U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, sent a letter to Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Apr. 15 demanding answers about whether the department was adequately prepared for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz prior to President Trump's decision to enter into war with Iran without congressional approval.
The issue is significant as families across the country are facing gas prices above $4 per gallon, and there are concerns that these prices may continue to rise due to ongoing instability in global energy markets.
Heinrich said he is "deeply concerned that the President’s decision to wage a reckless war on Iran will wreak havoc on energy markets for the foreseeable future—driving up energy costs for Americans across the country and causing global economic turmoil." He noted that "soon after the war began, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) restricted passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz—cutting off a vital energy corridor through which 20 percent of the world’s petroleum and liquified natural gas (LNG) flow daily—and sending energy prices to new highs. And it is clear that the Administration does not have a plan to re-open the Strait—meaning prices will continue to climb." Heinrich further stated, "The Administration dismissed or failed to fully appreciate the impact the closure of the Strait would have on domestic energy and household costs when it rushed into war with Iran and lacks a coherent strategy to end the war and stabilize domestic and global energy markets."
In his letter, Heinrich requested documents detailing any analysis conducted by DOE regarding potential impacts on domestic and global energy markets before hostilities began. He also asked whether analyses included plans for releasing oil from strategic reserves or assessments shared with other government agencies about possible closures at key maritime chokepoints such as both Hormuz and Bab Al-Mandeb straits.
Heinrich's questions come amid reports that less than 300 ships have passed through Hormuz since fighting started, compared with an average of around 130 vessels per day before hostilities. Nearly 800 ships reportedly remain idle nearby waiting for safe passage.
The senator concluded his letter by requesting all relevant documentation be provided by April 28 so Congress can better understand how federal agencies assessed risks associated with military action in this region.
