NE Washington News

Today, Congressman Bob Latta, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, led a hearing titled "Powering America’s Future: Unleashing American Energy" in Washington, D.C. The session focused on evaluating the current state of the U.S. energy system and examining actions by the Biden administration that some believe have affected economic and national security.

Chairman Latta stated, “Today, we are discussing the state of our nation’s energy system, reviewing Biden administration actions that have undermined our economic and national security, and, importantly, looking forward to how our subcommittee will meet our ever-expanding need for more energy.” He noted that during the last Congress, witnesses unanimously agreed on the necessity for increased energy production.

Subcommittee Vice Chairman Randy Weber highlighted issues related to liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. He remarked on the global benefits of U.S. LNG and criticized an export ban by the Biden Administration. Weber said, "The world benefits from our clean, reliable and affordable LNG shipped right to their doorstep." Amanda Eversole responded by emphasizing the geopolitical strength provided by U.S. LNG exports which contributed $14.4 billion to the economy last year.

Congressman Rick Allen stressed nuclear energy's importance to national security and advocated for efficient licensing processes at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Brigham McCown concurred with Allen's concerns about regulatory certainty being crucial for investment in nuclear technologies.

Congressman Gabe Evans discussed domestic energy production challenges specific to Colorado and pointed out United Power's projection of needing triple its current power supply in ten years. Amanda Eversole addressed these concerns by noting that 25% of oil and gas exploration occurs on federal lands but lamented last year's absence of lease sales in federal waters.