Decision 2020

Sen. Bernie Sanders stumping for Biden at events in western Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH — Former Vice President Joe Biden made it clear during Thursday’s debate he wants to see resources focused on renewable energy. That was echoed Saturday by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.

“Anyone who talks about transforming our energy system understands that we must protect the workers in the fossil fuel industry. It’s not their fault,” Sanders said.

It’s an important issue in western Pennsylvania, with thousands of jobs tied to the natural gas industry and fracking. During a rally Saturday morning on the North Side, Sanders emphasized workers won’t be left out if Biden gets elected.

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“You don’t feel like those workers in Pennsylvania need to worry about their jobs four years from now?" asked Channel 11′s Aaron Martin.

“I think that any movement forward transforming our energy system and trying to save the planet will build right into the need to make sure any worker who loses his or her job will get another job at equal pay,” Sanders said.

Sanders also spoked about COVID-19 and the need for the federal government to do more to get the virus under control.

“If you want to get the economy moving, you’ve got to get the pandemic under control. You’re not going to get the pandemic under control unless you have a president who believes in science so there’s national guidelines,” he said.

Pennsylvania is expected to be a key state for Joe Biden or President Donald Trump to win the election.