Critical Climate and Energy Questions for Casey vs. McCormick Debate
Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate candidates, incumbent Democrat Bob Casey and Republican challenger Dave McCormick, have debated energy policy throughout their campaigns. McCormick has attempted to frame Casey as anti-fossil fuel, linking him to past comments from Vice President Kamala Harris against fracking. However, Casey continues to emphasize his support for fracking as part of an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, which includes both fossil fuels and clean energy investments. He has also highlighted the role of the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act in advancing clean energy projects.
On October 3, the two candidates will participate in their first debate in Harrisburg. As energy policy and climate change are hot topics in Pennsylvania, here are seven critical questions that the moderators could pose during the debate:
For Senator Bob Casey:
- Fracking Regulation: Do you believe Pennsylvania’s current regulations on fracking are sufficient to protect public health and the environment? If not, what should change?
- While Casey supports “responsible fracking,” critics argue that existing regulations do not adequately safeguard residents from the harmful effects of fracking, such as water contamination and air pollution. Recent studies, including those by the state’s Department of Health and the University of Pittsburgh, back these concerns.
- Hydrogen Hubs and Environmental Justice: How would you address the concerns of climate activists and environmental justice communities who may be affected by the proposed hydrogen hubs in Pennsylvania? What should count as “clean” hydrogen?
- Casey endorsed two hydrogen hub proposals (MACH2 and ARCH2), but environmentalists worry about their impact, particularly the use of fracked gas in the ARCH2 hub.
- Reconciling Fossil Fuels and Climate Action: Given the direct link between fossil fuel extraction and climate change, how do you reconcile supporting both fossil fuel production and meaningful climate action?
- Despite speaking about the climate crisis, Casey has voted against fracking bans and supported Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry, which has seen a 43-fold increase in production since he took office.
For Dave McCormick:
- Fossil Fuel Expansion and Climate Change: Is there a point where global warming would change your stance on increasing fossil fuel production?
- McCormick has acknowledged human-caused climate change but advocates for expanding fossil fuel extraction, a move that would contribute to global warming.
- Climate Adaptation: What is your plan to help Pennsylvania adapt to the damaging impacts of climate change, and how will it be funded?
- With extreme weather events already affecting Pennsylvanians, climate adaptation could cost the state up to $15 billion by 2040.
- Potential Conflicts of Interest: Your wife, Dina Powell McCormick, serves on ExxonMobil’s board. How does this influence your decisions on energy policy, both domestically and internationally?
For Both Candidates:
- Clean Energy Economy: How will you position Pennsylvania to become a leader in the clean energy economy, given its current low ranking in renewable energy generation?
With Pennsylvania lagging in renewable energy growth, the state faces pressure to boost its clean energy infrastructure and become more competitive in the future clean energy market.
