WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, delivered the following opening statement at today’s Committee on Rules hearing on H.R. 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act, and H. Res. 1182, which expresses support for rural communities across the United States.

Chairman Guthrie’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:

“Good afternoon, Chairwoman Foxx and Ranking Member McGovern. I am pleased to discuss a bill and a resolution today that demonstrate how the Energy and Commerce Committee continues to work to improve the lives of Americans.

“First, I am pleased to speak in support of H.R. 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act. Led by my friend Congressman Langworthy, this legislation would repeal a ban on fossil fuels for new and renovated federal buildings.

“Current law requires the Department of Energy to revise federal energy efficiency standards to eliminate the use of fossil fuels in new and renovated federal buildings by 2030.

“Unfortunately, renewable energy cannot be expected to perform. Take this past January during Winter Storm Fern, when coal and natural gas significantly increased their output to meet demand while, in New England, burning trash contributed more energy than wind and solar combined.

“This legislation does not say federal buildings cannot use renewable energy. The bill simply reverses a top-down mandate that eliminates energy choice.

“If an energy source can contribute to the electricity mix without a parallel, reliable backup like natural gas, then there’s nothing prohibiting its consideration. Based on experience, however, wind and solar have not been able to keep up.

“Republicans this Congress have fought for consumer choice—allowing Americans to make the best decisions for themselves when it comes to their appliances, vehicles, and how they power their homes.

“I am also here today to support House Resolution 1182, which highlights several additional ways in which House Republicans have sought to strengthen rural communities this Congress.

“For example, we have enacted legislation to unleash domestic energy production, such as reversing Department of Energy restrictions on LNG and requiring FERC approval that grid policies will preserve electricity reliability.

“House Republicans have worked to enhance health care quality and access; we have bolstered health resources for rural communities; we also enacted the SUPPORT Act and HALT Fentanyl Act to provide crucial resources to rural communities devastated by the opioid crisis.

“The Energy and Commerce Committee—and the House Republican Conference—have worked hard and continue to work hard this Congress to accelerate economic growth and opportunity for the American people.

“I look forward to your questions and yield back.”