fracking group endorsement

At a recent campaign event in Houston, U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, a Dallas Democrat, emphasized his commitment to an all-of-the-above energy policy that aims to protect oil and gas jobs while addressing climate change. He is challenging incumbent U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican, in the upcoming election. Allred's campaign recently published an endorsement from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a group known for its opposition to fracking and support for environmental regulations, which has drawn criticism from opponents who argue it contradicts his claims of supporting energy jobs. The NRDC's endorsement has sparked controversy, as it aligns with policies that could potentially harm Texas's economy, including a study indicating that banning fracking could lead to a loss of 3.2 million jobs and a $1.5 trillion hit to the state's GDP. Critics, including communications director Larry Behrens from Power the Future, have accused Allred of trying to hide his record by removing the endorsement from social media. They argue that his voting history reflects a lack of support for energy policies that benefit Texas. In contrast, Sen. Cruz has received an A+ rating from the American Energy Alliance for his consistent support of energy independence and policies that promote job growth in the sector. He has actively opposed the Biden-Harris administration's energy policies, including a natural gas tax and restrictions on liquefied natural gas exports, which have faced backlash from Texas Democrats. The Texas oil and natural gas industry continues to thrive, breaking records in production and job growth while contributing significantly to state revenue. As the election approaches, the contrasting energy policies of Allred and Cruz will likely play a pivotal role in shaping voter opinions and the future of Texas's energy landscape.