NE Washington News

House Energy and Commerce Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) highlighted the Department of Energy's crucial national security responsibilities and oversight of energy-related programs during a recent hearing on the fiscal year 2025 budget. Duncan emphasized the importance of ensuring that the Department acts responsibly as stewards of taxpayer resources and sticks to its core mission.

Regarding President Biden's energy policies, Duncan criticized what he referred to as the administration's "war on American energy," stating that it has led to increased costs for American families and detrimental impacts on the economy. He expressed concern over inflation, high energy prices, and supply-chain shortages affecting households across the country.

Duncan also pointed out the role of the Department of Energy in energy price spikes and supply chain shortages, attributing mismanagement of Strategic Petroleum Reserves and regulatory decisions to the challenges faced by the energy sector. He criticized the Department's climate agenda and recent ban on new LNG export permits, highlighting the negative impact on workers and families in the Gulf Coast region.

In response to these challenges, Duncan highlighted Congressional efforts to rein in the Department of Energy and address the threats facing the energy system. He underscored the passage of bipartisan legislation aimed at reversing punitive regulations and policy decisions, emphasizing the need to unleash American energy and modernize infrastructure.

As the hearing concluded, Duncan called for a focus on embracing America's energy abundance and expanding nuclear energy to solidify the country's position as a global energy superpower. He emphasized the importance of making decisions today that will have a lasting impact on future generations and reiterated the need for an American energy expansion rather than transitioning reliance to China.

The hearing provided an opportunity for the Secretary of Energy to address concerns raised by Duncan and other committee members regarding the administration's energy policies and their implications for the nation's energy security and economic well-being.