Trump Promises Help To Energy Industry, Calls Charlotte Violence An Embarrassment
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Last June, the Shale Coalition invited both candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump to address their Shale Insight Conference in Pittsburgh on Thursday.
Trump accepted, and delivered a 35-minute mostly policy speech just 46 days before the presidential election.
The audience was packed with energy enthusiasts from Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, many of whom believe the Obama administration has sided against them in favor of what they call "extreme" environmentalists opposed to fossil fuels like oil, coal, and natural gas.
Trump clearly embraced the energy industry.
"America is sitting on a treasure trove of untapped energy – some $50 trillion in shale energy, oil reserves, and natural gas on federal lands, in addition to hundreds of years of coal reserves," Trump told the crowd.
"It's all upside for this country – more jobs, more revenues, more wealth, higher wages, and lower energy prices."
"I am going to life the restrictions on American energy and allow this wealth to pour into our communities, including right here in the state of Pennsylvania that we love," said Trump.
Trump began with some political thoughts.
"They tell me a Republican can't carry the state of Pennsylvania. Wait until you see what happens here," noted Trump "I think we're going to have a big, big victory right here in the state of Pennsylvania."
Beyond that prognostication, Trump's speech focused on growing the fossil fuel energy industry.
"Producing more American energy is a central part of my plan to making America wealthy again," he said.
Trump pledged to lift environmental regulations that he says stifle the growth of new jobs, and he contrasted his views with those of his opponent.
"Hillary Clinton wants to put the coal miners out of work, ban hydraulic fracking in almost all places, and extensively restrict or ban energy production on public lands and in most offshore areas."
It's a contrast Trump hopes will help him win Pennsylvania.
"We need an American first energy plan. It's going to be from now on America first."
Trump also pledged to cut environmental regulations that he says stifle job growth.
"We will streamline the permitting process that probably makes you happier than when I say we're lowering taxes. The permitting process in your industry is a disaster."
But given the riots and looting in Charlotte, trump -- who calls himself the "law and order" candidate -- opened his remarks on that.
"We have a wounded country."
Trump said violence and chaos in Charlotte was an embarrassment.
"Our country looks bad to the world, especially when we are supposed to be the world's leader. How can we lead when we can't even control our own cities?"
He pledged to change that as president.
"The violence against our citizens and our law enforcement must be brought to a very rapid end."
Trump also promised a national anti-crime agenda to help law-abiding African Americans whom he says are often the victims of crime.
"For every one violent protester, there are thousands of moms and dads who really just want to sleep safely at night."
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(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
