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On the House Floor: H.R. 6192 to reform the Energy Policy Conservation Act The Biden administration is waging war on American energy, and this war is making its way into Americans’ homes. President Biden and Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Granholm are sacrificing peoples’ ability to purchase affordable and reliable products for their homes in their pursuit of a radical rush-to-green agenda. Housing prices and utility bills are already too high for Americans, but that isn’t stopping the administration from continuing to impose burdensome regulations. Since taking office, the Biden administration has been attacking common and popular household appliances in the name of “energy efficiency.” In fact, last year the Biden administration proposed a ban on gas stoves as part of its war against fossil fuels. More recently, the DOE has announced plans to regulate washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and more, which is forcing people to spend more for less reliable options. Even worse, these new regulations fail to accomplish their stated goals as they will NOT save a significant amount of energy and are NOT cost-effective. For example, the DOE’s own analysis finds that efficiency mandates on dishwashers could increase the upfront cost by 28% and it could take consumers 12 years to payback the increased costs on a product that may only last 7-12 years.    This comes at a time when Americans are already being crushed by rising costs thanks to Bidenflation. By continuing to double down on policies like these, the Biden administration is showing just how out of touch they are with the financial struggles the vast majority of Americans are feeling. In contrast, House Republicans are leading to protect Americans from federal mandates that result in minimal energy savings while significantly driving up costs. Today, the House will consider H.R. 6192, the Hands Off Our Home Appliances Act , led by Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), to preserve the affordability, availability, and quality of the household appliances Americans rely on every day. Here’s why H.R. 6192 is important: Enacted in 1975, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) provides specific criteria the DOE must follow in order to propose a new appliance efficiency standard. The DOE may only propose a new standard if it results in a significant conservation of energy, is technologically feasible, and economically justified. The Biden administration has consistently ignored these critical consumer protections by proposing and finalizing standards that violate the statute. H.R. 6192 would prevent this abuse by: Eliminating unnecessary and duplicative rulemaking requirements  Authorizing the Secretary of Energy to amend or revoke a standard if it increases costs for consumers, does not result in significant energy or water savings, is not technologically feasible, or results in the unavailability of product  Protecting affordability by requiring the DOE to consider the cost to low-income households and the full-life cycle cost of appliances when determining if the new standard is economically justified  Establishing minimum thresholds for energy or water savings that must be achieved before imposing new standards  Prohibiting the Secretary of Energy from banning products based on what type of fuel that product uses (no natural gas bans)  Bottomline:  At a time when the American people are struggling under the crushing weight of Bidenflation, the last thing they need is more government mandates that drive up costs and fail to achieve their stated mission.

H.R. 6192 protects Americans from federal mandates that drive up costs Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) spoke on the House Floor in support of H.R. 6192 , which will stop the Biden administration’s attack on consumer freedom and preserve the affordability, availability, and quality of the household appliances Americans rely on. Her prepared remarks are below: “I would like to start by thanking the bill sponsor, Mrs. Debbie Lesko of Arizona, and the Members of the Energy and Commerce Committee for advancing this bill through regular order. “The U.S. is blessed with tremendous natural resources. We have the cleanest oil and natural gas in the world, emissions-free nuclear, hydropower, and renewables. “We also have the world’s best workforce, and an innovative spirit that has contributed to technological breakthroughs that have changed the world. “For centuries, American innovation has led to new technologies that have improved people’s lives. “From the light bulb and the home refrigerator to air conditioning, the washing machine, and the dishwasher, these inventions are ingrained in modern life, and they were not the result of aggressive government mandates or regulation—but of American ingenuity.” OUT OF CONTROL APPLIANCE MANDATES “Sadly, the Biden administration’s war on American energy is now reaching inside Americans’ homes. “Through sue-and-settle agreements with radical environmental activists, the Department of Energy has reached backroom deals to impose new regulations on dozens of appliances that Americans rely on every single day. “Last year, the Biden administration attempted to ban gas stoves. “Thankfully DOE changed course after bipartisan opposition and an overwhelming vote by Congress to reverse the ban. “These new mandates are forcing people to spend more for less reliable options. “This comes at a time when Americans are already being crushed by rising costs thanks to Bidenflation. “By continuing to double down on policies like these, the Biden administration is showing just how out of touch they are with the financial struggle the vast majority of Americans are feeling. “Americans simply can’t afford President Biden’s rush-to-green agenda." HANDS OFF OUR HOME APPLIANCES “The bill led by Mrs. Lesko seeks to protect Americans from federal mandates that result in minimal energy savings while significantly driving up costs for consumers. “It ensures that DOE is only allowed to adopt efficiency regulations on home appliances that are cost-effective, technologically feasible, and save a significant amount of energy. “This will benefit Americans across the country, and should be a bipartisan issue, which is why I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this legislation to send a strong message to the Biden Administration.”

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee hearing titled “The Fiscal Year 2025 Department of Energy Budget.”  “The Department of Energy has immense national security responsibilities to protect America’s energy security and to oversee the nation’s nuclear weapons program.    “DOE also conducts and oversees taxpayer-funded research and development and provides loans and grants to help commercialize energy-related technologies.     “These hearings are essential to ensure that the Department is sticking to its core mission and acts as responsible stewards of taxpayer resources.   “Members will also have an opportunity to examine DOE’s expanding budget request.  “This year, DOE is requesting $51.4 billion dollars. Since FY 2021, DOE’s budget has increased by about $12 billion dollars, about 30 percent.”  PRESIDENT BIDEN’S WAR ON AMERICAN ENERGY   “After three years of President Biden’s war on American energy, the American people are suffering.  “The administration’s blind obsession to 'transition’ everyone away from fossil fuels is straining household budgets and putting the American dream further out of reach for many struggling families.      “Inflation is out of control. Sky-high energy prices and persistent supply-chain shortages are impacting our economy and our safety.  “From groceries to electric bills—everything costs more under President Biden’s energy policies.”  “Americans expect that when we flip the switch or turn the key—that the power comes on immediately.  “In America, if you want to build a home or expand a business—we expect that the infrastructure can be built quickly and predictably.  “Regrettably, under President Biden, supply chain shortages and price spikes have crippled our economic growth and made it more difficult to build new infrastructure.”  ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY    “The Department of Energy has played a role in the energy price spikes and persistent supply chain shortages.   “DOE has mismanaged our Strategic Petroleum Reserves—draining the stockpile to the lowest level in the nation’s history, with no credible plan to replenish it and no plan to increase domestic energy production.    “DOE has turned a blind eye to punitive EPA regulations that have forced the premature retirement of our most affordable and reliable coal, gas, and nuclear power plants and threatened the reliability and stability of our electric grid.   “DOE has pursued a radical climate agenda to impose new Federal regulations for household appliances, electrical equipment, building construction, and natural gas usage.   “DOE also recently imposed a ban on the issuance of new LNG export permits—a political reward for the 'keep-it-in-the-ground' climate activists in an election year.   “As the Committee learned during a field hearing in Port Arthur, Texas, the LNG export ban has created hardships and pain for thousands of workers and their families along the Gulf Coast.”  CONGRESSIONAL ACTION TO REIN IN THE DOE   The Democrat’s radical transition plans, and the Department of Energy’s refusal to accept and address the threats facing our energy systems, has required Congress to act.  “Under the Republican majority, the House has passed bipartisan legislation to rein in the Department of Energy and the Biden administration.  “At the beginning of this Congress, we passed H.R. 1 to unleash American energy and modernize our energy infrastructure. In the months that followed, we passed bills to reverse punitive regulations and policy decisions that the Secretary of Energy signed off on.  “We passed legislation to reverse the ban on gas stoves, to prevent DOE from draining our strategic petroleum stockpile and selling it to China, and to reverse DOE’s moratorium on new LNG export permits.”        “Today’s hearing will allow the Secretary of Energy to answer for the Biden administration’s war on American energy.   “We stand at a pivotal time in our nation’s history, and the decisions that are made today will impact our kids and grandkids for generations.      “We have a simple choice: We can embrace America’s energy abundance and cement our position as the world’s number one energy superpower, or we can follow the Biden administration’s plan to rely on China for batteries, electric cars, and solar panels made with slave labor and environmental abuses.  “As it has been said in this Committee before, I believe we need an American energy expansion, not an energy transition to China.  “A critical part of this energy expansion is nuclear energy. I am pleased with this administration’s dedication to expanding nuclear energy and I look forward to continuing to work with both my colleagues here in Congress and the Biden administration on advancing this goal.” 

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee hearing titled “The Fiscal Year 2025 Department of Energy Budget.”  “This committee plays a critical role in ensuring U.S. energy security and leadership.  “For decades, America has led the way. “We’ve harnessed the power of nuclear energy, electrified millions of rural American’s homes with clean hydropower, and ushered in the Shale Revolution, creating millions of new jobs and powering economic prosperity.  “America was able to achieve this through free market principles, entrepreneurship, and giving people the opportunity to choose which energy sources best suit their needs.  “Energy and Commerce Republicans have been working to protect and expand this legacy for generations to come.”  FORCING A RADICAL AGENDA   “The Biden administration, on the other hand, is working to dismantle that legacy.  “This administration’s policies continue to put America on a dangerous path that harms our security and gives our adversaries, like China, control over our energy supply chains.  “This administration has consistently sought to prevent or slow development of American oil and gas resources, which are critical to our own energy security as well as the security of our allies.  “DOE has been complicit in this with actions like the effective ban on new LNG exports.  “American LNG has been a lifeline, especially to our European allies, since Russia invaded Ukraine.  “In the aftermath of the invasion, American LNG helped them reduce their natural gas prices by over 83 percent and reduce their dependence on Russia.  “This ban sends a signal to our allies that we’re no longer a dependable energy partner.  “We find this unacceptable.  “Another example is the recent decision to limit energy development in more than half the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska.  “Doubling down on policies to restrict oil and gas, to retire baseload power generation, and to promote widespread, unaffordable and unreliable electrification is not how we secure our energy future.”  UNAFFORDABLE FOR AMERICANS   “Unfortunately, Americans are feeling the impacts of this radical rush-to-green agenda.  “Since President Biden took office, electricity prices have risen some 30 percent.  “That's almost 50 percent more than overall inflation.  “Unilateral actions like those taken by the administration continue to drive out affordable, reliable baseload generation needed to keep prices low and keep the lights on.  “Grid operators and others have been sounding the alarm for years, warning that the U.S. is on a dangerous and unsustainable path.  “Continuing down this path will mean higher energy prices and more catastrophic blackouts across the country, like what’s already happening in places like California.”  DOE COMPLICIT IN ECONOMIC HARM   “As the head of DOE, it is the Secretary’s responsibility to ensure American energy security and leadership. “Yet this department continues to stand by and watch as EPA imposes requirements that harm our ability to generate reliable power. “Is the Department ceding its energy and grid expertise to the EPA? “EPA policies like their new particulate matter standards will make permitting new manufacturing and industry almost impossible in large regions of the country. “I’d like to understand why DOE thinks we can succeed under these anti-manufacturing, and really anti-American policies which are undermining the very manufacturing programs DOE supports to help restore American leadership in critical energy materials and to reduce reliance on China. “Instead of undermining American energy and economic success, let’s work together to build on our remarkable legacy, which has transformed the human condition, lifted people out of poverty, and raised the standard of living more than any other country in the world. “The best way to do this is with a strong energy mix that takes advantage of the resources we have here at home, lowers costs for Americans, and prevents us from becoming reliant on China. “This administration’s forced transition will leave our economy dangerously dependent on supply chains controlled by China and make energy less affordable and less reliable for Americans. “I believe the Department of Energy serves a critical role in assuring sound energy polices, while also providing the support necessary for innovation to flourish. “That’s the goal today. “I look forward to the Department of Energy stepping up so that we can accomplish that goal.” 

E&C Republicans Are Holding Granholm Accountable for Her Radical Agenda Americans are suffering because the Biden administration’s energy crisis is increasing costs across the board. From the grocery store to the gas pump, President Biden and Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Granholm’s continued actions to undermine American energy are driving up the cost of every purchase people make. To make life affordable again, the DOE must abandon its rush-to-green agenda. Ahead of Secretary Granholm’s appearance before the House Energy and Commerce Committee tomorrow, these are the top questions we have: With energy prices up across the board since President Biden took office, why won’t you commit to supporting the Lower Energy Costs Act ? Since day one in office, the Biden administration has worked to undermine America’s global leadership in clean, affordable, and reliable energy. For example, under Secretary Granholm’s leadership, the administration has: Drained the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to the lowest level since 1983  Begged OPEC, Russia, and Venezuela to pump more oil while shutting down energy production here at home  Promoted an anti-fossil fuel agenda by stalling energy infrastructure projects  Blocked oil and gas development and production on federal lands and waters  Banned new liquified natural gas (LNG) export facility permits  Canceled critical mineral mining projects  Pressured banks and financial institutions to stop investing in fossil energy projects  Limited development of oil and gas resources in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, set up by Congress for the nation’s energy security Additionally, the administration’s anti-American energy agenda has led them to undermine hydropower in the Pacific Northwest, implement an unworkable and overreaching Clean Power Plan 2.0 , and impose new particulate matter standards that crush American manufacturing. The list is long, but one thing is clear: each of these drastic measures raise costs for families and businesses, while stifling America’s energy and environmental leadership. H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act , would help regain energy dominance, lower prices, create jobs, reduce emissions, strengthen our national security, and secure our supply chains. Why are you forcing Americans to drive unaffordable electric vehicles? Americans don’t want the Biden administration’s aggressive EV mandates —they want to choose what vehicle best suits their needs. That’s exactly what nearly 5,000 American car dealers told President Biden—twice—after EVs stacked up on their lots. Just like Energy and Commerce Republicans, they’re demanding the Biden administration “hit the brakes” on its unrealistic agenda. This forced EV transition also plays right into China’s hands. China controls the vast majority of critical minerals mining, processing, and manufacturing for electric vehicles. Despite the consequences, the Biden administration continues to take actions that would require two thirds of all new vehicles be electric by 2032. In addition to forcing Americans to buy a more expensive vehicle, electricity prices are up 29% since President Biden took office. Simply put, Secretary Granholm’s EV mandates are driving up costs for Americans at a time when Biden’s energy crisis is already hurting every family. Why does the Biden administration repeatedly take action to increase home energy costs and worsen the housing affordability crisis ?   Housing prices and utility bills are already too high for Americans, but that hasn’t stopped President Biden and Secretary Granholm from continuing to impose burdensome regulations on homes and apartments. Starting with a ban on gas stoves, the Biden administration decided to start attacking common and popular household appliances in the name of “energy efficiency.” The DOE proceeded to then target washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and more. Even more recently, the DOE imposed expensive, new energy codes that will only increase costs for Americans already struggling to get by. This rush-to-green agenda may appease President Biden’s radical political allies, but it does not help hardworking Americans—it just only exacerbates Biden’s energy crisis and the housing shortage Americans are facing. Why is the Biden administration undermining energy-producing communities, like Port Arthur, Texas , through their LNG export ban instead of unleashing clean, reliable, and affordable energy? Clean, affordable, and reliable American LNG is the lifeblood of many American communities. As America has become the number one producer and exporter of LNG in the world—despite President Biden's actions—we have strengthened our economy, lowered costs for families, and reduced emissions more than any other nation in the world.   Secretary Granholm’s claim that the administration’s de facto LNG export ban will only last a year proves it is nothing more than an election year stunt to win over the far-Left. Studies show that LNG exports could add upwards of 453,000 jobs and would provide a lifeline to our allies so they are not reliant on Russia for natural gas. President Biden and Secretary Granholm’s decision to halt LNG exports jeopardizes our economy, environment, and our national security.  Why did you secretly meet with the Chinese Communist Party’s top energy official just days before the Biden administration announced it would release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve? Secretary Granholm had multiple conversations with the Chinese Communist Party’s top energy official just days before the Biden administration announced it would release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) in 2021. By selling our strategic energy supplies to the CCP, the Biden administration is propping up China at the expense of American national and energy security. As a result, President Biden drained our emergency oil reserve to its lowest level in 40 years. That’s why Energy and Commerce led on H.R. 22 and H.R. 21 , both of which passed the House with bipartisan support, to prevent this abuse.

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) announced a series of upcoming budget hearings with Biden administration officials as part of the Committee’s ongoing efforts to hold the administration accountable on behalf the American people. “President Biden’s radical, out-of-touch, tax-and-spend agenda will only make the inflation crisis he caused worse for the American people. By bending to the whims of his left-wing base, he’s sacrificing freedom and prosperity for all Americans,” said Chair Rodgers . “It’s nearly three and a half years into his presidency, and all the Biden administration has to show is a war on American energy, a worse national and cybersecurity posture, and a weakened American role on the world stage. These hearings will give our Members the opportunity to ensure this administration is transparent and accountable to the American people.” The following administration officials will testify for budget hearings:  Wednesday, May 1 Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Hearing with the Department of Energy:   Hon. Jennifer Granholm, Secretary, Department of Energy   Tuesday, May 7 Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Hearing with the Federal Communications Commission:   Hon. Jessica Rosenworcel, Chairwoman, Federal Communications Commission   Hon. Brendan Carr, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission   Hon. Nathan Simington, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission   Hon. Geoffrey Starks, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission   Hon. Anna Gomez, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission   Wednesday, May 15 Subcommittee on Environmental, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Hearing with the Environmental Protection Agency:   Hon. Michael Regan, Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency   Wednesday, May 15 Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Hearing with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration:   Hon. Alan Davidson, Administrator, National Telecommunications and Information Administration   This notice is at the direction of the Chair. The hearings will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at https://energycommerce.house.gov/ .  If you have any questions concerning the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearings, please contact Noah Jackson at Noah.Jackson@mail.house.gov .  If you have any questions concerning the Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security or Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials hearings, please contact Kaitlyn Peterson at Kaitlyn.Peterson@mail.house.gov .  If you have any press-related questions, please contact Sean Kelly at Sean.Kelly@mail.house.gov .

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee hearing on improving the management of spent nuclear fuel as we work to unleash American nuclear energy.  “Nuclear energy technologies are essential for our national security, and a cleaner and more secure energy future.    “It is exciting to see how the promise of innovative nuclear technologies can help support the energy demands of a growing economy, for industry, for manufacturing, and for the American people.   “This Congress, it’s been encouraging to see a renewed, bipartisan focus on restoring American technological leadership in nuclear energy.    “Energy and Commerce has a rich history of leading on these issues.”  LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR NUCLEAR LEADERSHIP   “Our work this Congress has been no exception.   “We’ve advanced solutions to lay the foundation for a more robust and innovative nuclear industry with strong, bipartisan House votes that underscore the wide support for these policies.    “This includes legislation that will support the production of the innovative advanced fuels needed for new types of nuclear reactors currently under development.  “Our work has also included measures to make sure Russia will not be able to undermine our supply chain by seeking to bolster our domestic fuel manufacturing.  “That bill, H.R. 1042, the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act, passed the House by a unanimous vote—and I’m hopeful we can get it signed into law soon.   “Our agenda has also included the Atomic Energy Advancement Act, led by Chair Duncan and Ranking Member DeGette, that will provide the most consequential reforms to nuclear regulation in decades, and, with continued partnership with the Senate, many of those policies should soon be on their way to enactment.   “Today we turn to examining spent nuclear fuel policy.”  CONGRESS MUST ADDRESS THE SPENT FUEL ISSUE   “By all accounts, the Nuclear Waste Policy Act, which governs both spent nuclear fuel and high-level nuclear waste generally, is long overdue to be implemented to address the needs of today’s industry.    “The program has been stalled for over a decade, as a direct result of actions by opponents to the Yucca Mountain Project, the designated storage facility for spent nuclear fuel.    “These unfortunate actions have undermined the law and poisoned public trust in how we manage spent nuclear fuel for far too long and have jeopardized efforts to manage defense obligations for things like navy fuels and the cleanup of legacy Cold War sites, like the Hanford site just outside of my district in Eastern Washington.     “As we will hear in testimony this morning, this opposition is not safety-related or technical. It’s political.   “Opposition from states like Nevada in particular to this program has inhibited Congressional appropriations and driven the Executive branch to dismantle what had been an otherwise technically successful program. “This program, if allowed to move forward, would provide the public information that’s critical to earning people’s support and trust for nuclear energy.” BIPARTISAN, DURABLE REFORMS ARE POSSIBLE “This committee took steps in 2018 to get the licensing program for Yucca Mountain back on track with a reform package that culminated in a very strong bipartisan House vote.   “While those efforts ultimately failed in the Senate, they proved that it is possible to build bipartisan support for a durable spent fuel program, which is what brings us here today.   “To secure American nuclear leadership, we must continue the Committee’s work to update the law and build state support for a permanent repository at Yucca Mountain.”  INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES WILL HELP US LEAD   “Our conversation this morning will also highlight the prospects of a growing fleet of nuclear reactors and how, by utilizing innovative technologies, we can improve the management of spent nuclear fuel in the U.S.  “Innovative companies like Curio and Oklo are already developing innovative technologies that will enhance the use of energy from spent fuels.  “We should be building on this work to ensure America’s dominance for the next century.  “By embracing American technology and innovation, we can ensure nuclear energy benefits communities across the country and around the world.    “American leadership matters.   “Failure to lead will result in the international civilian nuclear markets being dominated by our adversaries, like China and Russia, which undermines our energy security and nuclear safety. “These goals should be bipartisan, and I look forward to discussing how this committee can help ensure the U.S. wins the future and restores our nuclear leadership.”

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s subcommittee hearing on improving the management of spent nuclear fuel as we work to unleash American nuclear energy.  “This Congress, the Energy and Commerce Committee has taken a bipartisan approach to advancing and expanding nuclear energy here in the United States.  “I am pleased we are holding this hearing to examine a critical piece of our nuclear energy industry here in the United States—Spent Fuel. “It is important for the Subcommittee to examine the state of our spent fuel policy—given its role over nuclear regulatory policy and energy policy more broadly.” CONGRESS’S APPROACH TO NUCLEAR WASTE MANAGEMENT “Over 40 years ago, Congress formally established a comprehensive nuclear waste management strategy. “In 1982, Congress passed the Nuclear Waste Policy Act, which created the federal government’s responsibility to dispose of all high-level radioactive waste and started a process for selecting sites. “In 1987, after the Department of Energy conducted extensive studies of nine potential repository sites, Congress amended the Nuclear Policy Act to focus on Yucca Mountain in Nye County, Nevada, as the site for a permanent geologic repository. “Unfortunately, the political objections of one state, NOT based on scientific reality, blocked the repository from being licensed and constructed, following its formal selection in 2002. “The Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff found that the Yucca Mountain permanent repository could safely store waste for over one million years. “The Energy and Commerce Committee has remained committed to upholding the law, and, in 2018, the House passed the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 340-72. “If this bill had become law, it would have incentivized the completion of the licensing of Yucca Mountain, enhanced host state benefits, and accelerated consolidated interim storage—a benefit to ratepayers and taxpayers. “Unfortunately, politics obstructed this bill, and we remain at the current standstill.” CURRENT STATE OF PLAY “Ratepayers across the country have paid nearly 50 billion dollars into the Nuclear Waste Fund to establish a permanent repository.  “Now, these are ratepayers—folks who benefited from nuclear energy paid fees, which were baked into their utility bill for the construction of a permanent repository. “With interest, ratepayers in my home state of South Carolina have contributed over 3 billion dollars to the Nuclear Waste Fund—this is the third most of any state in the country. “Additionally, as a result of the government’s failure to follow the law, American taxpayers are on the hook for up to 800 million dollars annually out of the judgment fund. This breaks down to about two million dollars per day. “In addition to commercial waste, many DOE sites across the country, like the Savannah River Site in my home state, store legacy (defense) waste intended for a permanent repository. “Now, I would like to emphasize that spent nuclear fuel is stored safely on sites, but the federal government must fulfill its legal responsibility and reduce the cost burden to taxpayers and ratepayers.” TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT “Spent Nuclear Fuel in the United States also provides an opportunity to be an asset as we deploy advanced nuclear technologies. “The technological landscape has shifted since the 1980s, and companies like Oklo, Curio, and SHINE are aggressively pursuing reprocessing and recycling technologies for Spent Fuel. “Spent Fuel recycling, especially to support advanced fuels, provides exciting promise for the future of nuclear energy in the United States, especially for advanced reactors. “Our policies should reflect innovations and advancements as part of an integrated fuel system that includes a permanent repository. “It may seem we are at a standstill, but we should look at this moment as an opportunity. “The United States has always led the world in nuclear energy advancements.   “The Manhattan Project harnessed the energy of the nucleus atom. The Atomic Energy Act of 1954 ushered in the in the age of the peaceful use of the atom demonstrating American leadership around the world and the amazing benefits of nuclear power. “We are on the precipice of the next frontier of nuclear energy here in the United States. Recently, the House overwhelmingly passed the Atomic Energy Advancement Act to advance a durable, bipartisan policy that will expand nuclear energy. “Responsible and effective Spent Nuclear Fuel management is a critical part of this equation. It can help foster nuclear expansion in the United States. “I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today on the opportunities and challenges associated with spent nuclear fuel management in the context of nuclear energy expansion.”

Highlights from the Energy Subcommittee Field Hearing on Biden’s De Facto LNG Export Ban The Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) led a field hearing in Port Arthur, Texas, this week. Local leaders celebrated the economic and public benefits of American energy production in the community—and the country as a whole—while also warning of the dangers of President Biden’s decision to halt American LNG exports. Check out these stories from the hearing: The impacts of President Joe Biden’s LNG export permit freeze has reverberated across the nation’s oil/gas industry. But nowhere are its impacts felt more acutely than in southeast Texas, where as many as 24 job-generating petrochemical infrastructure projects, including several already under way, are now in limbo. The uncertainty fostered by the Biden administration’s Jan. 26 implementation of a “temporary pause” in LNG export permits most notably threatens to derail economic development in Port Arthur and Beaumont, two port cities where billions in planned job-generating investments by private industries have been tailored to benefit local residents and redress long standing community environmental concerns. Local officials outlined how the LNG permit freeze has paralyzed economic development across southeast Texas during a 90-minute April 8 congressional field hearing at Lamar State College in Port Arthur. The administration’s “stopping or suspending LNG exports has an obvious and direct impact on maritime commerce and the jobs it supports” in the region, Port of Port Arthur Port Director/CEO Larry Kelley told the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s Energy, Climate & Grid Security Subcommittee.   At a field hearing on Monday held at Lamar State College in Port Arthur Texas, members of the Congressional Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security listened to testimony from witnesses regarding the impact that the pause has had on the community.   The first witness who spoke was Thurman Bill Bartie, Mayor of Port Arthur. He called for both sides to reach a compromise but was firm in his stance that the pause will have a negative impact on the economy of Port Arthur.   “The rush to green concept that is being applied to the said LNG supplier will have a negative impact on the economic growth and stability of Port Arthur, Texas. The jobs Arthurans have during this construction phase will be compromised negatively if the permitting is continued to be disallowed,” said Bartie.   Dr Betty Reynard, President of Lamar State College testimony addressed the growth in scholarship opportunities that are being provided for students by the LNG industry. She also spoke of the growth in college programs for LNG related careers and internships from LNG companies.   The fight continues between Southeast Texas lawmakers and the Biden administration's halt on all future liquified natural gas (LNG) exports.   U.S. Representative Randy Weber joined the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security for a hearing to discuss the effects of the ban.   Weber says he refuses to give in and wants Southeast Texas to remain on the frontlines of energy exports.   "Joe Biden's ban directly jeopardizes Port Arthur's LNG which broke ground in construction last month," Weber said.   Weber continues to stand firm with other Southeast Texas leaders including Port Arthur Mayor Thurman Bill Bartie against the Biden administration's decision to halt permits on all major LNG exports. Energy Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) said , “Port Arthur and the folks here today are the backbone of the American energy industry. It is a major energy hub, home to many oil and gas facilities, including several LNG export terminals. “You all are who we have to thank when we turn our lights on, start our engines, and blast our AC in the hot summer months. You are who the Biden administration should have consulted with prior to his decision.”   Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX) added , “Just a few miles away from here is the home of Port Arthur LNG and Golden Pass LNG, both of which provide THOUSANDS of direct jobs and BILLIONS of dollars back into our community.”  Prior to the field hearing, Members toured Cheniere’s Sabine Pass LNG Export facility.   From left to right: Reps. Randy Weber (R-TX), Morgan Griffith (R-VA),   Jeff Duncan (R-SC), and Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX)  CLICK HERE to watch the hearing.  CLICK HERE to read Rep. Randy Weber’s (R-TX) op-ed on Biden’s LNG export ban.  CLICK HERE to distinguish LNG myths from fact.  CLICK HERE to read about the letter more than 150 House Republicans sent to President Biden demanding he end his LNG export ban.