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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 Buddy Carter (R-GA) yesterday sent a letter to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jennifer Granholm urging the Department of Energy to prioritize the onshoring of our critical mineral supply chains following the Chinese Communist Party’s July 1 declaration that rare earth metals were the “property of the state.” CLICK HERE to read exclusive coverage by E&E News. KEY QUOTE “Critical minerals are essential to America’s economy and to America’s capacity to manufacture goods and high-tech devices. Many critical minerals are essential to the energy sector, as they are needed to manufacture solar panels, batteries, and electrical equipment. As the DOE is aware, the CCP announced limitations on gallium, germanium, natural and synthetic graphite last October. These critical minerals are vital for our defense and energy technologies and are listed as critical and at high risk of supply disruption. On November 21, 2023, the Committee on Energy and Commerce sent a letter raising security concerns over the CCP limiting exports of gallium, germanium, natural graphite, and synthetic graphite. Your response to that letter failed to address these concerns and lacked basic information to help Members of Congress assess the risks of America’s increasing dependence on CCP controlled minerals.” [...] “The administration should prioritize the onshoring of domestic mining and processing industry for these critical minerals and materials. The answer to a lack of mining and processing is not to extend credits to companies using minerals from a major geopolitical adversary that relies on child labor and exploitation.” Chairs Rodgers, Duncan, and Carter asked Secretary Granholm to answer the following questions by August 13, 2024: Are you concerned by reports that the Chinese government has declared rare earth metals property of the government of China? What actions will the DOE take in response to the Chinese government’s announcement? Please describe any actions DOE has taken to prioritize onshoring domestic mining and processing of synthetic and natural graphite. Please describe any actions DOE has taken to prioritize onshoring domestic mining and processing of gallium and germanium. How will DOE work to expedite projects to ensure a secure and stable supply chain of these critical minerals and materials given these recent announcements? What actions will DOE take to mitigate potential domestic supply shortages of these minerals? Were you consulted about the Treasury Department’s decision to extend the graphite exemption through 2027? Did you advise or recommend that the White House extend the graphite exemption through 2027? Please explain. CLICK HERE to read the letter to Secretary Granholm. CLICK HERE to read the November 21, 2023, letter to Secretary Granholm raising concerns over the CCP’s decision to limit exports of gallium, germanium, natural graphite, and synthetic graphite.

Washington, D.C. — More than 150 Republicans, led by Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), sent a letter to President Biden lambasting him for his de facto ban on U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, a decision that jeopardizes the stability and affordability of natural gas domestically, hurts the American economy and jobs, undercuts our allies, and strengthens our adversaries. AS FIRST REPORTED BY FOX NEWS: More than 150 House Republicans are calling for President Biden to reverse his moratorium on liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects, an action they argued negatively impacts the energy security of the U.S. and its allies.   The Republican lawmakers — led by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., and joined by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., and Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y. — penned a letter to Biden on Sunday evening, demanding his administration "expeditiously approve all pending applications to increase the global supply of natural gas."   KEY LETTER QUOTE: We write regarding the announcement that the Department of Energy (DOE) will stop issuing indefinitely permits to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) while your administration conducts an additional “public interest” review, including environmental, economic, and environmental justice criteria. This is economically and strategically dangerous and unnecessary. Under both Democratic and Republican administrations, DOE has consistently found that U.S. LNG exports serve the “public interest” because they contribute positive economic benefits and strengthen energy security for the American people, and also have the potential to reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. BACKGROUND: On January 26, President Biden froze the approval process for new U.S. LNG export sites, prioritizing the wishes of radical activists over U.S. energy security and the security of our allies. Studies show that LNG exports could add upwards of $73 billion to the U.S. economy by 2040, create upwards of 453,000 American jobs, and increase U.S. held purchasing power by $30 billion.   Over the past seven years, the U.S. has increased its LNG export capacity from zero to 11.6 billion cubic feet per day. During the same period, the spot price of U.S. natural gas has remained relatively stable and affordable.  These actions will weaken global energy security, halt investment in American energy, and jeopardize U.S. energy leadership.  CLICK HERE to read the full letter.  CLICK HERE to read more on how President Biden’s efforts jeopardize American jobs, energy prices, the economy, and the security of our allies. 

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 Republicans, led by Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC), and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA), today sent a letter to Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm demanding answers and transparency following reports that the Secretary consulted with the Chinese Communist Party’s top energy official, Zhang Jianhua, days before the Biden administration announced it would release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in 2021. KEY LETTER EXCERPTS: "We are troubled by recent reports that you, in your official capacity as Secretary of Energy, had multiple conversations with the Chinese Communist Party’s top energy official just days before the Biden administration announced it would release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) in 2021. This is concerning given the Department of Energy’s (DOE) mismanagement of the SPR, which has left our country more vulnerable to energy supply disruptions and strengthened the leverage of our adversaries to use energy as a geopolitical weapon." [...] "The Biden administration has helped support China’s national security at the expense of our own security by using our strategic energy supplies to help the Chinese build up their own strategic reserves. The House of Representatives, led by the Committee on Energy and Commerce, has worked to protect against this abuse by passing H.R. 22, the Protecting American’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act to prohibit the Biden administration from selling any products from the reserve to China, and H.R. 21, the Strategic Production Response Act, to ensure the reserve is adequately available during a true emergency. “ Despite these Congressional efforts to hold the Biden administration accountable for undermining our energy security, the DOE apparently is still looking to China as an example and allegedly coordinating with them prior to SPR releases . China poses one of the greatest economic, security, and geopolitical threats to the United States, while continuing to be one the world’s worst polluters. As a result of this administration’s war on American energy and political abuse of the SPR, Americans have become more vulnerable to true energy and national security emergencies while China has profited.”  The members requested information, including the following, by August 21, 2023:  All communications, and any documents referring to or relating to those communications, between yourself and officials, employees, or representatives of the Chinese government, including the National Energy Administration, regarding the Strategic Petroleum Reserve since February 25, 2021, as well as the following information and documents: The name and job title of all officials, employees, or representatives of the Chinese government who participated in the communications. The name and job title of all United States government officials, employees, or contractors who participated in the communications. The date of such communications. The topics of discussion of such communications. Any notes, summaries, memoranda, or readouts produced regarding communications. All briefing materials, notes, or preparatory documents produced to assist in your preparation for such communications. All documents and communications referring or relating to scheduling a call with Director Zhang Jianhua and yourself. All documents and communications referring or relating to your November 19, 2021, and November 21, 2021, calls with Director Zhang Jianhua. Any and all briefing materials, notes, or preparatory documents produced to assist in your preparation for your November 19, 2021, and November 21, 2021, calls with Director Zhang Jianhua. CLICK HERE to read the full letter. CLICK HERE to read Chair Rodgers’ statement on Secretary Granholm’s secret conversations with the top CCP energy official.  ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND: In June 2022, E&C Republican Leaders demanded answers from Secretary Granholm on her management of the SPR and how China is taking advantage of the Biden administration’s use of our strategic fuel reserves. In November 2022, Chair Rodgers and Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Republican Leader John Barrasso (R-WY) sent a letter to Secretary Granholm raising concerns about potential damage to the SPR due to President Biden’s unprecedented drawdowns and DOE’s mismanagement of the national security asset. In January 2023, the House passed H.R 22 , the Protecting American’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act, led by Chair Rodgers, by a bipartisan vote 331-97. The bill protects our energy security by prohibiting the Biden administration from selling any products from the SPR to China, or any entity that intends to export the products to China. In January 2023, the House passed H.R. 21 , the Strategic Production Response Act , which would help ensure the SPR is available during a true energy emergency and not abused for non-emergency, political purposes. In March 2023, Energy and Commerce Republicans called on Secretary Grandholm to testify immediately following her public comments praising China. In May 2023, House and Senate Republican energy leaders requested that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) evaluate DOE’s mismanagement of the SPR, which has increased our reliance on foreign energy sources.

President Biden wants to control every aspect of our lives—from what kind of cars we can drive, how we can heat our homes, and now how we’re allowed to cook food for our families. Last week, it was reported that the Biden administration is looking to ban gas stoves from American homes across the country. This is just the latest in a long line of power grabs by the radical Left. It's not about public safety, but rather about telling the American people the federal government knows what’s best. Nearly 35% of homes in the U.S. – more than 40 million Americans – use a natural gas stove. That’s why Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and 86 of her House Republican colleagues sent a letter to President Biden demanding the administration reverse any attempts to ban gas stoves. Chair Rodgers also sent a letter to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) echoing these concerns.  Highlights and excerpts from the Fox Business exclusive coverage on the letter to President Biden : Furious lawmakers are calling on President Biden to cease any efforts by his administration to ban natural gas stoves inside Americans' homes. Republicans on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce sent a letter to the president Friday writing in "strong opposition" to reported efforts by regulators to ban natural gas appliances. "This kind of intrusion into the homes of Americans by the federal government as a way of forcing rush-to-green, liberal policies is the ‘nanny state’ at its worst," the Republicans wrote. "Banning natural gas stoves is not about public safety – it is another example of government control; like other policies we have seen from your administration, to tell Americans what kinds of cars they can drive, how they heat their homes, and how to live their lives." The Biden administration caused an uproar over gas stoves earlier this week after a commissioner on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) suggested regulators were considering banning the appliance due to health and safety concerns. From E&E News : House Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) is already making plans to bring the issue before her committee. “I’m quite concerned,” Rodgers told E&E News. “I think we need to dig into this more and probably bring them in and ask some questions.” CLICK HERE to read Chair Rodgers’ January 11th statement on President Biden’s plan to ban gas stoves. CLICK HERE to read House Republicans’ January 13th letter to President Biden. CLICK HERE to read Chair Rodgers’ January 13th letter to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Alexander Hoehn-Saric.

93 Republicans Warn Biden that OPEC+, Including Russia, Wins if He Bans American Oil Exports Washington, D.C. — House Republicans are demanding President Bidenabandon his anti-American energy agenda, including any plans to cut off America’s access to global energy markets by imposing a ban on oil exports. In a new letter, Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), and 91 Republican representatives tell President Biden that banning America’s crude oil and petroleum product exports will make the self-inflicted energy crisis even worse, by hurting American energy workers, increasing gas prices, and further emboldening America’s adversaries, especially Russia.  Recent studies show the benefits of the U.S. exporting crude oil, as well as the harmful impacts of banning the exporting of U.S. petroleum products.  The following are excerpts from House Republicans letter to President Biden:  AN EXPORT BAN HURTS OUR ECONOMY AND SECURITY: “Banning oil exports would destroy American jobs and lead to higher energy prices for the hardworking people of this country already suffering under record high inflation. Furthermore, banning American oil exports would punish our allies in Europe and Asia who desperately seek to reduce their reliance on OPEC and Russia for oil. The only beneficiary of a ban on American oil exports would be Russia, which would gain geopolitical leverage over our allies and additional revenue to finance the unjustified war on Ukraine.” WHY LIFTING THE EXPORT BAN PUT AMERICA FIRST: “In 2015, when Congress passed bipartisan legislation to repeal 1970’s-era restrictions on crude oil exports, it found that ‘the United States upholds a commitment to free trade and open markets and has consistently opposed attempts by other nations to restrict the free flow of energy; and, the United States should remove all restrictions on the export of crude oil, which will provide domestic economic benefits, enhanced energy security, and flexibility in foreign diplomacy.’ Before your Administration took office, the United States emerged as the world’s leading energy producer and a net energy exporter, and American oil production was wisely treated as an arsenal of energy security. Prior to your Administration, and as a direct result of Congress lifting the crude oil export ban, OPEC and Russian power over world oil markets had been substantially diminished, and America’s trading partners had a more stable and reliable supplier for crude oil.” BOTTOM LINE: “ A ban on American crude oil or petroleum product exports would be detrimental to our national security and economy.” Don’t miss this exclusive coverage from FoxNews.com : CLICK HERE to read the full letter.

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans are examining the role of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations behind increasing risks of dangerous blackouts, which jeopardizes Americans’ safety and security. Americans are suffering enough from record high and unaffordable costs created by President Biden’s energy crisis. They deserve and need every assurance their air conditioning will come on this summer and heat will come on in the winter to keep their families safe. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and other grid authorities say these blackouts are likely this summer and warn of increasing risks in the future. These threats come as the Biden administration continues its rush-to-green agenda to shut down American fossil energy and leave the nation dependent upon intermittent and unreliable sources that strain the electrical grid. In the letter from the members to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, the members demand to know how the EPA’s regulatory actions are affecting America’s both immediate and long-term grid reliability. In particular, they question the Biden administration’s radical “EGU Strategy” in its climate agenda and how that will affect America’s energy reliability. This oversight letter follows letters sent to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Department of Energy (DOE) on June 6, 2022, where the members called on the agencies to “assure reliability in the bulk power system and the affordable, reliable delivery of electricity.” EXCERPT FROM LETTER TO EPA: “We believe the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should also account for its plans and actions to help us assess factors behind both the immediate and the long-term risks to electric reliability across the nation. “In recent months, you announced a suite of EPA actions to target fossil fueled electric generating units, an ‘EGU Strategy,’ to drive the Biden Administrations climate agenda. This ‘EGU strategy’ includes many major new regulations now under development or proposed – the Interstate Transport Rule, Regional Haze, Risk and Technology Review for the Mercury Air Toxics Rule, a new set of greenhouse gas performance standards, effluent limitations, and a legacy coal combustion residue rule—all of which directly affect power plants that are essential for reliable electric operations. “We are concerned that EPA actions threaten to accelerate fossil generation retirements, at the very same time electric system operators report growing shortfalls in such baseload capacity will accelerate blackout risks.” The members make several requests of Administrator Regan, including the following: Describe what specific actions you are taking or are prepared to take to address energy or electricity emergencies this summer in the bulk power system. List all waivers or other emergency actions you are considering or have taken over the past two years in connection with electricity reliability. List all regulatory actions you are considering or have taken over the past two years to alleviate electricity reliability risks. List and provide a description of all interactions with the Department of Energy concerning potential and proposed rulemakings and enforcement activity that may affect the reliable delivery of electricity. List and provide a description of all interactions with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission concerning potential and proposed rulemakings and enforcement activity that may affect the reliable delivery of electricity. List and provide a description of all interactions with states concerning potential and proposed rulemakings and enforcement activity that may affect the reliable delivery of electricity. List and provide a description of all interactions with the Independent System Operators, and states concerning potential and proposed rulemakings and enforcement activity that may affect the reliable delivery of electricity. In developing its reported “EGU Strategy” to “marry a range of authorities” to regulate the power sector, has EPA evaluated the cumulative impact of the strategy in accelerating plant closures? If so, please provide us with these assessments. How will the June 30 Supreme Court decision in West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency affect your “EGU Strategy” to regulate sources in the power sector? Regarding the proposed Transport Rule [Federal Implementation Plan], what specific statutory provisions authorize EPA to impose a federal plan that effectively overrides the electric power sector planning authorities in 26 states? CLICK HERE to read the letter to Administrator Regan. CLICK HERE to read Fox News' exclusive report on the letter.

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans demand to know from Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) how the Biden administration plans to prepare for and prevent dangerous blackouts that the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) says are likely this summer. This threat comes as the Biden administration continues its rush-to-green agenda to shut down American energy and leave the nation dependent upon intermittent and unreliable sources that strain the electrical grid. All Energy and Commerce Republicans are calling on the administration to “assure reliability in the bulk power system and the affordable, reliable delivery of electricity.” In an exclusive quote provided to FOX NEWS , Energy and Commerce Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) said: “Blackouts are life threatening and extremely dangerous. President Biden, the Department of Energy, and FERC must take these threats and their responsibility to ensure reliable and affordable energy seriously. We are demanding that the administration provide specific plans for how it will prevent potential electricity emergencies this summer. “People are suffering enough from record high and unaffordable costs created by President Biden’s energy crisis. They deserve and need every assurance their lights and air conditioning will come on this summer to keep themselves and their families safe.” LETTER EXCERPT FROM E&C REPUBLICANS: “NERC reported that more than half the nation will be at elevated risk of power outages this summer. This is because of insufficient resources to provide power to peoples’ homes when their demand for power peaks during extreme weather conditions. “The electricity resource shortfall is estimated to be even worse for customers living in a large region in the middle of the nation, extending from Wisconsin to Louisiana, where the report warns about outages during normal summer conditions.” […] “This troubling situation represents the most immediate example of a broader and growing trend of increasing reliability risks across the nation’s electricity systems – risks that are mounting in the winter as well as summer months, according to NERC assessments. “These reliability risks have been unfolding in plain sight, yet we have seen little concerted effort during the Biden administration to address relevant policies that contribute to these risks—policies relating to the delivery of energy fuels, market-design issues, environmental agendas, and regulations that threaten power generation.” The members demand that Secretary Granholm and FERC respond to their questions by June 21, 2022 on what is being done to prepare and avoid power shortages. Describe what specific actions you are taking or are prepared to take to address energy or electricity emergencies this summer in the bulk power system. Describe your interactions with other federal agencies, the states, NERC, and independent system operators related to assuring reliability in the bulk power system and the affordable, reliable delivery of electricity. Describe your interactions with the Environmental Protection Agency concerning potential and proposed rulemakings and enforcement activity that may affect the reliable delivery of electricity, such as the recent enforcement actions involving the disposal of coal combustion residuals from electric utilities rule. List all potential and proposed rulemakings upon which you have provided technical comment. List all enforcement actions upon which you have provided comment. List all waivers or other emergency actions you are considering or have taken over the past two years in connection with electricity reliability. List all regulatory actions you are considering or have taken over the past two years to alleviate reliability risks. CLICK HERE to read the full letter to Secretary Granholm. CLICK HERE to read the full letter to FERC Chairman Richard Glick.

Were They Influenced by Putin’s Dark Money to Shut Down American Energy? Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans sent a letter to three environmental groups with financial ties to a San Francisco-based environmental NGO called the Sea Change Foundation as a next step in the investigation of foreign influence over U.S.-based environmental NGOs. According to reports, it’s been alleged that Vladimir Putin has used Sea Change to funnel money into U.S. based environmental advocacy efforts designed to shut down and undermine American energy production. The letters ask the League of Conservation Voters, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Sierra Club: To identify the total amount of funding they received from Sea Change since 2006. To identify the specific efforts the funding was designed to support. To disclose if they are aware of concerns that Sea Change may be a conduit for Russian funding. If they currently or ever have received funds from the Russian government or anyone connected with the Russian government. If they have taken any action at the request of the Russian government or anyone connected with the Russian government. Due to the recent bilateral pact between Russia and China on defeating sanctions, if they have received funds from the Chinese Communist Party or taken any action on their behalf. All three of these groups were identified as top recipients of Sea Change grants since 2006. Read excerpts and find full letters to all three groups below. LETTER EXCERPT: “It has been alleged that Putin is using a San Francisco-based eNGO, the Sea Change Foundation (Sea Change), to funnel money into U.S.-based environmental advocacy efforts designed to undermine American energy production. According to a 2014 report, Sea Change receives contributions from a ‘Bermuda-based company called Klein Ltd.’ which is used ‘for funneling Russian government money to American environmental groups in order to undermine U.S. natural gas and oil production to Russia’s benefit.’ Notably, reports suggest that your organization is one of the top e-NGO recipients of Sea Change grants since 2006.” The Energy and Commerce Republican members request the three organizations respond by March 25, 2022 to a series of questions regarding their ties to the Russian and Chinese governments and their funding. CLICK HERE to read the letter to the League of Conservation Voters. CLICK HERE to read the letter to the Natural Resources Defense Council. CLICK HERE to read the letter to the Sierra Club. CLICK HERE to read what E&C Republicans sent to four groups over possible ties to the Chinese Communist Party.