WASHINGTON, DC - Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) released the following statement slamming Democrats for putting politics over progress on climate policy, rather than working with Republicans on bipartisan solutions for the environment and the economy:
“When you do the same thing over and over again, you shouldn’t expect a different result. A politics over progress approach accomplishes nothing; we need solutions that deliver results. I know Democrats care about protecting our environment, so do I, so do Republicans, but that will only happen if we work together. I urge Democrats to work with us to pass a dozen bipartisan bills that will reduce emissions, promote clean and affordable energy, and conserve our natural resources," said Walden.
Background:
Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and his fellow Committee Democrats announced their #100by50 plan in July of 2019 with an emphasis on collaboration. Energy and Commerce Republicans (especially Republican Leader Greg Walden) were hopeful this was sincere. Unfortunately, it was not.
First, the secret website. Over the August recess, Energy and Commerce Democrats delivered, via email, Requests for Information (RFI) to stakeholders. This is normal, but two peculiarities stand out: This request was not put on official committee letterhead and the Minority was not included. We asked for copies of their climate RFI responses, but that has not happened.
Second, Democrats scheduled a series of stakeholder meetings - across the energy and environment sector - over a two-month period. We were not invited to these either and only found out about them secondhand.
Both events cut against the spirit of collaboration Chairman Pallone championed last July. This prompted E&C Republican Leader Walden to send Chairman Frank Pallone a letter asking about his #100by50 plan. Here is the letter. Still, Republicans - led by Walden - hope Democrats will come to the table and work with them to pass common-sense solutions to address climate change.
