Democrats aim to establish a fresh approach towards fossil fuels.

Democrats may be reconsidering their stance on fossil fuels. On Wednesday, Senator Ruben Gallego, a Democrat from Arizona and potential 2028 presidential hopeful, introduced a fresh energy strategy. Representing a state that supported Trump in 2024, Gallegos proposal avoids explicitly mentioning climate change, instead framing emissions reductions as a secondary benefit to policies primarily designed to make energy more affordable, reliable, and competitive on a global scale.

The plan acknowledges the advantages of renewable energy, but it also stresses the need to maintain dependable oil and gas supplies. Gallego admitted that some environmentalists, particularly those advocating for a rapid transition away from fossil fuels, may be displeased. Yet, he emphasized that Democrats must prioritize energy affordability to appeal to voters: We cant force the clean energy transition on individual consumers, because that really affects peoples bottom line.

This pragmatic approach could involve slowing the adoption of electric vehicles or supporting new fossil fuel infrastructure. Nevertheless, many of the cost-reducing measures align with policies favored by climate advocates. Gallego noted that Republican opposition to renewable incentives, vehicle fuel standards, and energy efficiency programs has created opportunities for Democrats to champion energy affordability.

The strategy reflects a recognition that most Americans are more concerned with energy costs than with the source of their energy. According to Josh Freed, senior vice president for climate and energy at Third Way, the plan reflects voters priorities, rather than the green activists agenda and represents the most genuinely all-of-the-above plan weve had since Obama.

The backdrop of this plan includes prior regulatory rollbacks by the Trump administration, such as easing vehicle fuel efficiency standards, which climate advocates criticized and which could increase expenses for drivers.

Author: Noah Whitman