Welcome back to Broad + Liberty’s Candidate Spotlight Series! Each week, we reach out to candidates all across the Commonwealth up for election to public office — an equal number of Democrats and Republicans; incumbents and challengers. We ask one question per week about public policy pressing to you. Those answers are shared on our website every Wednesday.
Today, we are spotlighting our gubernatorial candidates’ responses to our second question. Join us tomorrow for the remainder of our responses from candidates across Pennsylvania!
This week’s question: Pennsylvania is the #2 producer of gas and electricity in the nation, and the largest exporter of power in the country. Washington has shut down the Keystone XL Pipeline, gas and utility prices are rising, and regulators have warned about possible blackouts and having to import foreign energy. If elected, how will you balance protecting the environment and the interests of energy jobs and consumers?
Doug Mastriano (R)
Our energy sector has been completely stifled by draconian Democrat policies — and my administration will do everything it takes to unshackle it.
As Governor, I will implement policies that will bring new investment into the natural gas and coal industry, fight to secure low utility costs by withdrawing from the “Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative,” expand oil and natural gas exploration, and eliminate state regulations, taxes and fees that are harming our energy production.
More importantly, I will push back against big government regulations from the EPA and implement measures to shield Pennsylvania from the harmful impact of Biden’s Green New Deal policies and ideology.
Lieutenant Governor nominee Carrie Lewis DelRosso’s response will be included in tomorrow’s roundup.
Josh Shapiro (D)
I will be an all of the above energy Governor who will take advantage of the unique position we have in Pennsylvania to create more jobs, while also utilizing our natural resources and protecting the jobs we already have. I refuse to accept the false choice between protecting jobs or protecting our planet — we can and must do both, and my priority will be ensuring that Pennsylvania has a comprehensive climate and energy policy that moves us all forward.
As Governor, I will bring everyone around the table to implement an energy strategy that does just that. Bringing people together is what I’ve done my entire career — and is what I will continue to do as Governor.
When we do that, I know that we can enact a bold, comprehensive climate and energy plan that will grow our economy, create jobs, and ensure we create a Commonwealth where all our children can have a successful and healthy future.
Lieutenant Governor nominee Austin Davis’ response will be included in tomorrow’s roundup.
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Not surprised Josh Shapiro gave a non answer meaning he doesn’t plan to bring back the gas industry!
Shapiro did not answer the question, he just danced around it by talking about jobs. It is clear that he is against coal, oil, and natural gas since he avoided talking about them.
Mastriano cites specific actions that he will take:
1) withdraw from the “Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative”
2) expand oil and natural gas exploration 3) eliminate state regulations, taxes and fees that are harming our energy production
4) push back against big government regulations from the EPA and implement measures to shield Pennsylvania from the harmful impact of Biden’s Green New Deal policies and ideology
Shapiro offers vague platitudes:
1) ensure that Pennsylvania has a comprehensive climate and energy policy
2) bring everyone around the table to implement an energy strategy
3) enact a bold, comprehensive climate and energy plan
Mastriano may be specific in his support of carbon producing energy, but he completely ignores the problem of global warming up which is a serious oversight. Shapiro is more honest in that his answer includes the necessity of cooperation in trying to solve the problems of energy vs. environment.
I strongly support nuclear generation in PA.
Excelon is a trustworthy fleet operator. Also, new modular reactor
designs should find a place in PA.