News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, led a hearing titled Strengthening American Energy: A Review of Pipeline Safety Policy. “Pipelines are not only vital for the safe transportation of the reliable energy that Americans rely upon, but they will continue to ensure our nation’s energy dominance,” said Chairman Latta . “ Today’s hearing offered the opportunity to address multiple issues including rule making for the PIPES Act, closing penalty loopholes for pipeline vandalism, and examining ways that certain technologies, like AI, can be used to increase efficiencies in the pipeline system." Watch the full hearing here . Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing: Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11): “Would you agree that if we’re going to meet the rising demand, while also keeping the lights on, that we need to get serious about modernizing and expanding our natural gas infrastructure?” Mr. Moriarty: “ Yes, I would agree with that. Natural gas pipelines are the safest way to move the energy that this nation needs. And there’s ever more demand for energy across our surface territories, which is the United States. And to meet those demands, we need to construct and safely operate pipelines as well as LNG storage facilities.” Congresswoman Laurel Lee (FL-15): “Mr. Moriarty, you mentioned that one of the top risks you perceive for pipeline safety is in fact cybersecurity. Would you share with us a bit more about the cyber threat landscape you are seeing and how you’re partnering with federal agencies like the FBI and CISA to meet that threat?” Mr. Moriarty: “ Because of the cyber threat, we took our SCADA system, which is responsible for the safe operations of our systems, off our corporate system and we put it into what we call a DMZ zone, which means nobody can get access to it. So, even if there is a breach somewhere on our system, it won’t get into the pipeline safe operation. Every day, we have threats we have a scoreboard where we see threats coming in in real time. Because of the investments we have made, most of those are stopped before they become a real threat.” Congressman Rick Allen (GA-12): “Building up our pipeline capacity is critical to delivering affordable energy to our constituents across the country and our allies. We’ve heard from the witnesses that pipelines are the safest way to deliver energy. As we are working on modernizing the role of Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration, it is critical we ensure it works to enhance our pipeline infrastructure.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement regarding the release of America’s AI Action Plan, which focuses on safeguarding U.S. global leadership in artificial intelligence.   “Today’s announcement is a major victory in our work to win the race for AI. The future of American global competitiveness, innovation, and economic growth depends on strong investments and a unified approach that promotes AI development and deployment at scale. President Trump’s ‘AI Action Plan’ is an important step toward harnessing the full power of American innovation and aligns with our Committee’s work to unleash infrastructure development and advanced manufacturing, promote a national AI framework, and safeguard Americans where existing protections fall short,” said Chairman Guthrie. “Throughout this Congress, we’ve heard a clear message that to win the race for AI, we need to bring more baseload energy sources online, including natural gas, coal, hydropower, and nuclear. We cannot cede leadership in the development and deployment of AI technology to the Chinese Communist Party, which does not share our values. “We look forward to continuing our work with President Trump to ensure the U.S. remains the global leader in AI development.”   ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled  Strengthening American Energy: A Review of Pipeline Safety Policy. Subcommittee Chairman Latta's opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Welcome to today’s hearing, “Strengthening American Energy: A Review of Pipeline Safety Policy.” And thank you to our witnesses for your participation. “Today, we will examine the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) pipeline safety program. “PHMSA is a Department of Transportation agency tasked with developing and enforcing federal safety regulations for the nation’s onshore pipeline infrastructure and the transportation of hazardous materials. “The witnesses before us represent different segments of PHMSA’s regulated community and can provide important perspectives on the reauthorization of PHMSA. “Pipelines are the safest and most efficient mode of transportation for oil, natural gas, liquid energy products, and hazardous materials, and they play an instrumental role in delivering the products that drive our nation’s economy forward. “The agency has about 3.3 million miles of pipelines under its purview. In order to ensure these pipelines are operated in a safe and reliable manner, PHMSA partners and coordinates with States to administer pipeline safety programs and inspect infrastructure within a state's boundaries. “PHMSA was last authorized in the Protecting Our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act (PIPES) of 2020, through Fiscal Year 2023. “I hope we can work in a bipartisan fashion this Congress with our House and Senate colleagues to reauthorize PHMSA to continue carrying out its mission and associated duties. This subcommittee has a responsibility to ensure PHMSA maintains a strong focus on safety and operates within its statutory authorities. “The PIPES Act of 2020 included several statutorily mandated rulemakings that never fully got out the door under the previous administration. Today, the subcommittee will examine implementation of the PIPES Act to ensure PHMSA is on track to carry out Congressional intent in a cost-effective and workable manner. “Additionally, the subcommittee will examine new challenges and opportunities for pipeline safety. “For example, the replacement of aging infrastructure must be a top priority for PHMSA, States, and pipeline operators, but it presents cost and operational challenges. “Especially as energy demand is projected to increase significantly in the immediate future, the upgrading of our natural gas network must be prioritized to ensure the safe transportation of natural gas and other important energy sources and products. “While substantial progress has been made in replacing aging pipes, there is still work to be done. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses on how PHMSA can best address the remaining 1 percent of iron distribution pipes. “American innovations and new technologies, like artificial intelligence technology, also present opportunities to bolster the quality of risk assessments and advance safety towards our collective goal of zero incidents. However, these technologies will also pose challenges to information and operational security. It is important that a PHMSA reauthorization gives the agency the tools needed to have an effective approach for the opportunities and challenges ahead.  “In his confirmation hearing last week, Paul Roberti, President Trump’s nominee for PHMSA administrator, committed to pursuing opportunities to utilize new, cost-effective technologies to enhance safety. The subcommittee hopes to collaborate with PHMSA and pipeline operators in this endeavor. “A PHMSA reauthorization must prioritize the improvement of the agency’s core responsibility: safety. I am concerned that the previous administration advanced extraneous priorities and set safety to the side. However, President Trump’s administration has recommitted to this critical mission, and I hope this Committee can produce a reauthorization that maintains safety as the cornerstone of PHMSA’s pipeline safety program. “Pipelines are imperative to public safety and the energy security of our nation. I look forward to hearing from pipeline operators today as we build on American energy leadership.”

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – This week, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce is holding two Subcommittee Hearings and one Full Committee Markup. Read more below.  SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations is holding a hearing on ensuring the nation’s organ procurement and transplant system prioritizes patient safety.  DATE: Tuesday, July 22, 2025  TIME: 10:15 AM ET  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building  SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy is holding a hearing on pipeline safety policy and will examine the reauthorization of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) pipeline safety program.   DATE: Tuesday, July 22, 2025  TIME: 10:30 AM ET  LOCATION: 2322 Rayburn House Office Building  FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP: The House Committee on Energy and Commerce will hold a markup of two bills.   DATE: Wednesday, July 23, 2025  TIME: 10:00 AM ET  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board wrote the following op-ed this week highlighting the need unleash reliable American energy including natural gas, oil, coal, hydropower, and nuclear, and discussing why subsidies for unreliable energy sources fail to meet the needs of American communities. Key Takeaways: Americans need reliable baseload power, not subsidized renewables that will fail to meet our energy needs. As energy demand increases, proven sources like natural gas, oil, coal, hydropower, and nuclear are the only way to ensure a reliable and stable energy grid. The Inflation Reduction Act increased subsidies for wind and solar in ways that have distorted energy investments. Because the subsidies can offset more than 50% of a project’s cost, solar and wind became more profitable to build than new baseload gas plants, which jeopardizes our grid. Power shortfalls are projected for 2030, with 104 gigawatts of baseload power being retired in the next five years. Even if that production is replaced, as planned, with solar and wind, shortfalls will still exist. Coal, nuclear and gas plants are still needed to back up solar and wind, but they cannot remain profitable if they are only operating part-time. As a result, many plants have been forced to close. In Case You Missed It… “Democrats are attacking the GOP’s budget bill for phasing out subsidies for wind and solar power, claiming this will cause power shortages and higher electric rates. The evidence suggests the opposite, as a new Energy Department study illustrates. “As we’ve been writing for years, the reliability of the U.S. electrical grid is in trouble. The Energy report projects potential power shortfalls in 2030, as 104 gigawatts of baseload power retire in the next five years. But here’s the really bad news: That shortfalls will exist even if that production is replaced, as expected, with 209 gigawatts of the mostly solar and wind generation under development. “Americans would lose power in 2030 for an average of 817.7 hours (34 days), assuming typical weather conditions. If heat waves or storms stress the grid, outages could reach 55 days. Even without plant shutdowns, Americans would lose power for 269.9 hours (11 days) amid demand growth. The power shortages would be worse in middle America, where demand is growing fastest owing to AI data centers and renewables are displacing coal and gas. “How can this be? The answer is that the Inflation Reduction Act turbo-charged subsidies for wind and solar in ways that are distorting energy investment. Because the subsidies can offset more than 50% of a project’s cost, solar and wind became more profitable to build than new baseload gas plants. The credits enable wind and solar to under-price coal and gas plants in competitive power markets. “Any wonder that solar, wind and batteries (which also qualify for IRA subsidies) are projected to make up 93% of new utility-scale electricity capacity this year? Coal, nuclear and gas plants are still needed to back up solar and wind, but they can’t make a profit running only some of the time. Thus many have been closing, jeopardizing grid reliability. “The renewable lobby claims that new gas plants can’t be built in time to meet rising power demand. Ergo, the argument goes, taxpayers must subsidize wind and solar to meet electric demand. But if what they say is true, why do wind and solar need subsidies? There will be a market incentive to build wind and solar anyway. “It’s true there’s a shortage of new gas turbines owing to surging global demand. But turbine manufacturers are expanding production, and the phaseout of the IRA tax credits will provide them with more certainty to make investments in new capacity. “Turbine makers expanded production in the early 2000s as demand for new gas plants rose, but they were left with excess capacity when demand weakened last decade. That was in part because federal subsidies and state renewable mandates encouraged utilities to procure power from solar and wind in lieu of gas. “Wind and solar projects also face long wait-times to connect to the grid—from four to nine years according to a recent study. The IRA increased delays by increasing the projects in the pipeline. So the phaseout of the tax credits could benefit renewable projects that don’t need subsidies to be economic. “ The claim that tax credits reduce electric rates is contradicted by experience. Wind and solar must be backed by peaker gas plants or batteries, which both cost more than three times as much as baseload power. Renewables also cause price spikes when there are power shortages, and they require more transmission investments to balance fluctuations in loads and frequencies. “All of this is why Texas’s residential power prices have risen some 40% over the last seven years. The renewable lobby says the financial benefits of the tax credits are passed onto electric customers, which may be true when state-regulated utilities build projects. But the credits usually pad the profits of independent generators. “The best way to make the grid reliable again is to let supply and demand work in energy markets without the distortions of mandates and subsidies. The GOP budget bill takes a step in that direction that should be welcomed.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, announced a hearing titled Strengthening American Energy: A Review of Pipeline Safety Policy .   “Safe and secure pipeline infrastructure is a vital part of ensuring our nation’s energy dominance,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Latta . “ This hearing will provide us with the opportunity to discuss priorities for pipeline safety reauthorization and examine what steps need to be taken to build and operate pipelines safely and effectively. It’s critical that these pipelines can continue to operate reliably and meet the energy demands of communities across our country."  Subcommittee on Energy hearing titled Strengthening American Energy: A Review of Pipeline Safety Policy   WHAT: Subcommittee on Energy Hearing on pipeline safety policy and examine reauthorization of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) pipeline safety program.  NEW DATE: Tuesday, July 22, 2025  TIME: 10:30 AM ET  NEW LOCATION: 2322 Rayburn House Office Building  This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. This hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed at energycommerce.house.gov . If you have any questions about this hearing, please contact Calvin Huggins at Calvin.Huggins1@mail.house.gov . If you have any press related questions, please contact Ben Mullany at Ben.Mullany@mail.house.gov . ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, led a hearing titled  The Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Energy Budget.   “Alongside Secretary Wright, the Committee on Energy and Commerce is working to unleash American energy dominance,”  said Chairman Latta.  “We need more energy, not less, and today’s hearing reinforced the importance of supporting baseload power sources including oil, natural gas, nuclear power, coal, and hydropower that can secure our grid and help us to meet the energy demands of AI.” Watch the full hearing here . Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing: Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14):  “Under President Biden, Mr. Secretary, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve—60 percent of it in my district—has been unbelievably drawn down. It has reached its lowest level since 1983. When President Biden took office, the SPR contained 638 million barrels of oil. Today it contains 375 million barrels, roughly 50 percent less. In his 2025 inaugural address, President Trump made a commitment to refill the SPR. In this Committee's reconciliation title, we authorized $2 billion to conduct repairs to the SPR and buy back 7 million barrels from mandated sales. So do you think the department's plan to refill the SPR will work with what we've done in the reconciliation package?” Secretary Wright:   “It's a start, absolutely. The immediate things we need to do is finish the repairs on the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. It was drawn down so quickly, and that causes some damage to the infrastructure itself. So those, those repairs are ongoing and it costs a non-trivial amount of money to repair the SPR. Then we also have to spend some money to offset planned additional sales of oil that were also entered into to reverse those, so we don't shrink the deposits. And then the additional funds will be used to fill it. So yes, I thank you for that funding.” Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12):  “U.S. LNG exports have been a game changer for natural gas producers in Ohio, uh, the state where I represent, as well as our allies around the world. Opponents of LNG exports often push the narrative that exports raise domestic natural gas prices. However, the vast majority of studies showed the opposite, boosting exports increases domestic production, which lowers the price for American consumers. Mr. Secretary, can you talk about the potential of US LNG exports not only for our allies, but how boosting LNG can keep natural gas prices low for the consumers here at home?”  Secretary Wright:  “Thank you, Representative, I agree very much with your premise. 17 years ago, the United States was the largest importer of natural gas in the world, and we had over 1000 rigs drilling specifically to produce natural gas. Today, that over 1000 rigs is only 100 rigs drilling in the United States for natural gas, and as you pointed out, we've become the largest net exporter of natural gas in the world. This is technology, this is efficiency, and this is infrastructure that gets built to move natural gas at scale, all of those ultimately lower the cost to produce natural gas.” , Congressman John James (MI-10):   “In 2024, NERC’s long-term reliability assessments, they stated that the greatest threat to our power grid is our shift to intermittent resources and premature retirements of thermal generation. NERC’s 2024 long-term reliability assessment also projected that the Midcontinent Independent Systems Operator (MISO), which covers my district in Michigan, which will experience a 4.7-gigawatt shortfall by 2028 if current expected generator retirements occur. In your discussions with MISO have they discussed how any current state net-zero policies have contributed to current cost increases to consumers? And expected power shortfalls in the future?”   Secretary Wright: “Many people at DOE have been in dialogues with NERC and with MISO about these issues, but I think you hit the nail on the head. We want to reshore manufacturing to Michigan. We want to bring data centers to Michigan. We need to grow the supply of affordable, reliable electricity in Michigan and closing plants, the coal plant, for example, with 15 years less in its average lifetime, closed for political reasons, closed to show virtue signaling that we're going to move away from coal. That's not in the best interest of Michigan ratepayers and Michigan citizens. Yes, utilities get bullied and influenced by state politicians and national politicians that have political agendas around energy that are often not aligned with ratepayers and citizens in those districts.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled  The Fiscal Year 2026 Department Of Energy Budget. Subcommittee Chairman Latta's opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Welcome to today’s hearing on the Department of Energy’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget and welcome Secretary Chris Wright to your first hearing before the Energy and Commerce Committee.  “Secretary Wright, in your confirmation hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, you stated three goals:  1.   Unleash American energy dominance,  2.   Lead the world in innovation and technological breakthroughs, and  3.   Once again allow entrepreneurs to build in this country.  “ This sentiment could not come at a more critical juncture.  “Around the world, adversarial nations like Communist China, are exploiting energy markets and critical minerals to advance their national interests at the expense of the security of the United States.  “Our own nation faces an electric reliability crisis that could threaten the everyday lives of hardworking Americans.  “Infrastructure development has been left at a virtual standstill after the regulatory onslaught of the previous administration. “All the while, we are in the midst of a critical race to lead the world in AI development.  “The stakes could not be higher, which is why the ambitious goals laid out under your leadership are so critical to the interests of our country.  “After five months on the job, your department has remained steadfastly committed to these efforts.   “Your department reversed course on the disastrous LNG export ban and once again ensured our abundant natural resources can be utilized as a diplomatic tool for our allies abroad. “To reduce unnecessary federal overreach, your department rescinded dozens of burdensome and unworkable efficiency regulations and standards that the previous administration designed to advance a one-size-fits-all approach to energy efficiency.  “Over the last few weeks, the department issued necessary 202(c) emergency waivers to continue the operation of baseload power plants to protect grid reliability in regions across the country during the upcoming summer months.  “And just two weeks ago, the White House released the Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base Executive Order, which will empower DOE to expedite and promote the use of nuclear energy in the United States. “Importantly, these efforts will leverage the bipartisan work of our ADVANCE Act to fuel a domestic nuclear renaissance and power next generation industries.  “As you have documented, you are continuing your ongoing tour of all 17 national labs, our crown jewels, which will be critical in leading the world in technological breakthroughs. “This includes the recent announcement of a new supercomputer at the Lawrence Berkely National Lab that will be vital to the continued development of AI and fusion energy.  “I am encouraged that your department has been rightly focused on the energy needs of our growing AI industry and why it is so important for our nation, and the world, for the United States to win. “Your department has also remained committed to President Trump’s agenda to be stewards of finite taxpayer resources by aligning federal resources with high priority projects and eliminating wasteful spending.  “As we discuss cost-cutting measures at your department, it is important to remember that the previous administration received over $100 billion in new funding and $400 billion in loan authority from the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.  “The previous administration seemingly issued financial assistance awards in a haphazard manner that lacked accountability.  “In fact, in the 76 days between election day and President Trump’s inauguration, the department issued almost $100 billion in new loans, compared to $43 billion in loans issued over the loan office’s 20-year lifespan. “This level of government subsidies was irresponsible and unsustainable, focused on misguided priorities, and was often done to the detriment of free markets and private enterprises.  “The fiscal year 2026 budget request reflects these priorities and will refocus the Department of Energy on its core mission as you continue reorganization efforts, as is customary for incoming Administrations. “We look forward to our continued work together to achieve common goals to unleash American energy dominance, lead the world in next generation industries, and fuel economic prosperity throughout the country.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, led a markup of 13 bills focused on securing our grid and unleashing American energy.  “Today, the Energy Subcommittee advanced common-sense legislation to unleash American energy, generate the electricity needed to power AI, and secure our electric grid,” said Chairman Latta. “These 13 bills will help to keep baseload power online, improve reliability, and expedite the consideration of new power generation projects. Thank you to our members for their work on these bills that will help to lower energy costs for American families and businesses.”   Legislative Vote Summary:   H.R. 3616 , Reliable Power Act, was advanced to the Full Committee as amended by a roll call vote of 16 Yeas 14 Nays  H.R. 1047 , Guaranteeing Reliability through the Interconnection of Dispatchable Power (GRID Power) Act, was advanced to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 16 Yeas 14 Nays  H.R. 3632 , Power Plant Reliability Act of 2025, was advanced to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 15 Yeas 14 Nays  H.R. 3638 , Electric Supply Chain Act, was advanced to the Full Committee by voice vote  H.R. 3157 , State Energy Accountability Act, was advanced to the Full Committee by voice vote  H.R. 3628 , State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act, was advanced to the Full Committee by voice vote  H.R. 3657 , Hydropower Relicensing Transparency Act was advanced to the Full Committee by voice vote  H.R. 3015 , National Coal Council Reestablishment Act was advanced to the Full Committee by a vote of 15 Yeas to 13 Nays  H.R. 3617 , Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act, was advanced to the Full Committee by voice vote  H.R. 3109 , Researching Efficient Federal Improvements for Necessary Energy Refining (REFINER) Act was advanced to the Full Committee by voice vote  H.R. 3062 , Promoting Cross-border Energy Infrastructure Act, was advanced to the Full Committee by voice vote  H.R. 1949 , Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025, was advanced to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 15 Yeas 13 Nays  H.R. 3668 , Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act was advanced to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 15 Yeas 11 Nays  Watch the full markup here .    Below are key excerpts from today’s markup:    Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12) : “ The Grid Power Act would give grid operators the authority to identify and expedite the consideration of the central projects that will protect the grid's reliability and provide the power needed to meet America's growing demand. This bill requires the FERC, uh, to develop rules that authorize grid operators, including transmission operators, regional transmission organizations and independent system operators to fast track critical generation that ensures greater reliability and meet growing power demands by allowing them to bypass the years-long wait and they're interconnection queue. The bill empowers grid operators to accelerate projects that provide new dispatchable power and improved grid reliability and resource adequacy.”   Congressman Michael Rulli (OH-06): “Under the Trump administration, we signed an executive order titled ‘Reinvigorating America's Beautiful Clean Coal Industry’ on April 8th of this year. Department of Energy Secretary Wright called for the National Coal Council's reestablishment that very same day. Secretary Wright said the American people need more energy. The Department of Energy is helping to meet this demand by unleashing supply of affordable, reliable, secure energy resources...I urge members to support H.R. 3015, so the National Coal Council can once again cement American energy dominance, increased domestic production, improved conditions for workers, strengthen the industry base, support hundreds of thousands of jobs. And stop the war on clean coal.”   Congresswoman August Pfluger (TX-11): “The Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act would ensure that that a ban is never placed on U.S. LNG exports again, by removing DOE from the process export restrictions would be repealed, and LNG exports would have equal treatment with other commodities. LNG exports unequivocally benefit our economy, domestic prices, our security, and partners and allies around the world that want our product.”   ###