Democrats are calling for a balance between lower oil prices and future investments in renewable energy. They believe climate goals can be met without too much pain at the pump.
Despite Democrats setting these goals, experts do not think the government can do much to control energy prices.
"We need a long-term energy policy that moves toward clean energy, that will keep us independent from foreign oil, and that's what we need to do," U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) said in a recent E&E News release.
DeGette continued by acknowledging the high prices at the gas pump paid by her constituents and other Americans.
"But you know something? When my constituents went to get gas in their cars today, they paid $3.95 a gallon," she said in the release. "And nationally, they're paying $4.16 a gallon."
Other members of Congress talked about balancing short- and long-term goals.
"You need to do things short-term that will increase production, long-term invest in renewable energy," Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) said. "I get that it's not ideal, but we're in a situation that people are really hurting at the pump. And if you want to build a coalition in this country for climate goals, you're not going to do that by asking people to pay six, seven dollars at the pump."
Meanwhile, Republicans observed the political problems that these issues can cause for Democrats.
"They have absolutely backed themselves in a corner on this stuff," Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA), leader the House GOP's energy and climate messaging, said. "I think they're looking to deflect because they know this is a huge political liability that was self-imposed. They own it."
