In the United States our federal politics consists largely of a two-party affair. In light of this, the American Energy Alliance has endorsed Donald Trump for president, as he represents the most likely path to unleashing American energy production.
There are, however, multiple choices on the Presidential ballot this year. To better understand the variety of viewpoints present in the national conversation on energy policy I have prepared a review of the candidates’ energy platforms. Below you will find one quotation from each, giving a flavor of the range, from total free market reliance to socialism/nationalization.
In order of energy freedom (most to least), six positions follow.
While energy is needed to fuel a modern society, government should not be subsidizing any particular form of energy. We oppose all government control of energy pricing, allocation, and production.
Republicans will increase Energy Production across the board, streamline permitting, and end market-distorting restrictions on Oil, Natural Gas, and Coal.
The Administration has rallied the world to commit for the first time to transitioning away from fossil fuels…. As Democrats, we believe the United States has an indispensable role to play in solving the climate crisis, and we have an obligation to help other nations carry out this work.
A Jill Stein Administration will advance the ecosocialist Real Green New Deal that the Green Party made its signature issue in the 2010s.
Nationalization of the Fossil Fuel Industry is a bold stride toward dismantling the engines of environmental destruction. By transitioning control to the people, we can decisively phase out the relics of our carbon-dependent past and pave the way for a renewable, just future while caring for those whose livelihoods must evolve in this new dawn.
The Party for Socialism and Liberation
The climate catastrophe demonstrates the disastrous self-interest of the capitalist class. To avoid excessive warming, as well as the many severe environmental threats produced by capitalism, it is necessary to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
For a more indepth review of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris’ energy platforms please visit AEA’s Presidential Platform Comparison Page, a part of our Vote Energy 2024 initiative.
Robert L. Bradley Jr. is the founder of the Institute for Energy Research, AEA’s sister organization and is one of the nation’s leading experts on the history and regulation of energy markets.
*The views presented in Energy Townhall by AEA’s experts in their own capacity do not necessarily represent the views of AEA.