Natural gas, renewables can help Democrats on energy affordability
The Hill
by Mary Landrieu and Terry McAuliffe, opinion contributorsFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The U.S. is grappling with escalating energy costs and an elevated risk of blackouts due to surging demand, underscoring the urgent need for a balanced energy strategy. A combination of natural gas and renewable energy sources is being touted as a critical solution to ensure both reliability and affordability in the nation's energy landscape. This approach aims to address the growing challenges faced by consumers and businesses while maintaining energy security.
Natural gas has long been recognized as a reliable and flexible energy source, capable of meeting demand during periods of high consumption or when renewable sources like wind and solar are insufficient. However, its production and supply have faced recent disruptions, including voluntary cuts from producers amid market volatility and geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, renewable energy generation is expanding rapidly but remains inconsistent due to weather dependence, which can lead to variability in power output.
The integration of natural gas with renewables offers a potential sweet spot for policymakers seeking to balance environmental goals with practical energy needs. By leveraging the strengths of both—natural gas's reliability and scalability, and renewables' growing capacity and sustainability—this hybrid approach could help stabilize energy markets and reduce costs for consumers. This balanced strategy aligns with the political agenda of Democrats, who are increasingly emphasizing affordable and reliable energy solutions as a key priority.
From a political perspective, this issue holds significant importance for voters and policymakers alike. Rising energy prices have become a hot-button topic in public discourse, with many Americans expressing concerns about affordability and access. A balanced approach to energy could position Democrats to address these concerns while advancing their climate goals. By promoting policies that expand renewable energy deployment while maintaining a role for natural gas, lawmakers may be able to achieve both environmental sustainability and economic stability.
In summary, the convergence of rising energy costs, supply chain challenges, and shifting political priorities is driving a renewed focus on a balanced energy mix. This strategy not only addresses immediate concerns about reliability and affordability but also positions the U.S. to meet long-term climate objectives. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, this approach could prove pivotal in navigating the complexities of modern energy systems.
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/19/2026