NE Washington News

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered opening remarks at today’s Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee hearing titled “Green Building Policies: Jeopardizing the American Dream of Homeownership.”

“Thank you, Chairman Duncan, and our witnesses for appearing before the Subcommittee today. We look forward to your testimony,” Rodgers began.

“This committee plays a critical role in ensuring America continues to lead the world in innovation, entrepreneurship, reducing emissions, and improving people’s way of life. President Biden’s radical rush-to-green building policies will destroy this legacy and make it more difficult for people to realize the American dream.”

Rodgers criticized what she termed as a "rush-to-green" agenda by President Biden's administration. “Under the Republican Majority this Congress, the Energy and Commerce Committee has led the way to expose how the Biden administration’s agenda is wreaking havoc on our economy, our energy security, and our national security,” she said.

She continued to highlight various economic challenges attributed to these policies: “Inflation, energy prices, and grocery bills have all reached historic levels. People are struggling to afford basic necessities like gas, groceries, and prescription medications.”

Rodgers further claimed that green mandates exacerbate financial strain: “In spite of all this, President Biden and some Democratic-led States are making life even more unaffordable by doubling down on expensive mandates for solar panels, electric cars, and electric appliances.”

Specifically addressing homeownership costs, Rodgers stated: “The cost of buying a home has reached an all-time high in recent years... aggressive green building regulations have been a major contributing factor in these price increases.” She noted that today's hearing aims to explore how such policies impact homeownership.

Rodgers argued that state and local regulations for building energy codes have been influenced by "radical environmental activists" at the expense of Americans. She questioned whether bans on fossil fuels and natural gas are beneficial for the economy or energy security.

Highlighting specific examples from states like California and New York that have enacted gas bans or electrification mandates, Rodgers pointed out that these policies are becoming more common. She also mentioned new federal regulations enforcing fossil fuel bans on federal buildings.

“These policies are impacting everyday Americans the hardest,” she asserted. Emphasizing America's historical balance between affordable energy and a strong economy while leading in emissions reduction, Rodgers concluded by expressing her commitment to holding governments accountable.

“I look forward to working with Chair Duncan and Members of this Committee to keep the Biden administration and States and local governments accountable to the American people,” she said.