‘Campaign season in here’: House panel clashes on energy costs

Biden's plan faces opposition in congress

A House panel erupted in partisan clashes on Thursday as Democrats and Republicans sparred over President Biden's plan to address rising energy costs, with the GOP accusing the administration of waging a "war on American energy." During a heated hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Republicans lambasted the Biden administration's energy policies, arguing that they have stifled domestic oil and gas production and contributed to soaring prices at the pump. Democrats, on the other hand, defended the administration's approach, emphasizing the need to transition to clean energy sources while addressing the immediate concerns of consumers.

Republicans target Biden's energy policies

Republicans on the committee leveled harsh criticism at the Biden administration, blaming its policies for the recent surge in energy prices. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), the committee's ranking member, accused the administration of "waging a war on American energy" and "putting the interests of foreign adversaries ahead of the American people." She argued that the administration's decision to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline and impose stricter regulations on oil and gas drilling have reduced domestic production and made the United States more reliant on foreign energy sources.

Other Republicans echoed these sentiments, arguing that the administration's focus on renewable energy has come at the expense of reliable and affordable fossil fuels. Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio) said that the administration's policies have "made America energy poor" and have "gutted" the domestic energy industry.

Democrats defend Biden's approach

Democrats on the committee defended the Biden administration's energy policies, arguing that they are necessary to address the climate crisis and transition to a clean energy future. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), the committee's chairman, said that the administration is "taking bold action to address the climate crisis and create a clean energy economy." He argued that the transition to clean energy is "not just an environmental imperative, but also an economic imperative."

Other Democrats emphasized the need to address the immediate concerns of consumers who are struggling with high energy costs. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) said that the administration is "committed to providing relief to families who are struggling to pay their energy bills" and is "working to lower costs and increase energy efficiency."

The hearing underscored the deep partisan divide over energy policy in the United States, with Republicans and Democrats offering vastly different perspectives on the causes of rising energy costs and the best solutions to address the issue.