Joe Biden is willing to transition the United States of America away from oil and end federal subsidies for companies in the oil sector.
Biden’s comment at the end of Thursday night’s debate surprised moderator Kristen Welker who asked the former vice president why he would do it.
The Oil & Natural Gas industry employs 10.3 Million and accounts 8% of the country’s economy.
President Donald Trump, who was low key for much of the debate, instantly perked up as he spotted an opportunity to win votes.
“Basically, what he’s saying is he is going to destroy the oil industry,” Trump said. “Will you remember that Texas? Will you remember that Pennsylvania, Oklahoma?”
Biden, who had almost defied the pundits to escape a second debate mostly unscathed, defended his comments.
“The oil industry pollutes significantly,” claimed Biden. “It has to be replaced by renewable energy over time.”
Biden said that solar and wind are the future of the energy section. Earlier in the evening, Trump claimed that wind turbines create tremendous amounts of pollution during their construction and pose a threat to wildlife, notably birds. Trump also said that Solar power isn’t advanced enough to meet current demands.
Watch the exchange here:
