(The Daily Signal)—As Earth Day approaches on Tuesday, climate activists remind us of the importance of cutting carbon emissions. Yet, one inconvenient truth escapes their green-tinged talking points: The rise of natural gas in our power sector is the No. 1 driver of the reduction of emissions in the United States—not wind or solar.
If we want affordable and reliable power while being responsible stewards of the environment, natural gas is our most significant comparative advantage in the United States.
Between 2005 and 2019, the U.S. reduced carbon dioxide emissions by more than 800 million metric tons. The U.S. Energy Information Administration credits nearly two-thirds of that reduction to natural gas.
Zoom in more closely, and you’ll find the same trend in Pennsylvania. The Keystone State—a powerhouse of energy production thanks to the development of the Marcellus Shale, and the second largest producer of natural gas in the nation—reduced its power-sector carbon emissions by nearly 11% in one year—the most significant year-over-year drop in decades.
Its emissions success story also comes from a market transition from coal to natural gas. Natural gas comprises 60% of Pennsylvania’s power generation, while 31% comes from nuclear, 5% from coal, and 4% from renewables (wind and solar). With this resource mix, Pennsylvania is one of only three states in the region that have successfully reduced emissions while increasing energy production.
Natural gas production in the Marcellus Shale region propelled the United States from being a net importer to the world’s largest exporter of natural gas. Today, Pennsylvania is the country’s top exporter of electricity.
Yet top Democrats—and some Republicans—remain duty-bound to the climate agenda and green energy donors. Instead of celebrating natural gas as a boon to both our energy independence and the environment, climate alarmists continue to vilify the industry. And by doing so, Pennsylvania Democrats continue to lash out against the sector that’s been giving Pennsylvania a competitive advantage.
For starters, former Gov. Tom Wolf entered Pennsylvania into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative through an unconstitutional executive order in 2019. The initiative is a multistate cap-and-trade program intended to force states to lower their carbon emissions through a carbon tax placed on energy producers and, ultimately, consumers through increased energy prices. Some estimates suggest the initiative will cost the commonwealth up to 22,000 energy jobs and raise consumers’ electricity bills by a whopping 30%.
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Fortunately, good constitutional governance intervened. The Commonwealth Court ruled that Wolf’s actions were illegal, stating clearly that a governor has no authority to unilaterally levy taxes without legislative approval. Gov. Josh Shapiro, Wolf’s successor, took up the torch and appealed the decision. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court will hear oral arguments about the legality of Pennsylvania’s entry into the initiative on May 13. The initiative remains dormant while litigation is ongoing.
All litigation aside, the fact remains that Pennsylvania’s participation in a scheme like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative is completely unnecessary. The Keystone State already has a proven track record of reducing emissions without causing energy scarcity simply by following the market-led push for natural gas. Greater natural gas development has brought the state greater energy independence, more reliable electricity, stable jobs, and—much to the chagrin of climate activists—fewer carbon emissions.
In fact, Pennsylvania has reduced its emissions more efficiently than states that are already participating in the initiative. Between 2018 and 2023, Pennsylvania’s emissions dropped nine million metric tons. Meanwhile, New York—a member of the initiative and a state with about 6 million more people than Pennsylvania—dropped only 1 million metric tons.
Moreover, states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative are struggling to contain costs. The Department of Environmental Protection in New Jersey, a state that is one of the initiative’s original charter members, noted that “participating RGGI states already have some of the highest retail electricity rates in the nation, with six of the nine states in the top 10, and increased energy costs should be of major concern.” Carbon taxes touch every corner of the economy and raise costs for families and businesses.
To avoid the initiative’s inevitable fallout, some Democrats have tried to cleverly rebrand the scheme. For example, Shapiro rebranded the Democrat’s climate agenda through a series of new green-energy efforts known as the Lightning Plan. Layered inside this plan is the Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction Act, Shapiro’s homegrown, state-specific version of the initiative. His new agenda diminishes the natural gas industry’s role that led the commonwealth toward cleaner, more reliable energy.
But just like every Green New Deal knockoff, Shapiro’s policy package lacks political acumen. All these proposals—which prop up less-reliable energy sources by setting mandates for renewable energy usage and enact burdensome red tape that slows down permitting and production for fuels like oil and natural gas—put energy security at risk and cost Americans in terms of jobs and energy prices.
On Election Day 2024, voters rejected the Left’s climate alarmist agenda in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. Those who remained skeptical of former Vice President Kamala Harris’ flip-flop on fracking for oil and natural gas instead embraced President Donald Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” strategy.
Natural gas will help usher in a new era of American energy dominance—one that’s more reliable, secure, affordable, and—despite what the alarmists claim—cleaner.
So, if there’s one thing that environmentalists should celebrate this Earth Day, it’s natural gas.
We publish a variety of perspectives. Nothing written here is to be construed as representing the views of The Daily Signal.
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Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.