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Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) announced a subcommittee hearing titled “Powering America's Economy, Security, and our Way of Life: Examining the State of Grid Reliability.”   “America's electric grid is essential to every part of our lives. A well-managed, balanced, and secure electric grid is vital for a strong economy and our way of life. Grid operators play a critical role in delivering reliable, affordable energy across the country. We look forward to hearing from these operators about how federal regulations, state policies, and subsidies affect Americans’ utility bills. We’ll also be discussing how to enhance electric generation, improve siting and planning of electric infrastructure, and what Congress can do to improve the reliability and management of our grid.”  Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, & Grid Security hearing titled “Powering America's Economy, Security, and our Way of Life: Examining the State of Grid Reliability.”  WHAT: Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee hearing with electric grid operators. DATE: Thursday. September 28, 2023 TIME: 10:30 A.M. LOCATION: 2322 Rayburn House Office Building This notice is at the direction of the Chair. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed online at https://energycommerce.house.gov/. If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Kaitlyn Peterson at Kaitlyn.Peterson@mail.house.gov. If you have any press-related questions, please contact Sean Kelly at Sean.Kelly@mail.house.gov.

Washington, D.C. — Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s legislative hearing titled “American Hydropower: Unleashing Reliable, Clean Power Across the U.S.” UNLEASING MORE HYDROPOWER   “Our goal on the Energy and Commerce Committee is to enact policy that delivers affordable, reliable, and clean energy to all Americans and hydropower is essential to this mission.   “Hydropower and pumped storage provide clean power and storage. They are also flexible and can generate power to the grid immediately, which provides essential backup power in times of major outages or disruptions.”  “ Unfortunately, hydropower relicensing is among the most complicated and bureaucratic permitting processes in the U.S.    “The primary reasons for these delays are due to the number of federal statutes involved as well as the number of federal agencies. There are 11 federal agencies involved in the hydropower licensing process.   “I am glad we have some of these stakeholders in front of us today to give us their perspectives on the process.   “It is no question that in order to ensure hydropower remains a critical part of our energy matrix, the licensing and re-licensing processes must be reformed and streamlined.   “Nearly half of the nonfederal U.S. hydropower fleet will be up for relicensing in 2035. The current process creates uncertainty and confusion, and ends up costing millions of dollars.    “On average, relicensing a hydropower facility can take between seven to ten years, and can cost over 3 and a half million dollars. This doesn’t even consider the potential costs of fish passage, new turbines, and dam safety investments.   “The long and expensive relicensing process causes many hydropower owners to surrender their licenses instead and decommission their plants. That leaves America with less emissions-free, reliable electricity generation at a time when our electric grid desperately needs this type of generation.  “And it’s not just relicensing that requires projects to go through federal approvals.   “In my district, Buzzard’s Roost, a hydro dam in Greenwood County, South Carolina, is currently redesigning a fuse plug that requires FERC approval. This process faced countless delays, and the county feels as if FERC has given them the runaround on numerous occasions.  “Almost 20 years and $3 million later, not a single shovel has broken ground at Buzzard’s Roost to begin the project. This is a prime example of why FERC needs to focus on streamlining their approval processes, providing more certainty to applicants, and enabling projects to begin in a timely manner.”  HYDROPOWER CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE ACT “To address these licensing challenges, Chair Rodgers has introduced the “Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act.”    “Hydropower is the largest source of renewable energy, and this legislation will ensure that this clean energy stays online, preserving the existing fleeting and paving the way to bring more power online.    “This of course, is important for Chair Rodgers and her home state of Washington where hydropower accounts for nearly 70 percent of electricity generation; but it’s also critical for states and counties all over the country. For example, this bill will help my home state of South Carolina.   “In my district, the third district of South Carolina, Duke Energy has the Bad Creek Hydro Project, which is a hydro storage facility, is able to provide enough energy to power nearly 1 million homes.   “Last summer I was able to host members of this Committee on a tour of the facility and its approximately 1,600 - megawatt battery that stores mainly renewable solar energy as well as excess nuclear baseload power that would otherwise be curtailed because it was generated during periods of low demand.   “Recently, Duke Energy filed to relicense the existing Bad Creek Facility and also expressed a desire to build a second powerhouse that would offer an additional 1,600 megawatts of storage capacity that would help to integrate carbon free generation across the Carolinas.    “I am hopeful both the relicensing, as well as the possible expansion, are successful as this would help increase reliability and affordability for customers in my home state and the Southeast.   “So, I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today on how we can improve hydropower relicensing and licensing in order to unleash this critical source of reliable, affordable, and clean energy in the U.S.” 

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s hearing titled “American Hydropower: Unleashing Reliable, Renewable, Clean Power Across the U.S.” RENEWABLE, CARBON-FREE, BASELOAD POWER “Hydropower is a vital source of energy for the U.S., and especially in Eastern Washington. “Another essential component in an all-of-the-above approach to energy: a renewable, carbon-free, baseload power source that grid operators can dispatch in a moment’s notice. “Renewable energy from sources like weather-dependent wind and solar absolutely play a role in America’s overall energy mix, but they cannot replace hydropower because hydropower is reliable. “Just ask the people of California, a state that imports a significant amount of hydroelectric power from Washington state. “California relies on hydropower to balance its grid when inconsistent resources like wind and solar can’t produce enough energy to meet demand. “For these reasons, we must protect and modernize our existing hydropower fleet and expand production where we can. “And that’s why I appreciate everyone’s consideration of The Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act, which will help with hydropower deployment in America.” THE HYDROPOWER CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE ACT “We have the capability of more than doubling hydropower in the U.S, modernizing an outdated permitting process, promoting next-generation hydro technology, and eliminating barriers to new dam development. “This bill also enhances coordination among dozens of agencies by authorizing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to set schedules, clarify responsibilities, and resolve disputes. “H.R. 4045 builds on the important permitting reforms contained in H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, to expand clean, reliable, and affordable energy for all Americans.” IMPORTANCE OF COLUMBIA RIVER SYSTEM “We know hydropower is an especially vital resource in the Pacific Northwest, which is home to the Columbia-Snake River system. “There are over 60 dams in the Columbia River Basin, including the four Lower Snake River dams. “This system helped transform our region which was a dry, barren sagebrush area to now one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. “This critical investment in energy infrastructure strengthened our energy grid, has lowered costs for families and businesses—we have some of the lowest electricity rates in America —while also reducing carbon emissions. “In fact, the dams along the Columbia-Snake River system provide more than one-third of all the “hydropower capacity in the United States. “They provide critical flood control benefits, supply water for irrigation, and make it possible for farmers to barge their products—wheat, apples, potatoes—all across America and to countries around the world.” “Unfortunately, not everyone sees it that way. “We have dam breaching advocates. And I’m quite disappointed that President Biden, Governor Inslee, and Senator Murray and others are advocating that we tear out these dams.” SAVING THE LOWER SNAKE DAMS “I am troubled by conversations happening right now at the highest levels of government, with the Biden Administration’s Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) secretly coordinating with environmental groups behind closed doors, ignoring the voices of the people whose livelihoods depend on this infrastructure. “Let me be clear breaching the Lower Snake River dams would permanently harm our way of life in Washington State, not to mention all the other states in the region that have come to rely on them. “Over the past two years, I have led a series of letters demanding transparency in this mediation process to ensure ALL voices are heard in the debate over the future of these dams. “And I would like to remind our witnesses from the administration here today that Congress—and Congress alone—has the authority to change the operations of the federally-operated Snake River dams. “This was a federal investment; these are federally operated dams. “And that's why I’ve introduced legislation to protect the dams and the many benefits they provide. “As we work towards a final outcome, we must consider all the facts, prioritize transparency, and utilize sound science and input from all tribes, industry groups, and the people in our Pacific Northwest, not just a small group of those organizations or officials that seem to want to rip out the dams.” HYDROPOWER VITAL TO WAY OF LIFE “Hydropower is vital. It’s been around for a while in the Pacific Northwest. “It is vital to our way of life. It is vital to controlling the flooding that used to take place. “It is vital to lowering energy costs, enhancing grid reliability, and ensuring that America will be and continue to be the leader in reducing carbon emissions.”  

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) today announced a legislative hearing titled “American Hydropower: Unleashing Reliable, Renewable, Clean Power Across the U.S.”  “Hydropower is the largest source of clean, renewable energy in the country. It provides affordable, reliable baseload energy to power our communities, our businesses, and our homes, and its key to reducing emissions. Today, however, only 3 percent of dams in the U.S. produce electricity. The Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act could double America’s hydropower production by preserving our existing hydro fleet, bringing more power online through licensing reform, and promoting the innovation necessary to usher in cutting-edge technologies. We look forward to hearing from government officials about how to unlock hydropower development across the country,”  said Chairs Rodgers and Duncan.  Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, & Grid Security legislative hearing titled “American Hydropower: Unleashing Reliable, Renewable, Clean Power Across the U.S.”    WHAT: Energy, Climate, & Grid Security Subcommittee legislative hearing to discuss the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act.  DATE: Wednesday, September 20, 2023  TIME: 10:00 AM  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building  This notice is at the direction of the Chair. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at https://energycommerce.house.gov/. If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Kaitlyn Peterson at Kaitlyn.Peterson@mail.house.gov. If you have any press-related questions, please contact Sean Kelly at Sean.Kelly@mail.house.gov.      Legislation to be discussed:  H.R. 4045 , The Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act (Rodgers)  CLICK HERE to read more about the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act.  

Washington, D.C. — Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Chairman Jeff Duncan (R-SC) delivered the following opening remarks today at the Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security hearing titled “Keeping the Lights On: Enhancing Reliability and Efficiency to Power American Homes." GRID RELIABILITY   “Our goal on the Energy and Commerce Committee is to enact policy that delivers affordable, reliable, and clean energy to all Americans.   “Unfortunately, the energy policy coming out of the Biden Administration prioritizes the ‘the green transition’ over security and reliability.”   “This July, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) released a report that identified energy policy as one of the biggest threats to the reliability of the grid. The report specifically cites actions by policymakers to pursue renewable energy as a threat to grid security.  “There is a looming resource adequacy crisis. We all need to take this warning seriously and do more to ensure the reliability and affordability of the energy system.   “FERC has allowed the distortion of market incentives – such as state and federal subsidies aimed at promoting the deployment of renewables – to interfere with electricity price formation. This has contributed to the early retirement of reliable generation assets, like nuclear and natural gas.   “Other factors contributing to these early retirements are unrealistic environmental polices like the EPA’s unlawful Clean Power Plan 2.0 and the Agency’s overarching power plant ‘Electricity Generating Unit Strategy’. NERC predicts power plants will have to comply with standards by limiting their hours of operation, taking more reliable generation off the grid.  “According to NERC, the vast majority of this country faces potential blackouts. These vulnerabilities are not a result of severe weather or lack of transmission capacity, but because reliable, dispatchable, firm generation units are being retired at an alarming rate.  “Prices have skyrocketed and reliability has been compromised. Americans are paying more for less. We must focus on preserving resource adequacy.   “My bill, which we are reviewing today, the ‘Guaranteeing Reliable Infrastructure Development (GRID) Act,’ would amend the Federal Power Act to require coordination between FERC and any Federal agency promulgating a regulation that could threaten the reliability of the bulk power system. I hope all my colleagues on this committee will join me in this important effort.”   ENERGY EFFICIENCY   “As we heard at our field hearing in Moore County, North Carolina in June, the Biden Administration is also pursuing energy efficiency standards that put reliability at risk, in particular their proposed distribution transformers standards.  “DOE already mandates distribution transformers be manufactured at incredibly high efficiency standards—they are already 99.53 percent efficient. This new rulemaking will increase the efficiency by a fraction of a percentage point, but significantly disrupt the production of transformers, which utilities already have difficulty procuring.   “To address this supply chain crisis, we are reviewing Congressman Hudson’s bill today, which will prohibit the DOE from imposing new efficiency standards for distribution transformers until 5 years after the enactment of this Act.  “It is also clear this Administration is using appliance and efficiency standards as part of their agenda to “electrify everything” and pursue climate objectives over consumer choice. These new standards will increase the cost of appliances for Americans and limit the availability of consumer options.   “Congresswoman Lesko’s bill would address this issue by amending the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to prohibit DOE from prescribing any new or amended efficiency standards that are not technologically feasible or economically justified.  “The Biden Administration has used efficiency standards to target gas appliances disproportionately, despite the latest DOE numbers that indicate electricity costs 3.3 times more than natural gas.   “The ‘whole of government’ approach to the ‘green energy transition’ has driven up the cost of energy and household necessities for Americans; and jeopardized our energy security."

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following remarks at the Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security legislative hearing titled “Keeping the Lights On: Enhancing Reliability and Efficiency to Power American Homes:”   GRID SECURITY    “America's electrical grid is critical in every part of our lives.   “It keeps our hospitals, military bases, homes, and businesses powered.    “An unreliable grid threatens our safety, our health, and our economy.   “In addition, common household appliances are essential for feeding our families, washing our clothes and dishes, and heating our homes.   “We must ensure American families have the freedom of reliable, affordable, and efficient energy sources and home appliances.    “Right now, however, these vital American resources are being undermined.”  HIGH COSTS AND UNRELIABLE POWER   “Regulatory restrictions by the Biden administration to force a rush-to-green agenda on people are dangerous, expensive, and jeopardizing reliability.  “From eliminating baseload power sources that keep our electric grid reliable, to banning appliances like gas stoves.  “I am deeply concerned by the motivation behind these policies and the direction they’re taking our country.     “Especially as people suffer paying more for everything.   “Nationwide, residential electric bills have increased 27 percent since President Biden took office.   “In California the average residential electricity prices are nearly double the nationwide average and they are continuing to skyrocket.    “It’s making life harder for families and adding to their stress and anxiety.   “Yet the Administration pushes on with their war on American energy by taking steps to mandate only 100 percent intermittent, weather-dependent power sources, like wind and solar.   “While there is certainly a place for these resources in our energy mix, relying on 100 percent electric will increase costs and risk of life-threatening blackouts.    “According to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, the U.S. is currently at an elevated risk of blackouts.   “Furthermore, people should be able to choose and afford the home appliances and the vehicles that best meet their needs.   “It should not be dictated by the President and its radical allies.       “This forced transition jeopardizes our energy security and affordability, sending our jobs overseas, makes us dangerously beholden to China, and ultimately will not slow down or impact climate change.”     OUR SOLUTIONS “Since day one of this Congress, we have offered a clear vision that ensures American energy independence, secures our grid, lowers emissions, and improve people’s lives.    “The three bills before us today are the next phase of that vision.   “The GRID Act, led by Chairman Duncan, will enhance interagency coordination and rein in the EPA’s abuse of the federal regulatory process to shut down our most reliable power plants.  “This bill ensures agencies like FERC can review and comment on EPA policies that will weaken the reliability of our bulk power system.  “To help address the current transformer shortage, equipment that’s vital to grid infrastructure, Representative Hudson is leading on H.R. 4167.  “This bill will ensure a steady supply of transformers for new homes and businesses, replace those damaged in fires and floods, and minimize the risk of blackouts and other service interruptions.   “Representative Lesko is leading on the DOE Appliance and Equipment Standards Reform and Consumer Protection Ac t, to ensure Americans, not the federal government, are able to decide for themselves what home appliances best meet their needs.  “This builds upon her bipartisan work with H.R. 1640, the Save our Gas Stoves Act, which passed out of the House earlier this year with a vote of 249-181.  “The list of life-changing appliances and products under attack by this Administration includes furnaces, hot water heaters, dishwashers, ceiling fans, washing machines, light bulbs, and air conditioners. “All of these have helped raise our standard of living more than any other country in the world.         “This bill would prohibit DOE from imposing new efficiency mandates on appliances unless they are proven to save money and improve performance, and end the back room deals that have allowed radical environmental activists to dictate the types of appliances that Americans are allowed to have in our homes.  “A reliable, affordable, and efficient energy grid is necessary for an economy that is strong.    “With it, we can better safeguard people’s food and medical supplies, and keep transportation and communication systems running.”

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) today announced a legislative hearing titled “Keeping the Lights On: Enhancing Reliability and Efficiency to Power American Homes.” The Chairs released the following statement: “A top priority for Energy and Commerce this Congress is ensuring American families have access to reliable, affordable, and efficient energy sources and home appliances. This requires, in part, an electric grid that is secure from vulnerabilities — including overreaching federal regulations — which can lead to life threatening outages and other service interruptions. An unreliable grid has consequences across our lives and the entire economy, from creating unpredictable food supplies and medical care, to unreliable public services, transportation, and communication systems. We look forward to discussing solutions that will help promote the reliability of our grid, reduce supply chain risks and equipment shortages, and make sure people are able to continue using home appliances that are both energy efficient and affordable.” Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, & Grid Security legislative hearing titled “Keeping the Lights On: Enhancing Reliability and Efficiency to Power American Homes.” WHAT: Energy, Climate, & Grid Security Subcommittee legislative hearing on strengthening energy reliability and efficiency. DATE: Wednesday, September 13, 2023 TIME: 10:00 AM LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building This notice is at the direction of the Chair. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at https://energycommerce.house.gov/ . If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Kaitlyn Peterson at Kaitlyn.Peterson@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Sean Kelly at Sean.Kelly@mail.house.gov .     Legislation to be discussed:  H.R. 4167 , Protecting America’s Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act ( Rep. Richard Hudson ) H.R. ___ , DOE Appliance and Equipment Standards Reform and Consumer Protection Act H.R. ___ , GRID Act

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans, led by Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, wrote to Ford President and CEO James Farley regarding a new partnership with Chinese-owned Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) to build lithium iron phosphate batteries in the United States.  CLICK HERE to read FOX News's coverage: BACKGROUND :  Earlier this year, Ford announced it would invest $3.5 billion to construct a lithium iron phosphate battery plant in Marshall, Michigan.  According to Ford, its wholly-owned subsidiary will manufacture the battery cells using Chinese company CATL’s technology and services.  KEY LETTER EXCERPTS :  “While Ford has labeled this project a ‘commitment to American manufacturing’ and asserts it will create 2,500 new American jobs, we are concerned that Ford’s partnership with a Chinese company could aid China’s efforts to expand its control over United States electric vehicle supply chains and jeopardize national security by furthering dependence on China.”  […]  “Additionally, Members learned at this hearing that Chinese companies often supply their own workers to projects in Latin America and Africa, reinforcing fears that CATL will import workers for this facility rather that creating jobs for United States workers.”  […]  “We seek to learn more about whether this partnership, and others like it, will potentially exacerbate our reliance on China. Should China gain control of domestic electric vehicle production, the United States would be exposed to serious national security risks at a time of escalating geopolitical tensions.”  The Members requested information and answers to the following questions by September 18, 2023:  A copy of the complete licensing agreement between Ford and CATL, including any appendices, amendments, or addenda.  All documents and communications exchanged between Ford officers or employees and officials, appointees, employees, contractors, or consultants of the United States government referring or relating to Ford and CATL’s partnership and eligibility for tax credits and federal incentives.  Did Ford consider making a similar investment in a partnership with a non-Chinese company? If so, why did Ford ultimately decide to partner with CATL? If not, why did Ford not consider other partners?  How many CATL employees will CATL supply to the Facility?  What steps did Ford take to prevent or limit CATL’s ability to halt production unilaterally, such as at the direction of the Chinese government?  CLICK HERE to read the letter. 

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC), and Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee Chair Bill Johnson (R-OH) sent letters to the Department of Energy (DOE), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding their progress implementing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reforms included in the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA). BACKGROUND:   FRA, which was signed into law by President Biden on June 3, 2023, included a provision directing DOE, EPA, NRC, and FERC to implement changes to NEPA.  In order to boost energy production and lower energy prices for Americans, it is critical that these agencies implement these changes, which lift regulatory burdens for the construction of more energy infrastructure.  The years-long, complicated reviews involved with NEPA and resulting litigation have sidelined many energy infrastructure projects across the U.S.  The provisions in the FRA would streamline NEPA and improve review times and the overall regulatory efficiency. The purpose of the letter is to ensure that these agencies are following the intent of Congress and adhering to the coordination requirements and deadlines set forth by the FRA. KEY EXCERPT FROM THE LETTER TO ENERGY SECRETARY GRANHOLM: "Section 321 of the FRA includes provisions from H.R. 1577, the BUILDER Act, which also passed the House of Representatives as part of H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act. The section in the FRA streamlines NEPA and improves federal review times by designating one lead agency, limiting evaluation to a single environmental document, setting page limits on environmental impact statements (EIS) and environmental assessments (EA), establishing deadlines of two years for EISs and one year for EAs, allowing for categorical exclusions, and instituting the E-NEPA unified permitting portal, among other provisions. Depending on the project, DOE could be considered a lead agency or a cooperating agency, both of which would have a key role in the implementation of the corresponding NEPA reforms." Members asked Secretary Granholm to respond to the following questions regarding the FRA NEPA changes by September 18, 2023:  What is DOE’s interpretation of Section 321 of the FRA?    How long will it take DOE to implement fully Section 321 of the FRA?   What changes are being made to DOE’s existing NEPA review processes to ensure that the Agency is following the updated law?    Are you confident that DOE will meet the two-year and one-year statutory deadlines for EIS and EA reviews, respectively?    Will you commit to adhering to the page limits for EIS and EA reviews set forth in the Fiscal Responsibility Act?    Will DOE apply the NEPA changes to projects and reviews that are already in process, or does the Agency plan to apply the NEPA changes just prospectively?  CLICK HERE to read the full letter to DOE. CLICK HERE to read the full letter to EPA. CLICK HERE to read the full letter to NRC. CLICK HERE to read the full letter to FERC.