NE Washington News

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan have raised concerns over the International Energy Agency (IEA) shifting away from its primary energy security mission towards advocating for radical climate policies.

According to the committee chairs, the IEA's new climate agenda and flawed projections are undermining its role in providing accurate and impartial data to governments for decision-making. This shift has also influenced the U.S. government's decision to restrict liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.

In a letter sent to Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol, Rodgers and Duncan highlighted the potential impact of the IEA's agenda on American LNG production, domestic energy prices, and the security of U.S. allies. They expressed concerns that diverting attention from America's energy potential could jeopardize energy security for the country and its allies.

The committee chairs emphasized the original mission of the IEA, stating, "The IEA was established in 1974 to ensure the security of oil supplies following the disruptions created by the Arab oil embargo." They further added, “We are concerned that the IEA has lost focus of its energy security mission and has instead shifted attention and resources to climate policy advocacy—to the detriment of its core mission.”

The letters to the IEA and Energy Secretary Granholm aim to address these concerns and urge a reevaluation of the IEA's priorities to ensure a balanced focus on both energy security and climate advocacy.

For more information, the full letters to IEA Executive Director Dr. Birol and Energy Secretary Granholm can be accessed on the official House Energy and Commerce Committee website.