FREEDOM, Pennsylvania — In a Beaver County town whose sense of self is in many ways intertwined with the shale industry, Vice President Mike Pence last week reminded the people who work there that they significantly contribute to the country’s economic freedom and national security.

“An American energy renaissance has come to Pennsylvania and all across the heartland,” said Pence, adding that President Trump has cut taxes, rolled back federal red tape, reduced regulations, and backed an energy policy that has made America less dependent on foreign oil.