Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump went before a group of shale gas industry professionals gathered in Pittsburgh Thursday and promised that energy industry workers are going to “love Donald Trump,” if elected.
“Producing more American energy is a central part to my plan to making America wealthy again,” Trump said at the 2016 Shale Insight conference.
Trump took swipes at President Barack Obama’s administration for placing too many restrictions on oil and gas exploration and then promised to place a moratorium on all regulations not passed by congress or needed to ensure public safety.
“I’m going to lift the restrictions on American energy and allow this wealth to pour into our communities, including right here in the state of Pennsylvania,” Trump said. “America is sitting on a treasure trove of untapped energy … It’s all upside for this country.”
He promised more jobs, revenues, higher wages and lower energy prices.
By comparison, Trump said Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton would raise taxes, add new restrictions on energy exploration and block pipelines. During a visit to Pittsburgh in April, Clinton said she would focus on creating clean energy jobs, including in the solar sector.
Increasing infrastructure such as pipelines and other equipment needed to get gas from the wellhead to the market was a focus of the two-day Shale Insight conference. That included discussions about easing approvals for such projects.
“We will streamline the permitting process, which probably makes you happier even than when I’m going to say we’re lowering taxes,” Trump said over growing applause. “The permitting process in you industry is a disaster … with the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).”
Trump wrapped up his 30-minute speech by further turning his attention to the EPA. He said he would work to ensure clean air and clean water, but he would base his policy on the advice of “true specialists in conservation, not those with radical political agendas that are putting our country behind the eight ball.”
Clinton was invited to speak at the conference but, according to organizers, declined the offer.
