Biden's Strategic Energy Silence: A Gamble in the Heating Election Race

President Biden remains silent on the significant rise in domestic energy production, despite polls indicating his vulnerability in upcoming elections. While his silence avoids alienating environmentalists within his Democratic coalition, it also hinders efforts to address rising gas and energy prices, which are likely to intensify as summer approaches. Biden's energy record, which includes increased production but also restrictions on oil and gas leases, highlights the administration's "all of the above" policy, frustrating both supporters and opponents of clean energy initiatives.

Biden's Strategic Silence: A Gambit in the Energy Battlefield

In a peculiar twist, President Joe Biden has opted to downplay one of his potential electoral strengths: the surge in domestic energy production under his administration. This enigmatic approach belies deep fissures within the Democratic coalition, where climate change reigns supreme and renewable energy, not fossil fuels, is the preferred narrative.

Biden's silence on his administration's energy record is also a tacit concession to Republicans, who have relentlessly branded him as an energy-sapping figure, not just as a "well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory," but as a leader actively decimating the nation's energy production.

Summer's arrival will force Biden to confront his energy quandary. Despite his efforts to convey a positive economic picture, marked by declining crime and a burgeoning economy, persistent inflation looms, threatening to overshadow any progress made. As travelers prepare to hit the road, gas prices are poised to spike once again, adding fuel to the inflation fire. Overall, gas prices have surged by approximately 48% since Biden took office in January 2021.

Other energy costs have also skyrocketed, including electricity and piped gas, even amidst record oil and gas production and exports. This paradox presents a dilemma for both Biden and the Republicans.

Mutual Benefits of Energy Silence

Biden is reluctant to trumpet record-breaking liquefied natural gas production and exports, while Republicans are equally loathe to acknowledge it, lest they inadvertently hand Biden a talking point. This tacit agreement stems from a desire to avoid alienating green voters and potentially tarnishing Biden's climate-friendly image.

Moreover, Biden may be reticent to highlight energy production because the recent surge is not entirely attributable to his policies. While he has focused on scaling back exploration and imposing restrictions on oil and gas leases, the Trump administration enthusiastically encouraged drilling and exploration.

"Energy production is a latency issue," explains Paige Lambermont, research fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute. "The regulations we make today, or last year, don't largely affect the production we see right now."

"We're not seeing approvals under Joe Biden delivering gas and oil, largely," she continues. "We're seeing previous-era investment."

Nevertheless, Biden has poured billions into transitioning the country to green energy, promising to spend even more on developing renewable sources.

Green Spending Frenzy

The Inflation Reduction Act, enacted in 2022, earmarked $369 billion for clean energy initiatives, a figure that has since ballooned. During its first year, the Biden administration invested $110 billion in wind and solar manufacturing and allocated $12.5 billion to extend and expand the electric vehicle tax credit program.

Biden's latest budget request proposes $51 billion for the Department of Energy, encompassing funds for clean energy jobs, international climate finance, and the deployment of clean energy on federal lands.

Alongside these substantial investments, Biden has implemented a raft of restrictions. Soon after taking office, he imposed a moratorium on oil and gas leases and recently suspended liquefied natural gas exports, a move that alarmed European allies.

"Along with energy production and energy prices, the reliable delivery of energy is crucial," emphasizes Lambermont. "Pipeline approvals are paramount to ensuring that the continued movement of energy meets the country's needs, including maintaining sufficient natural gas for the electric grid and keeping oil flowing."

All of the Above Conundrum

Biden's mixed messaging on energy production has led to an "all of the above" approach that has frustrated all sides. While he seeks to balance the need for energy security with climate goals, he has fallen short of satisfying either constituency.

"We are an 'all of the above' country in many ways," remarks Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO). "But is that sufficient? Ultimately, we need to determine how we transition to a clean energy future."

Biden's reluctance to discuss energy production has drawn criticism from Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), a frequent adversary on energy issues. West Virginia heavily relies on coal production, which Democrats are eager to phase out. Manchin has sarcastically praised Biden's all-of-the-above strategy, urging him to amplify its messaging.

"You won't hear about our historic energy production on TV, on social media, at Democratic campaign events — or from many administration aides," he wrote in an op-ed. "As a result of these bills, there has never been a better time to invest in American energy."

Election-Year Quandary

As the November election draws near, Biden will face mounting pressure to explain why energy prices continue to escalate despite abundant production. Whether he chooses to force companies to further deplete reserves or hinder the construction of new pipelines and transportation infrastructure, prices are likely to maintain their upward trajectory.

"Biden's dilemma is that he wants to claim credit for any economic improvements while simultaneously pursuing transformative change in the name of climate change," says Lambermont. "He doesn't want to acknowledge high energy production now because it conflicts with his desired narrative."

Biden's energy strategy has become a complex balancing act, with potential electoral consequences. By neglecting his administration's energy accomplishments, he risks alienating voters concerned about energy security and rising costs. Yet, by embracing his climate-friendly stance, he risks further alienating those who favor domestic energy production. The upcoming election will serve as a referendum on Biden's energy policy and the extent to which he can reconcile these competing priorities.