(Washington, DC) – Former U.S. Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH) issued the following statement regarding the Pew Research Center survey entitled, Majorities of Americans Prioritize Renewable Energy, Back Steps to Address Climate Change:
“It’s encouraging that the Pew Research Center’s findings reflect what is at the core of the Natural Allies – that natural gas is a valuable partner to renewable energy that helps us achieve a clean, reliable and affordable energy future. The recent survey finds that an overwhelming majority of Americans – 68 percent – support using a mix of fossil fuels and renewables, including a majority of Democrats. That is a practical middle ground we can all get behind.
“We can all agree on the vital need to address climate change. It’s encouraging to see Americans on both sides of the aisle acknowledge the importance of maintaining and expanding reliable and affordable energy sources to mitigate the impacts of climate change. But we can’t do this without natural gas. And the Democratic party agrees. My party recognizes that natural gas is a vital component of a clean energy future, with a majority of Democrats opposing phasing out fossil fuels completely.
Using natural gas over coal is a proven carbon reduction strategy that helped America lead the world in lowering carbon emissions since 2005. The survey shows voters agree and are reluctant to move too quickly on strategies to lower carbon emissions due to potential risks to affordability and reliability for families and businesses. By maximizing the potential of both natural gas and renewables, we can progress toward a cleaner future without hurting vulnerable communities. We should continue to engage in meaningful discussion to pursue pragmatic solutions that build a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.”
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About Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future
Natural Allies is a 501c4 not for profit organization that seeks to better inform the public and policy makers aboutwhy natural gas is best partnered with renewable power sources to accelerate our clean energy goals. Among the industry leaders supporting Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future are: The Williams Companies, Kinder Morgan, TC Energy, EQT, National Fuel Gas, Enbridge Inc., Quanta Services, Inc., the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, International Union of Operating Engineers, Pipe Line Contractors Association, American Pipeline Contractors Association, Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) and the INGAA Foundation. To learn more visit: naturalalliesforcleanenergy.org.