As the ranking Republican on the Energy Subcommittee Congressman Fred Upton delivered opening remarks at today’s Energy Subcommittee hearing in Washington. Upton charged that President Biden’s energy policies have weakened America’s national security, raised costs on families, and emboldened Russia in its attack on Ukraine.
Here are excerpts and highlights from Upton’s prepared remarks:
TROUBLING FOCUS OF THE HEARING
“Mr. Chairman, I am deeply troubled by the focus of today’s hearing and by the failure of this Committee and the Biden Administration to address the gravest threat to Europe and the United States since World War II.
“Our hearts are breaking for the people of Ukraine. Thousands are dying — women and children, men and boys.
“The Ukrainians are under constant assault, forced to shelter underground to protect themselves from Russian missiles raining down on them.
“This crisis did not happen overnight. For years, Republicans have been sounding the alarm about Europe’s growing reliance on Russian oil and gas.
“Under my chairmanship of this Committee, we sought to maximize America’s energy independence — producing more energy here at home and exporting the surplus to our allies overseas.”
USING ENERGY TO DETER PUTIN
“Today, America is the world’s leading producer of oil and gas — not Russia — and we are emerging as the world’s leading exporter of LNG.
“Republicans and Democrats should embrace this fact, and use American oil and gas to deter Putin from continuing Russia’s bloody assault on democracy.
“Putin felt emboldened to attack because Russia has a stranglehold on Europe’s pipelines and energy supplies, and he saw weakness in President Biden’s anti-fossil fuel agenda.
“Under President Biden’s leadership, we have watched U.S. oil production decline by over 1.5 million barrels per day, from the peak production of 13 million barrels per day in 2020.
“Investments in drilling, pipelines, and energy infrastructure projects have also slowed, while regulatory red tape and permitting delays pile up.
“Under President Biden, America’s reliance on foreign oil has grown. In fact, last year, oil imports from Russia reached an 11-year high, nearly $20 billion.
“It is time we stand up to Russia’s aggression and help our allies in Europe fight back by flooding the global market with affordable and reliable American energy.
“We must act now. Gasoline prices — now over $4 per gallon — are the highest in 14 years.
“Since America produces so much natural gas, the U.S. benchmark natural gas prices remain low and relatively stable; however, natural gas and electricity prices in Europe are surpassing all-time highs, as much as 400%, as fears grow that Russia will close the taps.”
Quotes of Congressman Upton’s remarks were supplied by his office.
