Washington, DC - Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) released the following statement on Democrats’ $135 billion energy package.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of securing American supply chains, ensuring robust domestic energy supply, and advancing U.S. leadership on the world stage. U.S. energy independence has helped provide affordable and reliable energy to consumers, fuel our economy, and bolster our national security. But we must do more, particularly as bad actors like China hold the majority supply of rare earth minerals and Saudi Arabia and Iran aim to control the global oil market.
“We also must work together to update our energy infrastructure and deploy innovation so we can expand our use of clean energy options - such as nuclear energy, renewables, and natural gas - secure our electric grid, reduce emissions, and ensure every American can access affordable and reliable energy. Unfortunately, this massive $135 billion bill that was put together in one week, went from 8 to more than 900 pages, and did not include input from Republicans is not the answer to achieve these goals. This bill would raise costs for American consumers, leave rural Americans out to dry, and ironically delay the deployment of new infrastructure. This is not a serious energy package - this is big government, and the American people deserve better," said Walden.
Rep. Walden spoke on the floor this week in opposition to the bill. His remarks can be found HERE.
Rep. Walden also released a statement with Science, Space and Technology Committee Republican Leader Frank Lucas (R-OK) and Natural Resources Committee Republican Leader Rob Bishop (R-UT), which can be found HERE.
Learn more about the bill HERE and more about Republican-led proposals to promote innovation, reduce emissions, and ensure continued U.S. energy independence HERE.
