A winning message for the Democratic Party

As my party holds our national convention this week in Philadelphia, party leaders face the challenge of uniting the party under one tent—a must if the Party of the People hopes to galvanize President Obama’s successes in office with a win in November. The official Democratic Policy Platform offers a roadmap to achieve that goal and will largely set the agenda for the next four years. But leading Democrats have their work cut out for them to balance differing views from the far corners of the party, particularly as it relates to energy policy.

During Democratic platform deliberations earlier this month, support for a “keep it in the ground” movement and an end to traditional energy resources altogether were raised.  Others – including a handful of U.S. Senate Democrats last week – decried fossil fuel companies and not-for-profit organizations for their views and research on addressing climate change. Yet Democratic leaders must recognize that unilaterally opposing U.S. fossil fuel production would hurt everyday Americans and impair our ability to lead global climate change efforts. Instead an “all of the above” energy strategy has proven a winning formula for Democrats, not just at the polls, but in ensuring the health and welfare of the United States.

{mosads}Over the past eight years the United States has turned its energy outlook on its head. A net importer of energy since the 1950s, recent forecasts indicate America will become a net exporter as early as 2019, if domestic production continues to grow. This remarkable turnaround comes largely on the shoulders of prudent natural gas development here at home, which increased more than 52 percent between 2007 and 2012 and is projected to grow over 50 percent through 2040.

These gains have provided policymakers with a leveraging block on the global stage. Less dependent on foreign suppliers, the United States is now better positioned to support our allies and bring other nations to the table for serious climate change discussions. In fact, President Obama’s historic emissions pact with India in 2014 likely would not have materialized when it did.

U.S. oil and natural gas supplies have also helped to mitigate volatility in the global markets, keeping consumer costs down. At the same time, the switch to natural gas from coal has played an important role in meeting ambitious climate change goals. Last year U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation fell to their lowest levels since 1988. In fact, the United States has reduced its greenhouse emissions more than any other country since 2006.   This is a democratic legacy to be proud of.

Democrats, rightfully, have earned the reputation as champions of next generation energy sources. But the notion it is an either-or decision between traditional and renewable resources is a false narrative. During his 2014 State of the Union Address, President Obama identified natural gas as a “bridge fuel” to help bring online alternative energies—and it’s been successful in that regard. Since 2008 wind generating capacity has nearly tripled, and solar electricity generation has increased 30-fold.

Still, some in my party are critical.  Some opposition will stop at nothing short of abolishing fossil fuels from the U.S. energy portfolio entirely and immediately, no matter the cost. And, make no mistake, that cost would be big.  Energy production supports 9.8 million jobs – which is nearly 6% of the U.S. workforce – and adds $1.2 trillion to our economy each year.

Further, climate change won’t be resolved by attacking companies and industries committed to growing renewable energy sources and by definition our economy.  We must coalesce around sensible policies that produce achievable outcomes.

President Obama’s record in office has made clear that growth, innovation and competitiveness are achievable alongside serious climate change action. Secretary Clinton has demonstrated her shared commitment to that vision. It is critical party leaders give our nominee an agenda that will usher in an era of continued progress in the climate change fight. Let’s move forward, not backwards.

Ford was a Democratic congressman from Tennessee from 1997 to 2007 and is a visiting professor at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan.