Natural Gas Harms US Economy And Won’t Solve Rising Electricity Demand

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The article discusses the declining economic viability of natural gas as a solution for rising electricity demand in the U.S. While utilities and tech companies are eager to build new gas-fired power plants, the reality is that the costs associated with these plants have surged due to supply chain issues and workforce shortages. The era of cheap natural gas is over, with new plants expected to be significantly more expensive than those built in the past. In fact, the construction costs for new gas plants could be three times higher than previous facilities, and the price of natural gas itself is projected to rise sharply in the coming years.

Moreover, the article highlights the shift towards renewable energy sources, which have become the cheapest options for new electricity generation. With 96% of new power in 2024 coming from clean energy, the reliance on natural gas appears increasingly misguided. Legislative measures, such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, threaten to hinder the growth of renewable energy by repealing incentives and imposing supply chain constraints, further complicating the energy landscape. The combination of rising costs, labor shortages, and legislative barriers suggests that turning to natural gas may not only be impractical but also detrimental to the U.S. economy and energy future.