Earl Baker: Pa. natural gas will save our European allies

The impacts of Putin’s bungled war in Ukraine have been severe and reach far beyond the borders of Eastern Europe. The world’s economy, energy supply and food markets have been upended by a conflict that has snowballed into a humanitarian disaster.

For too long, our European allies have relied on Russia’s role as an energy broker, supplying the continent with cheap and accessible fuel to keep Europe’s economy powered. They are now suffering the consequences, and America should take note. Our country must shift away from foreign energy sources, and Pennsylvania can play an important role in providing our allies with the natural gas they require.

Europe became increasingly reliant on Russian oil and gas over the last decade as many countries attempted to transition to less-efficient renewables. In 2019, Russian gas exports to Europe made up 41% of the EU’s natural gas imports. Germany was hit the hardest, importing 555,000 barrels of Russian oil per day in 2021. Having Russian oil account for 34% of Germany’s total oil imports illustrates why German Chancellor Scholz has warned that a Western embargo on Russian gas imports will not stop Putin, and will trigger an economic catastrophe.

In an effort to stabilize Europe’s imminent energy crisis, the U.S. and the EU announced the creation of a joint task force to boost exports of U.S. liquid natural gas (LNG). Pennsylvania’s status as a top producer of natural gas has primed the commonwealth to meet the demands of whatever Washington and Brussels require. The Keystone State is home to the largest natural gas field in the country, the Marcellus shale. In fact, due to an increase in natural gas development, the Marcellus shale’s reserves have more than quadrupled between 2011 and 2019. However, energy infrastructure will remain a limiting factor in delivering critical fuels if not addressed.

Although the joint task force with the EU represents a positive step in assisting our allies, the Biden administration has thwarted our ability to engage fully. Misguided energy policies like ending the Keystone XL pipeline, halting drilling on federal lands and raising drilling fees limit our domestic energy production.

Both the federal government and Harrisburg have imposed restrictive pipeline regulations. Last month, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) took comments on proposed rulemaking for pipeline regulations that would amount to a multi-billion-dollar imposition as operational pipelines are excavated to increase underground clearance. In a comment to the PUC, I pointed out that the rule is redundant and conflicts with existing federal PHMSA regulations that ensure the safe and secure movement of hazardous materials.

These proposed rules will raise costs for consumers, disrupt pipeline service and reduce access to fuel necessary for everyday activities like transportation, cooking and heating. How can Pennsylvania, the state best positioned to facilitate energy independence at home and abroad, fulfill its obligation when local policies work against the nation’s promises?

The Biden administration recently revised National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations in an attempt to inhibit the permitting process of natural gas infrastructure. Hypocritical federal policies have constrained Pennsylvania, and many other states, from building the necessary infrastructure to increase exports of natural gas. America’s role in fortifying Europe’s national security will be little more than ceremonial if we are unable to leverage our energy assets here at home.

With abundant resources right below our feet, Pennsylvania is in a position to lead our nation and Europe towards energy security. Any further delay to pipeline construction and operation will not only hurt our economy, but the national security of many European countries. Now more than ever, we need both Washington and Harrisburg to commit to supporting energy infrastructure. A strong domestic energy industry will help Pennsylvanians and our friends around the globe.

Earl Baker is a former member of the Pennsylvania State Senate, where he served two terms and chaired the Labor and Industry Committee. He is also a former three term Chester County Commissioner. He remains active in the Chester County Chamber.