Creation Covenant Alliance

Evaluating the Energy Debate Claims of Pennsylvania Senate Candidates

Debate between Sen. Bob Casey and Dave McCormick focuses on accusations of misinformation and energy policies in PA.
Democratic Sen. Bob Casey (left) and Republican Dave McCormick talk energy issues during Pennsylvania’s first Senate debate on Thursday. Credit: WHTM

During the first debate between Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate candidates, the central theme was accusations of dishonesty. Democratic Sen. Bob Casey and Republican Dave McCormick both accused each other of misinformation regarding their records. Casey alleged McCormick was deceitful about his residency, while McCormick promoted his campaign’s website, “CaseyLies.com.”

Energy issues were highlighted as candidates addressed fracking, nuclear power, and the potential sale of U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel.

The debate lacked real-time fact-checking, prompting a review of key environmental claims made by both candidates.

McCormick: “We constrained our natural resources, particularly fracking… And essentially, what’s happened is we’ve lost our ability to be energy dominant.”

Verdict: False

McCormick claimed Casey constrained natural resources by supporting misguided energy policies, supposedly reducing Pennsylvania’s energy dominance. However, Pennsylvania’s natural gas production has increased 43 times since Casey’s 2006 Senate election. U.S. natural gas output has also grown in recent years.

Casey: McCormick “has been lying about my position on fracking. I voted against a fracking ban.”

Verdict: True

Casey asserted his consistent support for fracking, voting against a 2021 fracking ban. McCormick’s accusation regarding red tape relates to Casey’s backing of the FRAC Act, which sought to disclose fracking chemicals.

The American Petroleum Institute argued this could harm the gas industry, though the bill stalled in committee. Casey supports “responsible” fracking with stringent monitoring.

Casey: “I supported legislation just two years ago that made the greatest investment in clean energy in American history, allowing us to combat climate change, and at the same time, have supported an all-the-above energy strategy for Pennsylvania.”

Verdict: True

Casey endorsed President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, marking significant climate and energy investments. His “all of the above” policy includes renewable energy and fossil fuels. The IRA has pro-fossil fuel measures, like oil and gas lease auctions.

McCormick: “On the LNG export ban that President Biden put in place, you know what he did to stop that? He sent a stern letter.”

Verdict: True

Casey and Senator John Fetterman criticized the Biden administration’s pause on LNG exports, citing potential job impacts. Environmental groups criticized this stance for downplaying climate concerns.

McCormick: “What I’m not in favor of is hundreds of billions of dollars of subsidies for clean energy projects that are driving inflation across our economy and across our country and making us more dependent on China.”

Verdict: False

The Inflation Reduction Act is not a major inflation driver. Economists attribute inflation spikes to post-Covid factors. The IRA aims to reduce reliance on China by boosting domestic clean energy manufacturing.

Sen. Joe Manchin noted the IRA seeks to “increase energy production” and cut reliance on China.

McCormick: “He’s been for a cap and trade program that would have set up prices. He’s for a regional gas initiative that would have raised prices.”

Verdict: Partially true

Casey cosponsored the Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act, supporting programs like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which sets carbon emission prices. The Kleinman Center for Energy Policy predicted minimal electricity rate impact from RGGI.

McCormick: “U.S. Steel was actually going to invest billions of dollars in the Mon Valley a few years ago, and instead, it took a new plant to Arkansas. And the reason it took a new plant to Arkansas was because the Allegheny County government blocked the new project on environmental grounds.”

Verdict: Mostly false

Allegheny County did not block U.S. Steel’s $1 billion Mon Valley investment; officials were surprised by the company’s 2021 pivot. U.S. Steel cited Covid-19 permitting delays and a shift towards decarbonizing. The county executive denied blocking, and the United Steelworkers criticized U.S. Steel’s non-union Arkansas project.

Original Story at insideclimatenews.org

Trending News

Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024