Flipping the switch for more American energy
By Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05)
Energy is foundational to everything we do. It’s critical for our national security, geopolitical power, and for a better quality of life in America.
Today, we’re witnessing the real dangers of undermining our energy independence with a radical rush-to-green agenda that shuts down American oil and natural gas. From its day-one decision to cancel the Keystone XL, to pausing new oil and gas leases for drilling on federal lands, to the regulatory regime it created at the EPA, the administration has created a chilling effect to keep our resources for more domestic production in the ground. Under the Biden administration, oil production in America has decreased by 1.5 million barrels per day.
The result? President Joe Biden has asked authoritarian regimes like Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, and Iran for more oil. Keeping our resources in the ground also weakens our ability to export energy to our allies in Europe and help Ukraine fight back. Our allies shouldn’t be beholden to aggressors that attack their freedom. Instead, they are reliant on Vladimir Putin who uses energy as a weapon against the West. Finally, undermining energy independence also means record-high costs here at home. Filling up the gas tank will now cost the typical family an additional $2,000 a year.
We need to flip the switch for more American energy. That’s why Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (AR-04) and I are leading on the American Energy Independence from Russia Act.
- It removes all restrictions on liquified natural gas (LNG) exports
- It restarts oil and gas leasing on federal lands and waters – which was halted by the Biden administration
- It protects American energy and mineral development from attacks by the Biden administration
- It requires Biden to submit an energy security plan within 30 days and requires the Secretary of Energy to develop a plan to replace oil drawn down from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve
- And because we need more pipelines, it immediately approves the Keystone XL pipeline
And we shouldn’t stop there. With an all-the-above strategy like the Securing Cleaner American Energy agenda Energy and Commerce Republicans are leading in the House, we can again say ‘yes’ to America’s global leadership and lower energy prices. America must embrace free enterprise and innovation for abundant, affordable, and clean energy for America and the rest of the world. That includes unleashing innovation and jobs in advanced nuclear, hydropower, clean coal, and new technologies to make energy cleaner and more reliable.
This is a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. Let’s flip the switch on to ensure a better life and more secure future for all.
Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a Member of the Congressional Western Caucus, represents Washington's 5th Congressional District and serves as Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
