U.S. elections: Pennsylvania’s shale gas dilemma

Natural gas development in Pennsylvania is becoming a crucial issue in the US presidential elections. Between economic opportunities and environmental concerns, voters are divided, making this topic central to the debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

Share:

In the current context of the American presidential elections, the question of natural gas development in Pennsylvania is becoming a central issue.
This territory, known for its vast gas resources and production via hydraulic fracturing, is turning into an ideological battleground between the two main candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
Views diverge among the local population, who use economic, political and sometimes personal reasons to choose sides.
The interconnection between the local economy and energy production delights farmers, while the environmental impact raises concerns for others.
The exploitation of shale gas by hydraulic fracturing has enabled Pennsylvania to position itself as a major player on the energy scene, even surpassing renowned producer states such as Qatar in 2022.
This method of extraction, although controversial, is seen by some as a vector of economic prosperity, generating income and opportunities for families who manage agricultural land.
Reflection on these issues raises questions about the sustainability of this industry, particularly at a time when proponents of an alternative energy transition are advocating more environmentally-friendly models.

The opinion divide

The water divide represents a major dilemma for voters.
On the one hand, it generates jobs and financial resources; on the other, it is at the heart of debates concerning public health and environmental preservation.
Opinions within the local population remain divided.
The latest surveys show that 48% of residents express support for gas extraction, against 44% who oppose it.
The balance between economic benefits and environmental concerns continues to fuel heated debate.
Candidates rarely ignore this thorny issue during their campaigns.
During a debate, Donald Trump warned of the risks associated with his opponent’s possible curtailment of shale gas development, asserting that “if Kamala Harris wins the election, hydraulic fracturing in Pennsylvania will be gone from day one”.
This statement is intended to mobilize voters worried about their economic future, while testing his opponent’s responsiveness on an issue that Trump believes could undermine the local economy.

Revealing electoral stakes

The divergence of opinions can also be seen in the testimonies of voters.
Farmer George Wherry, fundamentally committed to hydraulic fracturing, points out that the extra income will enable him to modernize his farm and improve his living conditions.
Laura Jean Kahl, on the other hand, while committed to selling farm produce, mentions her choice for Kamala Harris, in deplorable disagreement with the continuity of these extraction practices, which she considers harmful in the long term.
It’s interesting to note the complexity of opinions and motivations behind these electoral choices.
While some stressed the need to maintain the current economic model, others did not lose sight of the environmental impact of fracking, illustrating the existing tension between the quest for immediate profitability and long-term sustainability.

Implications for the future of energy

Election day in November is approaching, with major consequences for US energy policy.
The ability of candidates to manipulate these issues to suit their local audience could influence their success.
Pennsylvania’s energy context, based on hydraulic fracturing, appears to be a microcosm of the broader debates on energy transition in the United States.
As mobilization for more virtuous energy alternatives gathers momentum at national level, election results could also reshape the US energy landscape, both in terms of legislation and industrial practices.
This election, rooted in immediate economic considerations, could thus turn out to be a decisive turning point for the future of energy in the United States, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the management of natural resources.

Italian group Eni signs a twenty-year liquefied natural gas supply contract with US-based Venture Global, covering two mn tonnes per year and marking a first for the company from the United States.
The discovery of the Gajajeira field marks a major step for Angola, strengthening its natural gas development strategy and diversifying national energy resources in a context of sector transition.
The Voskhod vessel, under US sanctions, docked at the Arctic LNG 2 plant in Russia, marking the second visit by a sanctioned ship to the site this year, according to maritime tracking data.
Japan has urgently secured several additional cargoes of liquefied natural gas from the United States to avert an imminent electricity supply shortage caused by rapidly declining national reserves expected at the end of July.
The European Commission has unveiled a proposal to prohibit the import of Russian gas into the Union, sparking intense debate on its feasibility, contractual impact and consequences for supply security among several Member States.
CNOOC Limited announces the discovery of a significant oil and gas reservoir in the buried hills of the Beibu Gulf, opening new opportunities for shallow water exploration off the coast of China.
TotalEnergies’ Mozambique LNG gas project is at the centre of a legal challenge in Washington, following the approval of a $4.7 bn loan by the US Exim Bank, amid security concerns and opposition from civil society groups.
Investors are closely watching U.S. midstream companies’ announcements regarding new gas pipeline expansions targeting promising markets in the West and Northeast, beyond traditional regions in Texas and the Southeast.
PPL Corporation and Blackstone Infrastructure announce a strategic partnership to develop new gas-fired power plants to supply electricity to data centers through long-term contracts in Pennsylvania.
Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd announces a new record initial flow test result at the Shenandoah S2-2H ST1 well and the start of its 2025 drilling campaign in the Beetaloo Basin.
Technip Energies has secured a contract to lead preparatory works for a floating liquefied natural gas unit in Africa, confirming its presence in the international gas infrastructure market.
The Slovak government is seeking guarantees from the European Union to secure its supplies as talks continue over ending Russian gas and adopting a new round of sanctions.
ArcLight Capital Partners announces the acquisition of Middletown Energy Center, a combined-cycle natural gas power plant, aimed at meeting the substantial rise in energy demand from data centers and digital infrastructure in Ohio.
The commissioning of LNG Canada, the first major Canadian liquefied natural gas export facility led by Shell, has not yet triggered the anticipated rise in natural gas prices in western Canada, still facing persistent oversupply.
Horizon Petroleum Ltd. is advancing towards the production launch of the Lachowice 7 gas well in Poland, having secured necessary permits and completed preliminary works to commence operations as early as next August.
European Union member states have requested to keep their national strategies for phasing out Russian gas by 2027 confidential, citing security concerns and market disruption risks, according to a document revealed by Reuters.
TotalEnergies becomes a member of PJM Interconnection, expanding its trading capabilities in North America's largest wholesale electricity market. The decision strengthens the company's presence in the United States.
Turkey has connected its gas grid to Syria’s and plans to begin supplying gas for power generation in the coming weeks, according to Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar.
Despite record electricity demand, China sees no significant increase in LNG purchases due to high prices and available alternative supplies.
US natural gas production and consumption are expected to reach record highs in 2025, before slightly declining the following year, according to the latest forecasts from the US Energy Information Administration.