Chairman Guthrie Delivers Floor Remarks on Legislation Supporting Reliable Federal Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, delivered remarks on the House floor regarding H.R. 4690, to prevent a ban on fossil fuel-generated electricity being used for federal buildings.

Chairman Guthrie’s remarks on H.R. 4690, as prepared for delivery:

“Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of H.R. 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act. Today's debate serves as a reminder that policy decisions carry long-lasting implications.

“We are here today to reverse current law, which requires the federal government to phase out fossil fuels in new and renovated buildings by 2030.

“This one-size-fits-all electrification mandate for new and renovated federal buildings jeopardizes the reliability and security of our nation's critical federal infrastructure. Winter Storm Fern's impact across the U.S. in January made it clear: reliable and affordable fossil fuels provide consistent power — wind and solar do not.

“While coal and natural gas significantly increased their output to meet demand during Winter Storm Fern, in New England, burning trash produced more electricity than wind and solar combined.

“The federal government and the United States military require uninterrupted, reliable electricity. Anything less compromises our national security, and this issue is timelier than ever. While the deadlines in Section 433 to wind down the use of fossil fuels have not been enforced thus far, future administrations could weaponize the law to favor special interests who stand to gain billions in taxpayer funds to retrofit federal infrastructure.

“The legislation before us today to repeal Section 433 brings federal building policy back to reality, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting yes on H.R. 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act.”