Sen. Sherrod Brown Faces Backlash Over Fracking Votes in Ohio

As the 2024 election approaches, fracking has emerged as a pivotal issue in Rust Belt states, particularly Ohio. Incumbent Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown is under scrutiny for his past votes against legislation that would protect hydraulic fracturing. In 2021, he voted against a bill aimed at prohibiting the Environmental Protection Agency from banning fracking, and in 2022, he opposed a motion granting states sole authority over fracking regulations. Critics, including his GOP opponent Bernie Moreno, argue that Brown's alignment with Vice President Kamala Harris on energy policies reflects a progressive agenda that could alienate Ohio voters. Brown has previously expressed concerns about the limited job opportunities in fracking for Ohio residents, suggesting that many jobs go to out-of-state workers. Despite this, he has been criticized for not vocally opposing Harris's shifting stance on fracking. His campaign maintains that he supports fracking when it is conducted responsibly and has worked to connect Ohio workers with jobs in the industry. The economic impact of fracking in Ohio is significant, with estimates indicating it supports over 300,000 jobs and contributed $55 billion to the state's economy in 2021. As the election nears, the Ohio Senate race is viewed as a critical battleground, with Republicans eager to reclaim control in a state that favored Trump in the last election. The Cook Political Report has categorized the race as a toss-up, highlighting the importance of Brown's stance on energy issues as he seeks to retain his seat amidst growing criticism from his opponent and the GOP.