An ‘All-of-the-Above’ Energy Plan Is No Plan At All

Originally published at National Review

When it comes to energy policy, our political zeitgeist is rather, shall we say, energized.

During the Democratic National Convention, Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro — who presides over one of the nation’s largest energy-producing states — twice called himself an “all-of-the-above energy governor.” Even Republicans sometimes echo this all-of-the-above rhetoric. During a recent press conference, Senator Ted Cruz (R., Texas) celebrated Texas as the “energy capital of the world” because of its all-of-the-above approach to energy policy.

“All-of-the-above” is a favored term among some lawmakers and energy wonks: a politically friendly phrase that seemingly encompasses all energy sources, offering feel-good, pro-market vibes in a space overcrowded by radical climate progressives. Indeed, we need market-oriented strategies to combat industrial policies brought about by Green New Dealism. However, rhetoric in policy advocacy matters. Saying “all-of-the-above” may sound good, but it resembles the collegiate agnosticism one might hold before reading C. S. Lewis: Its ambivalence opens the door for progressive overreach.

Read more at National Review