Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee Chair Bill Johnson (R-OH) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s hearing titled “America Leads the Way: Our History as the Global Leader at Reducing Emissions.”

CELEBRATING U.S. LEGACY OF ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP 

“I am excited for this opportunity to highlight America’s global leadership and success in both emission reductions and energy production. 

“I also look forward to discussing how we can build off this success to expand our leadership around the world.  

“The United States is the country it is today not because of heavy handed regulatory policies that have driven industries out of business and manufacturing overseas, but because of the nation’s long-standing entrepreneurial culture that has provided the freedom and flexibility for businesses to deploy innovative technologies across our energy and industrial economy.  

“As our economy continues to grow and our energy demand and use increases, our environmental stewardship continues to improve.  

“In fact, the EPA has air quality data showing that, as of 2022, the total emissions of the six major air pollutants have dropped by 73 percent since 1980. 

“During this same period, gross domestic product increased 196 percent, vehicle miles traveled increased 108 percent, energy consumption increased 29 percent, and U.S. population grew by 47 percent.  

“Why is this important? It shows that becoming more prosperous and secure as a nation is possible, while also decreasing emissions. We’ve done it!  

“We don’t have to throw the baby out with the bathwater. In fact, during this time, America has flexed its muscles as a global energy production superpower.” 

AMERICAN INNOVATION & PROSPERITY  

“The American Shale revolution is a prime example of this entrepreneurial spirit. 

“Pro-growth energy policies have taken US energy dominance to new levels. Innovation in the energy sector has increased the standard of living for many Americans by boosting productivity, reducing energy prices, and cutting emissions.  

“It is estimated that the shale revolution saved U.S. consumers $203 billion annually, breaking down to $2,500 per family of four. It also lowered energy-related greenhouse gas emissions by 527 metric tons per year. 

“I saw the benefits of the shale revolution firsthand. My district sits on top of the Utica and Marcellus shale. Eastern and Southeastern Ohio have helped the United States become the world’s leading producer of oil and natural gas.  

“The Shale Revolution not only made America energy dominant, but it also provided America with geopolitical advantages and the ability to export clean energy to our allies across the globe—what we could call, ‘the U.S. LNG revolution.’” 

BUILDING ON AMERICA’S ENERGY LEADERSHIP 

“H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, has passed twice on the House floor now, because it recognizes the successes of the past and further built on those successes to unleash American energy. My bill, which was included as part of H.R. 1 lifted all restrictions on the import and export of natural gas.  

“It is a proven fact that American LNG exports reduce carbon emissions by replacing huge quantities of dirtier fuels harvested overseas. Despite this fact, the Biden administration and the environmental left aren’t interested.  

“Why? Because increasing LNG exports, which we can do easily with our vast quantities of natural gas, would NOT, and I repeat would NOT require a radical re-ordering of American society and a reduced standard of living. Because that’s the true goal of this radical climate agenda.  

“It’s a missed opportunity not to exploit America’s vast reserves of cleaner energy resources.  

“The Biden administration’s 'whole-of-government' climate agenda, forcing rapid vehicle electrification and renewable energy, will only serve to move our energy industry, and other American industries, overseas strengthening adversaries, like Russia, China and Iran. 

“To conclude, I want to address quickly the upcoming COP28 climate meeting in Dubai. A number of us here on Energy & Commerce will be attending, and I hope that this conversation today will present an informative starting point. 

“Now, to be clear, and I will make it clear at COP 28 as well, that John Kerry, and the Biden administration’s radical negotiators at this conference do not, and I repeat, do not speak for the American people, nor do they speak for all American policymakers.  

“The message that I and my Republican colleagues will carry is that more American energy production means a cleaner, safer, and more secure world.  

“Friends, we should not apologize for America’s prosperity. Instead, let’s recognize the progress we as a nation have made in both environmental stewardship and energy leadership.”