Happy Election Day to all who celebrate. And to the rest of you, well, good luck. While the victor of this year’s presidential race — whether that be Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump — will set the nation’s overarching energy agenda, states hold significant power to shape the sector. From Arizona to New Hampshire, state elections will determine control of legislative chambers and key regulatory bodies that can make or break a shift to clean power. POLITICO’s E&E News reporters Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Shelby Webb and Jeffrey Tomich break down the state races to watch tonight if you’re an energy nerd. Here’s a taste of what’s at stake: Tapping into Arizona’s sun
Arizona Democrats see an opportunity this year to take over both the state Legislature and the five-member utility regulatory commission — allowing them to propel the state toward a clean energy transition. Despite Arizona being the sunniest state in the nation, only 10 percent of its electricity was provided by solar last year. Republican commissioners rolled back clean energy and energy efficiency standards in February. Democrats need to pick up just two seats in each chamber to flip the Legislature. Three Republican-held posts are up for reelection on the Arizona Corporation Commission; Democrats need to win two to control the panel. Pennsylvania’s cap and trade
Democrats in this year’s largest battleground state are working to retain their narrow control of the House and win over the Senate. Control of the Legislature would allow lawmakers to usher in Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro’s stalled cap-and-trade program, which could have massive ramifications for the nation’s natural gas sector. Shapiro’s program would charge utilities for producing carbon pollution and redistribute 70 percent of that revenue to provide discounts on Pennsylvanians’ electric bills. The remainder would fund environmental cleanups and new jobs. The program could be consequential as Pennsylvania is the nation’s second-largest producer of natural gas. Texas is first. A Democratic takeover could also green-light new requirements Shapiro floated to green the state’s energy portfolio. A Republican win would be blunted by the governor’s veto power. Texas oil and gas
A Democratic challenger is attempting to wrest control of the state’s top oil and gas regulatory body from Republican incumbent Christi Craddick, whose family earned $10 million in oil and gas rights in 2022. Katherine Culbert’s top priorities include environmental protection, safety, holding oil and gas companies accountable for violations and cracking down on corporate influence and campaign donations. Her chances of winning the top spot on the (misleadingly named) Texas Railroad Commission appear dim. Culbert has raised a paltry $19,000 compared with the $10 million Craddick has raked in, largely from the oil and gas industry. For the full rundown on the climate and energy issues playing out in all eight state races, check out A.J., Shelby and Jeff’s breakdown.
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