Welcome to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, led a hearing titled Assuring Abundant, Reliable American Energy to Power Innovation :   “The prosperity and security of our nation has always been linked to abundant, reliable, and affordable energy,” said Chairman Latta. “Today’s challenges are no different – we need reliable and affordable energy to fuel developments in artificial intelligence, reshore domestic manufacturing facilities, support the agricultural industry, and lower costs for hardworking Americans.”    Watch the full hearing here .    Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing:   Congresswoman Miller-Meeks (IA-01):   “Most importantly, we have to pass thoughtful legislation that prioritizes affordability, abundance, reliability, and security. Dr. Goff, the Securing America's critical mineral Supply Act builds on the Department of Energy’s current efforts. Could you elaborate on the landscape critical minerals for the committee, which resources are most critical to energy supply and who supplies them and what actions the DOE is taking to secure these supply chains?”   Dr. Goff:   “Well, first, I think the present bill we’re looking at, the supply chain for critical minerals is a good step. It's doing an assessment, looking at vulnerabilities and looking at how we need to move forward.”   Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12):   “In your testimony, you discuss the work you're doing to strengthen American supply chain, increase the production of domestic resources and approved permits for energy projects. As you're working to expand our energy systems, do you think it makes sense that we're also focusing on the reliability of the electric grid to ensure constituents have access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy to keep the lights on?”  Dr. Goff: “ Yes, it's critical that we maintain the grid to be able to get that power to the different communities, to the people, to the businesses as well. And a lot of those businesses, especially as we talked more and more about AI are requiring it to be very firm, reliable power delivered 24/7.”   Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL):  “ We do want to make sure that the American people do have affordable, reliable and secure electricity. But alongside the American people, AI is critical for our economy as well as for our national security. We want to make sure that we have those capabilities on shore in the US. They're all very critical, and that's why we do have a major focus on addition as opposed to subtraction. We've got to make sure that we move forward on all energy technologies to make sure that we can try to meet all of those different goals.”   ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, led a hearing titled Global Networks at Risk: Securing the Future of Telecommunications Infrastructure .  “Today, we rely on communications infrastructure in nearly every sector of our economy,” said Chairman Hudson. “As Americans become more connected, it is increasingly important the equipment we buy and the networks we rely on are secure, resilient, and protected from malicious actors.” Watch the full hearing here .  Below are key excerpts from yesterday’s hearing: Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07): “The systems that connect us, our networks, our satellites, cables, towers, and data centers form the invisible architecture of 21st century life. Safeguarding that infrastructure, as you've all talked about, is not just a matter of technology, it's a matter of strategy, security, and sovereignty.” Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01): “I represent the great state of Idaho and there is a lot of rural space there. A lot of the ISPs don't have a tremendous number of cybersecurity resources, but they will oftentimes be integrated with major infrastructure components. Whether it be a power plant or a grid or flood control or some of those major things that oftentimes can have an impact, without necessarily the infrastructure or the cybersecurity expertise to fend off some of these new threats that are on the way. I'd like to get any suggestions or comments on how CISA might be a resource for that or other sources of a counsel through your role at NTIA?” Mr. Stehlin: “Thank you for that. Idaho is a tremendous opportunity to take advantage of the monies put forth with rip and replace, for example. You know, these rural operators have a hard time making money running a business when you're so spread out. So, removing things like untrusted gear like Huawei or ZTE gear, critically important.” Congressman Neal Dunn (FL-02): “Mr. Stroup, you mentioned in your testimony access to sufficient spectrum resources is necessary to secure infrastructure. Can you briefly elaborate on this and share what kind of spectrum authorities you think would make the most sense right now for the space industry?” Mr. Stroup: “ Our industry is growing substantially. As an example, approximately 10 years ago we had a thousand satellites operational. Today, that number is over twelve thousand. That's just to give you a sense of the growth in the industry.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, along with other members of the Committee applauded the passage of three resolutions of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act to repeal disastrous electric vehicle (EV) mandates.   “The passage of these resolutions is a victory for Americans who will not be forced into purchasing costly EVs because of California’s unworkable mandates,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Griffith . “If not repealed, the California waivers would lead to higher prices for both new and used vehicles, increase our reliance on China, and strain our electric grid. The passage of these three resolutions will help to protect Americans from some of the worst policies of the Biden-Harris Administration. Thank you to Vice Chairman Joyce, Congressman James, and Congressman Obernolte for your work to ensure that families and businesses can continue choosing the vehicles they need.” “American consumers, not out-of-touch politicians, should decide what vehicle best fits their individual needs,” said Congressman John Joyce, M.D. “Since I arrived in Washington, I have led this fight to protect consumer freedom and save the American auto industry from dangerous environmental regulations. As this legislation takes its first step toward reaching President Trump’s desk, I urge my colleagues in the Senate to support this bill to save our auto industry and protect the freedom of the open road.” “Michigan is not afraid of the future, but we demand to be a part of it. The Biden Administration left behind comply-or-die Green New Deal mandates that threaten to crush our trucking industry and drive-up costs for hardworking Americans,” said Congressman James. “I know — my family has a trucking company. Republicans are working hard to implement President Trump’s America First Agenda, and the first step is repealing the rules and waivers that fueled Bideninflation.” “I’m proud that the House passed my resolution to stop California’s unworkable engine emission standards from becoming national policy,” said Congressman Obernolte . “These regulations would raise costs for consumers, crush small businesses, and threaten critical supply chains across the country. It is Congress’ job to ensure that one state’s overreach doesn’t dictate how all Americans live, work, or drive.” Read an Op-ed from Chairman Guthrie, Vice Chairman Joyce, Congressman James, and Congressman Obernolte on these resolutions here . Background: The Clean Air Act generally preempts individual states from setting their own vehicle emission standards. However, section 209 of the Clean Air Act allows the Environmental Protection Agency to waive state preemption for California. This carveout was intended to allow California to implement stricter air vehicle emission standards to address “compelling and extraordinary circumstances” involving local air pollution – not to remake the auto industry and limit consumer choice nationwide.  The Biden EPA granted these waivers that have allowed California to ban sales of new gas, diesel, and hybrid vehicles, as well as heavy-duty trucks, while also mandating 100% electric vehicle sales by 2035. With approval of these resolutions, Congress is exercising its important oversight responsibilities and reining in the regulatory overreach of the previous administration.  H.J.Res. 88, led by Rep. John Joyce (PA-13), Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, will repeal California’s Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) waiver, allowing the State to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035. H.J.Res. 87, led by Rep. John James (MI-10), will repeal California’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) waiver, which currently would allow the State to mandate the sale of zero-emission trucks. H.J.Res. 89, led by Rep. Jay Obernolte (CA-23), will put an end to California’s implementation of its most recent nitrogen oxide (NOx) engine emission standards, which create burdensome and unworkable standards for heavy-duty on-road engines. ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, and Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, sent a letter to 23andMe regarding the handling of Americans' sensitive data following the company's decision to file for bankruptcy. KEY EXCERPT: “According to 23andMe’s privacy statement, in a bankruptcy, customers’ ‘Personal Information may be accessed, sold or transferred as part of that transaction and this Privacy Statement will apply to [customer] Personal Information as transferred to the new entity.’ Additionally, a judge recently ruled 23andMe has the right to sell the sensitive medical and genetic information of its 15 million customers, which is considered to be the company’s most valuable asset. With the lack of a federal comprehensive data privacy and security law, we write to express our great concern about the safety of Americans’ most sensitive personal information.” Background: On March 23, 2025, 23andMe initiated Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, which could have ramifications for the highly sensitive information of millions of Americans. While Americans’ personal health information is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), these protections only apply if the information is collected by a HIPAA covered entity. Generally, direct-to-consumer companies, like 23andMe, are not covered by HIPAA. Customers have reported issues accessing and deleting their data from their 23andMe accounts. The Chairmen have requested answers to the following questions: If 23andMe were to sell the personal information of its customers either as a standalone asset or as part of a broader sale of the company, what post-sale data privacy and security protections would be in place for its customers’ personal information? Please describe how the representations made in 23andMe’s privacy statement will continue to apply—and be enforced—if the personal information of 23andMe’s customers is sold to a third party. Please include in this response information about what, if anything, would hold a third-party buyer to 23andMe’s privacy statement or prevent it from subsequently using, transferring, or otherwise selling, such information in the future. Does 23andMe plan to change its privacy statement at any time prior to selling any customers’ personal information? If so, please explain the change 23andMe plans to implement and when those changes will go into effect. Does 23andMe intend to vet prospective buyers to which it may sell its customers’ personal information? If so, please detail the vetting process and whether it will include the prospective buyer’s history of implementing data security protections and compliance with sectoral, state, or any other data privacy and security laws. If not, please explain why. Please detail the categories of customer information 23andMe has, and of that what 23andMe is considering selling. Has 23andMe notified its customers of the company’s bankruptcy announcement? If so, please attach the customer notification. If not, please explain why. Has 23andMe provided its customers with a guide for how to delete, or request to delete any information currently in 23andMe’s possession? If so, please provide a copy of that guide and specify when it was provided to customers. If not, please explain why, and explain whether 23andMe will contact each of its customers and provide an opportunity to delete their personal information prior to a potential sale of the company or personal information maintained by the company. Please detail the number of requests 23andMe received from its customers to delete their personal information between when 23andMe filed for bankruptcy and the date of the response to this letter. Of those requests, please provide a breakdown of how many requests were made by customers through their 23andMe online accounts and how many were made via customer service calls because customers were unable to successfully delete their information through their online accounts. Of those requests, please detail the number of fulfilled requests. Will 23andMe offer for sale any information in which a customer has requested the deletion of such information? If so, does 23andMe’s privacy policy consider selling information a legitimate purpose for retaining information past a customer's request to delete their information? Will 23andMe deidentify its customers’ personal information prior to selling it or the company? If so, please detail which information will be deidentified. If not, please explain why the company is electing not to deidentify information. CLICK HERE to read the full letter. CLICK HERE to read the story from CNBC. ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, and Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, wrote letters to eight Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) grant recipients. “The Committee has had concerns about the GGRF program—including the program’s unusual structure and a potential lack of due diligence in selecting award recipients. A recent Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing examined these issues and the speed with which money was pushed out the door by the Biden Administration’s EPA, which raised additional questions about certain GGRF recipients.” said Chairmen Guthrie, Palmer, and Griffith. “ This investigation is key to evaluating whether these funds were awarded fairly and impartially to qualified applicants and determining how the federal funds are being used.” Background:  The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) authorized the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create and implement a $27 billion GGRF program. Of this appropriation, $20 billion was awarded to just eight grant recipients; with $14 billion awarded to three grant recipients under the National Clean Investment Fund (NCIF) program and $6 billion awarded to five grant recipients under the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA) program.    Letters: National Clean Investment Fund Program Recipients Coalition for Green Capital Climate United Fund Power Forward Communities   Clean Communities Investment Accelerator Program Recipients Justice Climate Fund Opportunity Finance Network Inclusiv Native CDFI Network Appalachian Community Capital Read the story here . ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Yesterday, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, along with Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, penned a letter to Secretary Jennifer Granholm questioning the Department of Energy’s involvement in the Biden-Harris Administration’s decision to prevent new offshore oil and gas production, leading to higher prices for consumers and harming U.S. energy security. KEY LETTER EXCERPT: “Closing off swaths of U.S. offshore areas to energy production, as the Biden-Harris Administration reportedly intends to do, will lead to higher energy prices for American families, the loss of American jobs, and greatly diminish our country’s energy security. As the Secretary of Energy, you have an obligation to weigh in on this matter and insist on a full review of the energy security and economic impacts before any decisions are finalized. “The United States stands at an energy crossroads, facing mounting global security threats and soaring demand for power. Instead of leading the world in energy production, we’ve allowed misguided “green” policies to hamstring our potential. It’s time to unleash American energy dominance again—the federal government must become an ally, not an obstacle, to our nation’s energy security. We look forward to your prompt response to this request, no later than January 10, 2025.” Read the story  here . BACKGROUND: This morning, the Biden Administration announced that more than 625 million square miles of coastline would be off-limits for energy production. Republican Members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce have continuously called on the Biden-Harris Administration to end its attack on American energy production before leaving office on January 20th. The letter requests an explanation of the DOE’s involvement in the decision and whether the White House or the Department of Interior consulted with the DOE about the plans to close off access to offshore resources. Any decision to shut down access to significant American energy resources impacts U.S. energy policy and should be reviewed by the DOE. The Biden Administration’s energy policies have continued to create major harm to America’s energy production and workforce. A unilateral ban on energy production in large swaths of the U.S. coastline will have lasting impacts on American energy production and security.