Midterm Elections Highlight Energy Policy Performance

As we approach the midterm elections, affordability continues to be a pressing issue. A recent report by the energy nonprofit Power the Future (PTF) evaluates Congress’s performance regarding energy policy.

The analysis indicates that certain Democratic policies—specifically those that disrupt energy supplies—are correlated with higher electricity prices. However, it’s worth noting that some Republicans have also supported policies that negatively impact taxpayers. For instance, PTF’s evaluation, shared with news outlets, revealed lower scores for several Congressional Republicans such as Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick from Pennsylvania, Sen. Thom Tillis from North Carolina, and Sen. Susan Collins from Maine on their “Federal Energy Scorecard.”

Daniel Turner commented on the situation, suggesting that elected officials in “purple states” often feel pressure from their left wing, making them somewhat defensive about their positions. He mentioned, “For those identifying as conservatives, it’s almost too easy to buckle under pressure, especially when the conversation shifts to our future and climate.”

Turner went on to describe the green movement as a potential gateway to socialism. Summarizing his perspective, he pointed out that while some topics, like national defense, see staunch resistance, climate-related legislation often meets less opposition, which he believes is a strategy to weaken Republican power.

The scores were quite varied among Republicans, showcasing a range of -25/100 for Fitzpatrick, while both Tillis and Collins scored 40/100. Other members received low scores due to their recent elections, limiting their overall evaluations.

According to PTF, their Energy Policy Scorecard assigns votes based on whether legislation supports or harms American energy workers. They implemented a scoring system that offers bonuses for bill sponsors and co-sponsors, allowing for a more nuanced evaluation of those involved in energy-related legislation.

Turner emphasized that their focus is strictly on “the energy vote”—one that benefits America’s energy sector and its workforce. He clarified that they don’t consider committee votes in their scoring assessments, as they believe the outcomes must reflect entire chamber votes for fairness.

A notable bill, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA), was rejected after lawmakers voted against it. This act was perceived as a significant victory for energy independence, as it aimed to allocate substantial funding for critical minerals and open up drilling opportunities nationwide while cutting subsidies for green energy projects. Not supporting this act could have a negative impact on the final scores for Tillis, Collins, and Fitzpatrick, all of whom have justified their votes against certain bills as necessary for their constituents’ well-being.

It’s also worth noting that some voted against resolutions that aimed to roll back Biden-era policies perceived as detrimental to U.S. energy. These Democratic-led initiatives have been criticized for contributing to rising electricity rates, particularly in states led by Democrats. A report highlighted that states with the most affordable electricity prices tend to lean Republican.

Overall, the Democrats’ push for aggressive climate policies has raised concerns about long-term affordability and electricity costs, which they plan to address as a campaign focal point moving into the midterm elections. Turner added that the effects of energy policy decisions on affordability often take time to manifest, contrasting this with President Trump’s focus on making energy more affordable compared to President Biden’s approach of restricting access to fossil fuels.

In terms of high performers, several lawmakers, including Rep. August Pflueger of Texas and Rep. Nick Begich of Alaska, received top scores. Their contributions reportedly played significant roles in rolling back damaging regulations and advocating for energy reliability. Yet, multiple lawmakers from both parties did not respond to requests for comment regarding their scores and positions.