Title: GOP Candidates Discuss Energy Policies Ahead of Second Primary Debate Amid Rising Gas Prices
Subtitle: DeSantis and Ramaswamy Surrogates Share Strategies for Tackling Energy Crisis
Date: September 27, 2023
As anticipation builds for the second Republican presidential debate, candidates are preparing to address the pressing issue of surging energy prices. Against the backdrop of high gas prices, GOP contenders have criticized President Biden’s energy policies, particularly his restrictions on oil and gas drilling on federal lands. Prospective Republican primary voters and Americans, in general, are expected to tune in to gain insights into the candidates’ strategies for addressing the energy crisis.
The debate, scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 27, will be held in Simi Valley, California, and hosted by FOX Business and Univision at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. As the stage is set for the candidates to share their perspectives, FOX Business has examined their stances on energy policies.
Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida and a GOP presidential contender, has recently unveiled an energy plan aimed at reducing federal regulations and boosting domestic production of oil and gas. DeSantis aims to cut the price of gas to $2 per gallon by 2025 by prioritizing reliable energy sources like natural gas, coal, nuclear power, and hydropower. He also plans to withdraw the U.S. from international climate commitments such as the Paris Accords while repealing federal tax credits and subsidies for electric vehicles.
Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy has called for increased domestic drilling and fracking for fossil fuels, including oil, natural gas, and coal. He advocates for abandoning what he calls the “climate cult” and aims to reverse President Biden’s green energy policies. Ramaswamy also emphasizes “unshackling nuclear energy” from regulations while proposing downsizing the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Commission.
Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley advocates for an “all-of-the-above energy plan” that empowers domestic energy producers. Haley emphasizes expanding oil and gas production, reining in regulatory bureaucracy, and eliminating subsidies for green energy sources. Additionally, she seeks to ease permitting processes for energy production projects and eliminate the federal gas tax.
Former Vice President Mike Pence aims to overtake China as the world’s leading energy producer through source-neutral approaches. Pence plans to reduce regulations, eliminate preferences for certain energy sources, and cut energy permit approval times. He also emphasizes expanding drilling, liquified natural gas infrastructure, refining capacity, export terminals, and domestic production of rare earth minerals.
South Carolina Senator Tim Scott vows to stop the war on fossil fuels by reversing President Biden’s executive actions and regulations on U.S. energy development. Scott aims to accelerate federal permitting processes, double nuclear energy production within a decade, and champion ethanol and biofuels.
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie advocates for an “all-of-the-above strategy” on energy policy. Christie emphasizes increased domestic production of oil and gas alongside nuclear power and the development of renewable sources. He also encourages greater international cooperation, particularly from China, to reduce global emissions.
Former President Donald Trump is also seeking the GOP presidential nomination for 2024 but has declined participation in the first two primary debates.
With gas prices reaching their highest levels in 2023 so far, the second Republican primary debate promises to be a crucial platform for candidates to address voter concerns regarding rising energy costs. As candidates present their energy policies on the national stage, American voters will listen attentively, seeking clarity on how candidates plan to tackle the ongoing energy crisis.