In an opinion article published Oct. 12, 2026, a Fox News contributor with more than 20 years of experience in the energy and utility industry argues that state energy policies have made consumers more vulnerable to price increases tied to global events, including the Iran conflict.
The contributor says international oil-market prices can rise when conflict threatens supply, but contends that restrictions on domestic infrastructure add to the impact. The article points to the decline in the number of operable U.S. refineries since 1982 and the absence of a major new refinery since 1976. It also cites the closure of the Philadelphia Energy Solutions plant, which the piece says had capacity of about 335,000 barrels per day.
In New York, the author focuses on the proposed Constitution Pipeline, which would carry natural gas from Pennsylvania into the state. The article says the project’s water permit was denied in 2016, and that the company withdrew a renewed application in 2025 after receiving notices that it was incomplete.
The piece also criticizes New York City’s Local Law 97, which sets emissions limits for large buildings and imposes penalties for exceeding them. The author argues that compliance costs could be passed on to tenants, apartment owners and small businesses. The article further contends that closing nuclear and coal plants without dependable replacements can constrain energy supply.
As remedies, the contributor calls for approving domestic pipeline projects, keeping reliable power plants operating until replacements are ready, permitting new refineries and phasing in climate requirements at a pace the author says households can afford. The article concludes with an election appeal, urging readers to support candidates who favor expanding U.S. energy production and refining.
The claims and recommendations reflect the author’s viewpoint. The supplied material does not independently establish how much any particular policy or the Iran conflict has contributed to household heating bills.
