America is a country blessed with rich natural resources and emerging technologies that must be developed in an environmentally sound manner that is sustainable for future generations. That’s why developing an all-of-the-above energy strategy that meets our short and long-term plans for achieving energy independence is critical.
When President Biden took office, America had achieved energy independence. Sadly, he chose to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline, release millions of barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) and block federal oil and gas leasing, which has contributed to record-high prices at the pump.
That’s why my House colleagues and I passed H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act. This bill will fast-track domestic energy production, expedite construction of critical infrastructure projects through permitting reforms and ensure that critical minerals needed for advanced technologies come from America – not China. I also voted for H.R. 21, the Strategic Production Response Act, which would prevent the president from tapping the SPR for political purposes and require the Biden administration to create a plan to refill it.
Ensuring America becomes energy independent again is critical now more than ever. We must be committed to finding common sense solutions to meet our energy needs and invest in domestic energy sources that will support new jobs and growth for the 21st century.