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Articles by T.J. Rooney
Pennsylvania is running out of power. Washington is part of the problem.
Posted 10/5/26 All too often these days, constructing a major energy infrastructure project in Pennsylvania involves years of court fights and permitting delays. This item is available in full to subscribers. E-mail Password Print and web subscribers If you're a print and web subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one. Non-subscribers Click here to see your options for becoming a subscriber.
Pennsylvania is running out of power. Washington is part of the problem. Original
All too often these days, constructing a major energy infrastructure project in Pennsylvania involves years of court fights and permitting delays. The PennEast Pipeline spent seven years in federal review and legal challenge only to be cancelled by its sponsors. Review for the Tioga Pathway Project, which broke ground this summer after a three-year approval process, was considered fast by current standards.
Pennsylvania is running out of power. Washington is part of the problem.
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Iowa Down Ballot podcast: Special legislative session, 4th District debate
Posted Sunday, October 4, 2026 11:08 am Iowa Sen. Dan Dawson, R-Council Bluffs, spoke in opposition to legislation passed by the Iowa Legislature in a special session Oct. 2, 2026 making changes to a state economic development program to provide more tax incentive for a steel mill project in southeast Iowa.
Why the best home upgrades aren’t always visible: Invest behind the walls before remodeling
(BPT) - While many homeowners are eager to kick off a renovation with cosmetic upgrades, the less visible systems behind the walls typically deserve attention first. From plumbing and electrical systems to heating, cooling and water heating equipment, these essential components play an important role in a home's comfort, efficiency and everyday performance.
Point/Counterpoint: Apparent GOP disarray can be turned into a political positive
As Democrats look to 2025, several factors provide them with a sense of hope and optimism for regaining and maintaining political power. The landscape of American politics can be unpredictable, but the current climate offers promising avenues for Democrats to explore as they prepare for coming elections. One of the most significant advantages for Democrats is the current apparent disarray within the Republican Party.
Trump chaos, GOP conflict will help progressive cause in 2025 and beyond | T.J. Rooney
As Democrats look to the future, several factors provide a sense of hope for regaining power. The landscape of American politics can be unpredictable, but the current climate offers promising avenues for Democrats to explore as they prepare for coming elections. One of the most significant advantages for Democrats is the current disarray in the Republican Party.
Counterpoint: GOP disarray is a positive for Democrats
By emphasizing what they can do differently and uniting around a shared vision, Democrats have the potential to inspire voters and regain confidence in their ability to govern effectively.
COMMENTARY: GOP disarray is a positive for Democrats | Jefferson City News-Tribune
As Democrats look to 2025, several factors provide them with a sense of hope and optimism for regaining and maintaining political power. The landscape of American politics can be unpredictable, but the current climate offers promising avenues for Democrats to explore as they prepare for coming elections.
GOP disarray is a positive for Democrats
Supporters wearing custom Kamala Harris jackets attend a Georgia Democrats watch party in Atlanta, Georgia, on Nov. 6, 2024. (Elijah Nouvelage/AFP/Getty Images/TNS) TNS As Democrats look to 2025, several factors provide them with a sense of hope and optimism for regaining and maintaining political power. The landscape of American politics can be unpredictable, but the current climate offers promising avenues for Democrats to explore as they prepare for coming elections.
T.J. Rooney: Shortsighted thinking threatens Pa. steelworkers
In recent weeks, there has been a surprising alignment between political rivals as the presidential candidates from both political parties have doubled down on their opposition to the proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel. On Labor Day, Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris publicly voiced her opposition, following in the footsteps of President Joe Biden, who is reportedly preparing to formally block the deal.
Pa. Democrats should reconsider electric vehicle mandates
Despite the polarizing politics of presidential elections, there is one thing that both camps can agree upon: Almost all roads to the White House lead through Pennsylvania. The pivotal role the state played in Joe Biden’s election victory in 2020 and will likely play again this fall is one of the many reasons why Kamala Harris had short listed Gov. Josh Shapiro to serve as her running mate.
Your View: Pennsylvania climate lawsuits would distract from real environmental progress
Pennsylvania is a growing economic hub, and the core to our success has been generating energy in ways that reduce carbon emissions and protect the climate. Despite this progress, outside groups using political-style campaigns have tried to get local and state governments in the Commonwealth to file lawsuits against energy companies over climate change. There is no doubt that this is a concern and must be mitigated, but the courtroom is not the venue to solve the problem.
T.J. Rooney: White House, EPA must get on same page for U.S. economy
On the campaign trail in 2020, Joe Biden promised to be the most pro-union president in American history, and since taking office, he has championed the mantra “Invent it Here, Make it Here.” Both are lofty goals that should be welcomed by the American public, but have the promise of such policies lived up to reality?
Your View: Biden’s methane emission rule — intended to help stop climate change — needs more flexibility
Since taking office, President Joe Biden has taken bold and practical steps to promote a cleaner energy future for the United States by setting out aggressive goals and offering new emissions-cutting approaches. Recently proposed Environmental Protection Agency regulations of methane, a key component of natural gas, should be of particular interest to Pennsylvanians.
Opinion | Want to help resolve American political dysfunction? Allow open primary elections.
Alan Novak was chairman of the Pennsylvania Republican Party from 1996 to 2004. T.J. Rooney was chairman of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party from 2003 to 2010 and a state representative from 1993 to 2006. The list of politicians facing primary challenges in 2022 keeps growing. Republican Govs. Brian Kemp of Georgia, Greg Abbott of Texas and Mike DeWine of Ohio each will face challenges, as will Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) for the sin of putting the American public over their party.
Your View: Biden should stick to his pledge not to ban fracking in Pennsylvania
By T.J. Rooney The Morning Call | Feb 09, 2021 at 9:00 AM As the dust settles on this contentious election cycle, Joe Biden has been sworn in as the nation’s commander in chief and the nation can finally move forward. I, for one, look forward to seeing what the hometown son and self-described moderate will do to create a sustainable and economically sound future for all Americans.
Mail-in ballots do not favor one political party over another | Opinion
By Alan Novak and T.J. Rooney Our country is in the midst of turmoil and political unrest. Many Americans have never lived through a time where our country has felt this divided and fractured. Not only has the political process broken down and become more partisan than ever before, we are physically separated from one another because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Alan Novak & T.J. Rooney: Pennsylvania’s unaffiliated voters deserve a voice
You are solely responsible for your comments and by using TribLive.com you agree to our Terms of Service. We moderate comments. Our goal is to provide substantive commentary for a general readership. By screening submissions, we provide a space where readers can share intelligent and informed commentary that enhances the quality of our news and information. While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderating decisions are subjective.
Give independents more say in state elections
As the Pennsylvania General Assembly heads back to Harrisburg to take up the commonwealth’s business later this month, a priority for its fall agenda should be passing Senate Bill 300. This proposal would enable Pennsylvania’s unaffiliated voters to have a voice in casting votes on either the Republican or Democrat party ballots on primary election day.
Your View by former leaders of state’s Republican, Democratic parties: Why Pennsylvania should allow independents to vote in primaries
By T.J. Rooney The Morning Call | Sep 27, 2019 | 9:00 AM The authors assert Pennsylvanians registered as independents should be allowed to participate in primary elections. (Colleen McGrath/AP) As the Pennsylvania General Assembly heads back to Harrisburg to take up the commonwealth’s business, a priority for their fall agenda should be passing Senate Bill 300.
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