Rep. John Curtis

R

Utah – District 3
representative

Leadership

Vice Chair Energy, Climate, and Grid Security

118th Congress

News & Announcements

Apr 9, 2024
Press Release

Rodgers, Capito, and Wicker Lead Amicus Brief Challenging EPA’s Overreaching So-Called ‘Good Neighbor’ Rule

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) led 26 of their colleagues in filing a bicameral amicus curiae brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit in support of state and industry challengers to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) so-called “Good Neighbor” air rule that targets American power production and burdens states with misguided air regulations. “Acting well beyond its delegated powers under the [Clean Air Act], EPA’s Rule proposes to remake the energy sector in the affected states toward the Agency’s preferred ends. The Rule is part of the broader joint EPA-White House Strategy that oversteps the Agency’s authority by concurrently developing regulations under three separate environmental statutes. It does so not to meet any of the statutes’ individual ends but to transform the power sector. "The group of regulations—including the Rule—are designed to hurriedly rid the U.S. power sector of fossil fuels by sharply increasing the operating costs for fossil fuel-fired power plant operators, forcing the plants’ premature retirement,” the brief reads in part. BACKGROUND: The so-called “Good Neighbor” rule imposes overreaching emissions requirements on power plants, natural gas pipeline assets, and industrial plants, like steel, cement, and paper production facilities in 23 states. Other federal courts have already frozen implementation of the rule in 12 states. Despite active Supreme Court proceedings that may halt implementation of the rule nationwide, the EPA has remained committed to the illegal rule and recently proposed to add five more states to the program.  In June 2023 , Capito joined Wicker in introducing a formal challenge to the rule through a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval.  In June 2023, Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) also introduced H.J.Res. 69, a formal challenge to the rule through a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval.  In June 2022 , Ranking Member Capito sent a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan outlining serious concerns with the proposed “Good Neighbor Plan.”  Ranking Member Capito has criticized the EPA’s proposed “Good Neighbor Plan” during EPW hearings in March 2023 , July 2022 , and May 2022 , and in an op-ed .  In November 2023 , Chairs Rodgers, Duncan, and Johnson sent a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission expressing concerns with the impact of EPA’s suite of rules, including the “Good Neighbor” Rule (or Interstate Transport Rule), on the reliability of the nation’s electric grid. In addition to Capito and Wicker, senators who signed on to brief include, John Barrasso, (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Mike Braun (R-IN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Hoeven (R-ND), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Cynthia M. Lummis (R-WY), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and John Thune (R-SD). In addition to Rodgers, House members who signed on to the brief include, Rick Allen (R-GA), Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Michael Burgess (R-TX), Kat Cammack (R-FL), Earl “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), John Curtis (R-UT), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Neal Dunn (R-FL), Russ Fulcher (R-ID), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Richard Hudson (R-NC), John James (R-MI), John Joyce (R-PA), Bob Latta (R-OH), Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Gary Palmer (R-AL), Greg Pence (R-IN), August Pfluger (R-TX), Tim Walberg (R-MI), and Randy Weber (R-TX).  Full text of the brief is available here .

Feb 7, 2024
Blog

E&C Republicans: President Biden's LNG Export Ban is Reckless and Politically Motivated

Washington D.C. — Energy and Commerce Republicans are demanding President Biden reverse his liquefied natural gas (LNG) export ban, which is a blatant political decision to appease radical environmental activists who are intent on shutting down American energy.  This week, Members spoke about how disastrous this decision is and urged President Biden to reverse course during an Energy Subcommittee hearing and during a special session on the House Floor, led by Rep. John Joyce (R-PA). Unleashing American LNG will reduce emissions, lower energy costs, and further U.S. energy security and the security of our allies. Don’t miss these key moments calling out the Biden administration’s disastrous energy policies: Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA): “The administration is ignoring the fact that natural gas continues to create millions of new jobs, bring manufacturing back to the U.S., and revitalize communities across the country.” […] “President Biden’s LNG export ban will end these benefits for local economies, kill good American jobs, and increase energy prices for people across the board. “It will send manufacturing overseas, increase our dangerous dependence on China, and discourage investment in future American energy production.” Rep. John Joyce (R-PA): “This is not a pause. It is the first step of a process to ban outright any future export of LNG. “This was a political decision to pander to the far-left that will increase energy prices for American households. “It will abandon our allies in their time of energy need, it will harm family sustaining jobs, and it will relinquish American global energy leadership.” Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN): “Thanks to American innovation and energy technologies, the United States is the world’s largest producer of natural gas and exporter of LNG.” […] “American LNG is a critical asset that not only keeps our energy sector secure and competitive, but also helps reduce global emissions and our global dependence on energy from adversarial nations, like Russia.” Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI): “Even for a President known for inflation and global instability, this is an inexplicable move.” […] “I’ve yet to hear from any American clamoring to drive our allies to Russia and Iran, which is exactly what Biden’s LNG export ban will do.” Rep. John Curtis (R-UT): “Sometimes it feels to me like people hate fossil fuels more than they hate emissions." […] “We do produce [LNG] cleaner here than Russia, and not just by a little bit.” Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ): “Stopping the progress of building U.S. LNG terminals is just simply an irrational decision. “I cannot imagine a worse conceived idea that is more detrimental to reducing worldwide greenhouse gas emissions, and it also decreases world energy security and U.S. national security.”   Rep. Greg Pence (R-IN): “This export ban will fuel higher costs for families here at home and push our allies abroad into the hands of our adversaries.” […] “American LNG is the cleanest form of natural gas available and has allowed the U.S. to lead the world in emissions reduction.” Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX): “ LNG is reducing greenhouse gas emissions, whether some here want to admit that or not.” Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA): “Because of [LNG], we have actually reduced our carbon footprint substantially here. And guess what, we’re getting no love for it. All they’re trying to do is put [LNG] out of business.” Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH) : “Since Putin began his invasion of Ukraine, our European allies have raced to transition away from Russian energy by importing clean, American LNG. The administration’s short-sighted, dangerous decision accomplishes one thing, and one thing only, empowering Russia. “Claiming that this decision is based solely on protecting the environment is just absurd. Because of natural gas, the United States has reduced its own emissions more than any other country over the last 20 years. “The President’s ban on new LNG export projects is not an environmental decision. It’s a political decision.” Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA): “We can both have a cleaner, healthier planet and climate, as well as grow our economy and have affordable, reliable, secure, and abundant energy. “The greatest sense of environmental injustice to me is not allowing poor people or disadvantaged communities to be able to heat their homes because we make electricity unaffordable.” Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL): “Simply put, President Biden’s LNG ban puts politics over people, and America last." […] "Stopping LNG exports does not make the climate any cleaner or safer. In fact, the opposite happens. “Ultimately, this restriction will curtail innovation, investment, and the overall competitiveness of the United States energy sector in the global market.” […] “The White House seems more interested in taking domestic energy advice from TikTok influencers who are just in it for clicks, shares, and impressions.”

Feb 5, 2024
Letter

More than 150 House Republicans Demand Biden End His De Facto Ban on American LNG Exports

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. 

Letters

Apr 9, 2024
Press Release

Rodgers, Capito, and Wicker Lead Amicus Brief Challenging EPA’s Overreaching So-Called ‘Good Neighbor’ Rule

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) led 26 of their colleagues in filing a bicameral amicus curiae brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit in support of state and industry challengers to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) so-called “Good Neighbor” air rule that targets American power production and burdens states with misguided air regulations. “Acting well beyond its delegated powers under the [Clean Air Act], EPA’s Rule proposes to remake the energy sector in the affected states toward the Agency’s preferred ends. The Rule is part of the broader joint EPA-White House Strategy that oversteps the Agency’s authority by concurrently developing regulations under three separate environmental statutes. It does so not to meet any of the statutes’ individual ends but to transform the power sector. "The group of regulations—including the Rule—are designed to hurriedly rid the U.S. power sector of fossil fuels by sharply increasing the operating costs for fossil fuel-fired power plant operators, forcing the plants’ premature retirement,” the brief reads in part. BACKGROUND: The so-called “Good Neighbor” rule imposes overreaching emissions requirements on power plants, natural gas pipeline assets, and industrial plants, like steel, cement, and paper production facilities in 23 states. Other federal courts have already frozen implementation of the rule in 12 states. Despite active Supreme Court proceedings that may halt implementation of the rule nationwide, the EPA has remained committed to the illegal rule and recently proposed to add five more states to the program.  In June 2023 , Capito joined Wicker in introducing a formal challenge to the rule through a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval.  In June 2023, Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) also introduced H.J.Res. 69, a formal challenge to the rule through a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval.  In June 2022 , Ranking Member Capito sent a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan outlining serious concerns with the proposed “Good Neighbor Plan.”  Ranking Member Capito has criticized the EPA’s proposed “Good Neighbor Plan” during EPW hearings in March 2023 , July 2022 , and May 2022 , and in an op-ed .  In November 2023 , Chairs Rodgers, Duncan, and Johnson sent a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission expressing concerns with the impact of EPA’s suite of rules, including the “Good Neighbor” Rule (or Interstate Transport Rule), on the reliability of the nation’s electric grid. In addition to Capito and Wicker, senators who signed on to brief include, John Barrasso, (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Mike Braun (R-IN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Hoeven (R-ND), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Cynthia M. Lummis (R-WY), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and John Thune (R-SD). In addition to Rodgers, House members who signed on to the brief include, Rick Allen (R-GA), Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Michael Burgess (R-TX), Kat Cammack (R-FL), Earl “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), John Curtis (R-UT), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Neal Dunn (R-FL), Russ Fulcher (R-ID), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Richard Hudson (R-NC), John James (R-MI), John Joyce (R-PA), Bob Latta (R-OH), Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Gary Palmer (R-AL), Greg Pence (R-IN), August Pfluger (R-TX), Tim Walberg (R-MI), and Randy Weber (R-TX).  Full text of the brief is available here .

Feb 5, 2024
Letter

More than 150 House Republicans Demand Biden End His De Facto Ban on American LNG Exports

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. 

Dec 4, 2023
Letter - Energy

E&C Republicans Question Energy Department over Loan to Li-Cycle after Company’s Construction Halted, Stock Prices Plummet

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Morgan Griffith (R-VA), and Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, & Grid Security Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC), on behalf of Oversight and Energy Subcommittee Republicans, today wrote to Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Programs Officer (LPO) Director Jigar Shah. The letter , which follows up on a previous correspondence regarding the LPO, requests information related to a $375 million conditional loan commitment to Li-Cycle, a company whose stock is reportedly tanking and is facing a class action lawsuit. DOE has failed to respond to the Committee’s October 19 letter with Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY) regarding ethical concerns with Mr. Shah’s association with the Cleantech Business Leaders Roundtable.  KEY LETTER EXCERPTS :  “While some have observed that ‘green’ energy companies have experienced difficulties this year, these developments suggest serious struggles for this company. This raises concerns about the LPO’s vetting and due diligence processes as well as potential attempts to implore companies to incur obligations they cannot meet. For example, in 2022, you reportedly met with Li-Cycle Chief Executive Officer Ajay Kochar regarding DOE’s program to encourage him to apply for an LPO loan. When he expressed uncertainty about Li-Cycle’s ability to repay the loan quickly, you urged him to attend a clean-energy conference in Pittsburgh. While news reports did not confirm it was this specific conference, you participated in an event of Cleantech Business Leaders Roundtable, a trade association you helped found, in Pittsburgh on September 22, 2022.” […]  “We also seek more detail on some of your statements before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources at an October 19, 2023, hearing. In response to questions from Chairman Joe Manchin, you stated that you ‘don’t make any decisions on which loans we actually underwrite or approve.’ You also stated that ‘[t]hese loans are being overseen by, you know, career federal staff.’  As part of our oversight responsibilities, it is critical that we understand who the decision-makers are in the LPO.”  BACKGROUND :  On February 27, 2023, the LPO announced a conditional commitment to Li-Cycle for a $375 million direct loan to help finance a lithium-ion battery resource recovery facility in Rochester, New York.   However, since that date, disturbing updates about Li-Cycle and the proposed facility have emerged.   On October 23, 2023, Li-Cycle announced it was “pausing construction work” on the Rochester facility, known as the “Rochester Hub,” pending a comprehensive review of the strategy of the project and citing “escalating construction costs.”  Additionally, Li-Cycle stock prices recently plunged following a recent disappointing quarterly earnings report and the pause on construction of the Rochester Hub.   Reportedly , Li-Cycle stock recently lost half of its value following this quarterly report, and, as of November 15, its stock prices had fallen 88 percent year-to-date.  Finally, two law firms recently announced they filed class action suits against Li-Cycle for making false and/or misleading statements and failing to disclose rising construction costs for the Rochester Hub, as well as the severity and impact of those costs.  The Committee has also learned of potential challenges with the DOE loan itself. Reportedly, Li-Cycle stated the DOE loan was to close in June of this year, but that target has been pushed back twice.   Li-Cycle also stated it will need to secure additional financing to meet DOE’s loan terms.  The Chairs requested the following information by December 18, 2023: All documents and information sufficient to show the entire LPO process for reviewing and deciding whether to approve applications for LPO loans and loan guarantees, at both the conditional and final stages, including:  Each step or stage of the review and approval process.  The names and titles of each individual federal government official, employee, consultant, or contractor who participates in each step of the process.   The names and titles of each individual federal official, employee, consultant, or contractor who must grant approval at each stage for an application to progress to the next stage.  The role of any review panels or advisory boards that participate in this process.   Any and all minutes, transcripts, or memoranda from any review panels or advisory boards that participate in this process.  All internal guidance, memos, criteria, or policies governing each stage of the loan and loan guarantee application review process, including both the conditional and final stages. CLICK HERE to read the full letter.