A bipartisan group of 37 lawmakers has introduced legislation to prevent state governments from imposing restrictions on interstate energy projects, aiming to lower energy costs and support ‘American energy dominance.’ The bill, known as the Energy Choice Act, seeks to remove state-level roadblocks to energy development, particularly targeting New York’s ban on Marcellus Shale gas exploration. Lawmakers argue that state regulations have driven up energy prices and hindered reliable power sources.
The legislation, supported by both House and Senate members, would prohibit state and local governments from restricting energy infrastructure projects that are sold in interstate commerce or delivered to end-users. Advocates, including West Virginia Senator Jim Justice and New York Representative Nick Langworthy, claim that the bill will restore ‘sanity’ to energy policy and provide consumers with affordable, reliable power. They emphasize that state-level bans, like New York’s on Marcellus Shale gas, have created an energy crisis in areas like the Empire State, which they argue is ‘teetering on the edge’ of an energy crisis.
Justice, when he served as governor, signed multiple bills boosting his state’s coal industry, including slashing severance taxes, and said the U.S. energy crisis is ‘too great’ to allow the ‘luxury of picking the winners and losers.’ He argues that Americans have the right to choose what is best for their energy needs, without political interference. In contrast, New York Democrats have been accused of waging an ‘extremist crusade’ against developing the Marcellus Shale, which runs through the state but remains under a state-sanctioned ban for over a decade.
Meanwhile, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia continue to develop their major caches of Marcellus Shale gas, while the piece of the formation in the Maryland panhandle remains off-limits. The disparity in energy policy between these states has led to a significant gap in energy production and affordability. Lawmakers argue that the Energy Choice Act is essential to close this gap and create a more unified national energy strategy that prioritizes economic growth and job creation.
Other states, like Alabama, also have vast coal power potential that has been underdeveloped for decades. Governor Kay Ivey recently signed the Powering Growth Act to streamline the permitting process, and Senator Tommy Tuberville, who hopes to succeed the term-limited governor, is a top sponsor of the bill. Tuberville has previously stated that ‘energy security is national security,’ emphasizing the importance of reducing reliance on foreign energy sources and ensuring domestic production meets national demands.
The legislation has drawn criticism from progressive lawmakers and environmental advocates, who argue that the bill undermines state authority and prioritizes corporate interests over climate goals. However, proponents argue that the bill is necessary to address the growing energy crisis and ensure that all Americans have access to affordable, reliable power without political interference.