Former President Trump made a vow to cut U.S. energy costs in half if re-elected, focusing on oil and gas policies to differentiate himself from Kamala Harris in Pennsylvania. At a rally in State College, Trump promised to lift the U.S. pause on liquefied natural gas export terminals, support fracking, and reverse what he called the “disastrous” energy policies of the Biden administration. Fracking, a controversial technology used to extract natural gas, is crucial for accessing Pennsylvania’s vast gas resources. Trump accused Harris of being against fracking and blamed her for the failures of the Biden administration in the energy sector.
Despite Harris’ repeated support for fracking on the campaign trail, some Republicans and gas groups have sought further assurances from her campaign as Election Day approaches, due to the mixed messaging they saw under Biden’s administration. In the absence of clarity on Harris’ policies, Trump has attempted to define them himself, claiming she has been against fracking her entire life and criticizing her emphasis on electric vehicle manufacturing. He promised that energy prices would be cut in half within 12 months if he were re-elected, contrasting this with the spike in energy prices and natural gas export pause under the Biden administration.
Supporters outside the central Pennsylvania arena where Trump spoke expressed enthusiasm for his promises to reform the energy sector and fix what he described as the failures of the Biden administration. Trump attributed the decline of industries such as steel, coal, oil, and gas to Democrats and vowed to revive them under his administration. He projected a “golden age” for America under his leadership, promising to address all the country’s challenges. Trump’s supporters lined up for hours to hear him speak, with many expressing satisfaction with his pledges to prioritize the energy sector in his potential second term.
Trump characterized Harris and the Biden administration as responsible for what he deemed as harmful policies that hurt American industries and workers. He criticized the focus on electric vehicle production and the increase in energy prices under their leadership. By promising to restart the energy sector and lower costs, Trump sought to appeal to voters in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state with significant influence in national elections. Despite Harris’ defense of fracking, Trump emphasized her alleged history of opposing it and portrayed her as out of touch with the needs of Pennsylvania’s energy industry.
The rally in State College served as a platform for Trump to highlight his energy policies and draw a contrast with Harris and the Biden administration. By focusing on fracking, natural gas production, and energy prices, Trump sought to appeal to voters in Pennsylvania, a state with a strong connection to these issues. He promised to prioritize the energy sector and undo what he saw as harmful policies enacted by the previous administration. Trump’s supporters expressed enthusiasm for his promises to revive industries, lower energy costs, and tackle the challenges facing the country, contributing to a sense of optimism and confidence in his leadership.
