Harris and Trump Clash Over Natural Gas Policies in Crucial Battleground State

Natural gas producers in Pennsylvania demand clarity from Kamala Harris as the state's energy future becomes a key issue in the 2024 election.

Editorial Team (ET)May 9, 2025

Natural gas producers in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state in the 2024 presidential election, are seeking clarity from Democratic candidate Kamala Harris on her position regarding natural gas. Pennsylvania, the second-largest producer of natural gas in the U.S., is home to an energy industry that has long relied on fracking to extract gas from shale rock. However, Harris has so far remained vague on her energy policy, leaving many in the industry uncertain about her plans if elected president.

The Importance of Pennsylvania’s Natural Gas Industry

Pennsylvania is crucial to the U.S. natural gas sector. The Marcellus Shale, one of the largest sources of natural gas in the country, lies beneath the state’s surface. Extraction of this resource through hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has provided significant economic benefits, including job creation and revenue for local communities. However, fracking is also controversial, with environmental activists pointing to concerns over water contamination, air pollution, and earthquakes.

Natural gas production in Pennsylvania has not only shaped the state’s economy but also placed it at the heart of a national debate on energy policy, climate change, and energy security. With the 2024 election approaching, the state's energy future has become a central issue.

Harris’ Evolving Energy Policy

Kamala Harris has faced growing pressure from the natural gas industry and voters alike to clarify her stance on fracking and liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. During her 2020 presidential run, Harris was an advocate for banning fracking on federal lands. However, in this election cycle, she has taken a more nuanced approach, no longer calling for an outright ban. Instead, Harris is focusing on what her aides describe as “strategic ambiguity,” balancing the demands of environmentalists with the concerns of moderate voters.

Harris has acknowledged the importance of the natural gas industry to states like Pennsylvania but insists that her energy policy will be guided by scientific evidence and economic considerations. Her campaign has indicated that a formal policy on LNG exports would be shaped by the results of a review initiated by the Biden administration, expected to conclude after the November election.

Industry Demands for Clarity

The natural gas industry, however, remains frustrated by the lack of detail from Harris. At a recent conference in northeastern Pennsylvania, executives from companies involved in the Marcellus Shale gathered to discuss the future of the industry. Dave Callahan, president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, called for more transparency from Harris, stating that the industry needs a clearer understanding of her energy policies before the election.

Rob Boulware, director of stakeholder relations for Seneca Resources Company, echoed these sentiments, saying, "The public deserves to know what her position is on these matters prior to the election because, ultimately, they are the ones who will be impacted." The industry’s concerns are focused on Harris' approach to LNG exports, particularly following President Joe Biden's decision to freeze new LNG export permits earlier this year.

Trump’s Clear-Cut Stance on Energy Policy

In contrast to Harris' cautious approach, her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, has made his position clear. Trump has promised to immediately lift the Biden administration’s freeze on LNG export permits if elected, a move that appeals directly to the natural gas industry. Trump’s pro-energy stance aligns with his broader platform of deregulation and support for fossil fuels, which he argues will boost the U.S. economy and strengthen energy security.

The Biden LNG Freeze and Its Repercussions

In January, Biden placed a freeze on new LNG export permits as part of an effort to study the environmental impact of natural gas exports. This freeze was aimed at appeasing the Democratic Party’s environmental wing, but it has caused significant frustration within the energy sector. Producers have expressed concerns that the freeze is harming both the domestic industry and U.S. competitiveness in global energy markets.

In July, a federal judge blocked Biden’s freeze, ruling that the administration had overstepped its authority. However, this ruling did not compel the administration to issue new permits, leaving the industry uncertain about the future of LNG exports. Only one new permit has been issued since the ruling, further intensifying calls for a clearer policy direction.

The Global Demand for U.S. LNG

The U.S. is the world’s leading producer of natural gas, and its liquefied natural gas exports have surged in recent years, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In June alone, the U.S. exported 356.4 billion cubic feet of LNG, with a significant portion of these exports heading to Europe as nations like Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands look to reduce their reliance on Russian energy.

For U.S. natural gas producers, this increase in global demand has provided a significant boost. Companies such as Devon Energy and Exxon Mobil have benefited from the growth in LNG exports, and there are hopes that U.S. LNG capacity will continue to expand in the coming years.

Pennsylvania’s Future in LNG Exports

Despite Pennsylvania’s status as a major natural gas producer, the state lacks its own LNG export terminal. Currently, natural gas from the Marcellus Shale is transported to the Gulf Coast and to Maryland’s Cove Point terminal for export. However, there are growing calls within the industry to develop an LNG export facility closer to home, potentially in the Philadelphia area.

Such a facility would not only enhance Pennsylvania’s role in the global energy market but also reduce transportation costs and create new jobs. The industry sees this as a critical step in ensuring that Pennsylvania remains competitive in the rapidly evolving global energy landscape.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for U.S. Energy Policy

As the 2024 election draws closer, Kamala Harris will need to address the concerns of Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry. Her "strategic ambiguity" on energy policy may help her navigate the delicate balance between environmentalists and moderate voters, but it also risks alienating both groups. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s clear support for the natural gas industry presents a stark contrast, potentially giving him an edge in energy-rich battleground states.

Pennsylvania’s future as a natural gas powerhouse—and its role in global LNG exports—will likely hinge on the outcome of this election. Whether Harris provides the clarity the industry is seeking, or Trump delivers on his promises of deregulation, the stakes for the state’s energy sector couldn’t be higher.

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