WASHINGTON, DC - The Energy and Power Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY), today held a hearing examining the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Fiscal Year 2017 budget request. Members asked Secretary Ernest Moniz a variety of questions related to the department’s budget.
Hearing Highlights
Energy and Power Vice Chairman Pete Olson (R-TX) spoke on the outrageous $10 tax on a barrel of oil the administration has proposed in this year’s budget. Rep. Olson asked Secretary Moniz, “Were you personally consulted before the proposal was announced?"
Following up on an Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing last week on DOE’s nuclear security enterprise governance, Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) stressed the importance of cabinet level leadership for DOE’s nuclear security mission to be successful.
Environment and the Economy Subcommittee Chairman John Shimkus (R-IL), referencing a recent letter sent to the Government Accountability Office on DOE’s Yucca Mountain restart plans, asked for Secretary Moniz’s cooperation in the nonpartisan watchdog’s review, discussed DOE’s reluctance in supporting the Nuclear Waste Policy Act, and issues related to nuclear storage.
Quotable
Chairman Whitfield stated, “This budget continues to reflect the president’s priorities and treats climate change as DOE’s overriding concern. Access to affordable and reliable energy is key to stimulating economic growth and strengthening our global competitiveness and it should be a priority for this agency. In contrast, putting climate first increases energy costs, restrains growth, destroys jobs, and reduces household spending power, especially low-income households. We can do much better than this budget; we must prioritize affordable energy, economic growth, and jobs."
Chairman Upton concluded, “Continued breakthroughs in the way we produce, transmit, and consume energy are needed in order to meet 21st century threats, be it from cyber, severe weather, or physical attacks on infrastructure. However, more information is needed before responding to the budget requests on how limited DOE research dollars will work to augment the commitments made by the private sector. I thank Secretary Moniz for his efforts to come before the committee and work with us on both sides of the aisle."
For more information, including an archived video webcast, background memo, and witness testimony click HERE. Related Items
* The Fiscal Year 2017 Department of Energy Budget
