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Newhouse, Carter Introduce Bill to Hold Biden Administration Accountable for Energy Crisis

December 16, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Buddy Carter (R-GA) introduced the Make Energy Affordable Act, a bill to hold the Biden Administration accountable for the ongoing energy crisis.

Since President Biden took office, gas prices nationwide have spiked 56%. Home heating costs will rise as much as 54% this winter, and the cancellation of the Keystone XL Pipeline forced the termination of 11,000 good-paying energy jobs. The Make Energy Affordable Act will require the Administration to create a report on rising energy prices in the U.S. and a plan to combat it. The plan must consider all energy sources, include regulatory and permitting reforms, and monthly updates on how energy prices are impacting consumers.

"The Biden Administration's failed energy policies have had an impact on every individual, family, and business in Central Washington," said Rep. Newhouse. "On top of the highest rate of inflation we've seen in the last 40 years, gas prices have shot through the roof directly as a result of President Biden's attack on our domestic energy production. The American people deserve answers and our bill helps us deliver them by requiring the Administration to take responsibility for the energy crisis they've created and increase transparency around how their decisions are affecting the American people."

"This bill is a no-brainer. The American people are feeling the squeeze of Joe Biden's energy policies, and it's time his Administration recognizes the hardships they are inflicting on the working class," said Rep. Carter. "If the Biden Administration truly stands by the energy-related decisions they've made since coming to power, then they should welcome this bill as an opportunity to demonstrate the impacts of those decisions on our energy sector."

Read the full text of the Make Energy Affordable Acthere.

The bill was introduced with the support of Reps. Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Ted Budd (R-NC), Troy Balderson (R-TX), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Randy Weber (R-TX), Steve Chabot (R-OH), Bob Gibbs (R-OH), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), David Valadao (R-CA), and Dave Joyce (R-OH).

Background:

The Make Energy Affordable Act requires the Administration, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Interior, Secretary of Labor, the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to create a report on rising energy prices in the United States.

The report must include:

  • How higher energy prices have led to increases in consumer prices across the economy, and how many energy sector jobs have been lost since January 1, 2021
  • An assessment of federal actions that contribute to energy prices that must include the specific effects of ending the Keystone XL pipeline, the moratorium on fossil energy development on federal lands, a ban on oil exports, and releases from the SPR.
  • Lists of energy projects awaiting federal permits or approval, and projects requiring state and local action.
  • analyses and projections for residential and commercial energy prices for the next year
  • Description of actions the Federal government is taking now to address the current high energy prices and shortages.
  • Plan to address rising energy prices that considers all energy sources, regulatory and permitting reforms, and ensures U.S. energy independence.

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Issues:Energy