Democrats Reconsider Gas Pipelines as $4-Plus Fuel Fears Reshape Climate Politics
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 11
Democrats Reconsider Gas Pipelines as $4-Plus Fuel Fears Reshape Climate Politics
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 11
Summary
Democrats are backing away from efforts to curb new oil and gas projects, with some Northeast governors now weighing pipeline expansions once seen as politically untouchable.
Middle East war fallout and voter anxiety over spiking gasoline prices and inflation are driving the shift, pushing party leaders to argue that restricting fossil fuels carries too much economic and political risk.
In California, Xavier Becerra’s primary win over climate champion Tom Steyer underscored the turn: Becerra questioned the state’s 2035 ban on new gasoline-car sales and drew oil and gas donations.
Even Green New Deal co-sponsors Ed Markey and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez now emphasize affordability less than sweeping climate mobilization, signaling a potentially less ambitious agenda if Democrats regain Washington.