardy. Vote Energy candidates will trust the market process and swear off top-down mandates for electricity production.
Cutting Subsidies
Two energy subsidies stand out as expensive, detrimental federal government handouts: the production tax credit (PTC) and the investment tax credit (ITC) for wind and solar. The PTC in particular has a long and spotted history and it’s time to put it to rest. After a dozen extensions, this subsidy has cost U.S. taxpayers billions while weakening the grid. Vote Energy candidates will refuse any more handouts to the wind and solar industries and work toward ending those currently on the books.
Resisting a Carbon Tax
A carbon tax is an artificial charge the government would put on top of the existing price for energy from natural gas, oil, and coal. A carbon tax would drive up expenses for nearly all of our transportation and power needs. Family budgets and business budgets alike would be squeezed while the government in Washington would soak up new revenue for its pet projects. A carbon tax should be off the table and Vote Energy candidates will stand firm against it.
Backing American Energy Security
The U.S. is the world’s energy superpower. For the first time in over half a century, we are a net energy exporter, thanks in large part to the shale revolution. Vote Energy candidates will recognize the value of this production and of the freedom to move energy resources to markets as an enormous economic and geopolitical value. Exports of natural gas via pipeline and in the form of LNG, of oil, and of coal are a source of strength for the country and can help to bolster allies who want to break their dependence on hostile national producers, like Gazprom.
Visit the Energy Scorecard to see how your members of Congress vote on energy-sensitive legislation.
For the latest election analysis from AEA’s staff view our 2020 Election articles.
Tell the candidates to support policies promoting affordable energy: