HEAT, Western Caucus Members Condemn Unprecedented FERC Guidance Kneecapping American Pipeline Projects

WASHINGTON, D.C.—House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) and 28 members of the House Energy Action Team and the Congressional Western Caucus released the following statements after the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) released an unprecedented update to its natural gas pipeline policy statement that will severely impede new and pending pipeline projects, causing energy costs across the country to remain sky-high and weakening America's energy independence:

House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.): "Once again, the Biden Administration sided with radical extremists to raise energy prices on American families and further erode our nation's energy security in the name of their radical climate agenda. FERC's new policy statement, which rests on shaky legal grounds and clearly goes beyond the authority and role that Congress gave it, will ensure that energy infrastructure will continue to be delayed and bogged down by costly red tape.

"For months now, dozens, if not hundreds, of natural gas pipeline applications have languished in front of this same Commission, contributing to record increases in energy costs for hard-working American families. President Biden's denial of access to abundant, clean American natural gas has further emboldened Russia and other dictatorships because the United States and our allies around the world are more reliant on unfriendly nations for our energy. Eliminating access to American natural gas is bad for the environment, will kill American jobs, and disproportionately hurts lower income families."

Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.): "FERC's misguided, and unprecedented guidance is yet another extension of the Biden Administration's failed energy agenda. Instead of recognizing the need for affordable, safe, and reliable domestic energy development, the Commission has decided to prioritize an unnecessarily political agenda. These priorities will only delay much-needed current and future projects, disadvantage communities who rely on natural gas infrastructure, and lead to continued rising energy costs across the country. We should be strengthening our energy independence by supporting natural gas infrastructure in the United States – not increasing red tape while encouraging energy production in foreign countries like Russia. Rural communities recognize that this Administration is failing to provide the energy security we need, and we will continue to hold them accountable."

HEAT Co-Chair, Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.):"FERC's policy misstep will send the United States further into an energy crisis at a time when families are paying more for energy than ever and our nation needs a strengthened energy infrastructure more than ever. This decision is yet another play into Putin's hands as the Biden Administration continues to undercut our own energy production and security. This policy is misguided, at best, and will inhibit domestic energy production, make it more difficult to permit energy infrastructure, hurt American families, and put American interests last. The United States is the world's largest natural gas producer, and it's time to unleash American energy production to strengthen our national security and the security of our allies while giving hardworking Americans some relief at the gas pump."

HEAT Co-Chair, Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.): "There is never a good time to stifle American energy; especially not now. While we are watching the politicization of pipelines play out in Russia as we speak, the Commission should be working to implement policies that support natural gas infrastructure here at home. Tearing apart homegrown, natural power is not only detrimental to the American energy industry, but also puts our national security at unbelievable risk."

Ways and Means Committee Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-Texas): "This is more of the dangerous Green New Deal agenda that will block American energy infrastructure, drive prices higher and surrender America's energy independence to foreign countries. Wouldn't it be great if President Biden put American interests ahead of Russia and the Middle East?"

Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change Ranking Member David McKinley, P.E. (R-W. Va.):"Once again, President Biden has prioritized his far-left agenda over ensuring that Americans have access to affordable and reliable energy. At a time when Americans are facing skyrocketing energy costs at home and our allies are facing uncertainty about energy security abroad, we should be maximizing our energy production, not throwing up roadblocks. The addition of arbitrary and expansive new climate standards to FERC's certificate policy statement will not only make the permitting process even more complex and uncertain, but also restrict Americans' access to affordable U.S. natural gas and oil at a time when they need it the most."

Representative Garret Graves (R-La.): "For those of you that have been begging for more red tape, more lawyers, more litigation, and more expensive prices at the pump and energy bills, your prayers have been answered. The White House must be ecstatic about this decision. When the United States is the world's largest natural gas producer with plenty of supply, any effort to limit exports to our allies is not the answer – this is just stupidity that will surely be endorsed by Russia's Vladimir Putin. This Administration is fumbling yet another international diplomatic moment with their handling of Ukraine and supporting Europe's dependence on volatile Russian energy supplies controlled by Vladimir Putin. If other countries begin to curtail their energy production and trade to protect their best interests, this major misstep will do nothing but add more global uncertainty and further drive up the cost of energy – while increasing global emissions. Decisions like these support our dependence on foreign energy sources – with no rationale. This Administration continues to make irresponsible policy decisions, and then pretends to be shocked when it leads to an energy crisis at home and abroad."

Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.):"Americans are feeling historic pain at the pump directly attributable to Biden's failed energy policies. Instead of unleashing American innovation, creating jobs, and lowering prices at the pump, this Administration keeps throwing up burdensome bureaucratic barriers like the ones issued today. These new rules will only further halt domestic energy production and prolong pain for consumers. Enough is enough! The catastrophic path Biden has set us on must be reversed!"

Representative Clay Higgins (R-La.):"The Biden administration is continuing its war on the oil and gas industry. American energy dominance requires robust energy infrastructure, and pipelines are the safest method of transporting energy product. Blocking those projects through FERC threatens natural gas supplies and will further increase energy costs for American families."

Representative Carol Miller (R-W. Va.):"This action by the Biden Administration is the latest example of their disastrous, anti-American energy policy. FERC's new policy will hinder America's ability to move our energy resources around the world, and embolden bad actors in the process. It is long overdue for President Biden to make American energy a priority. Energy security is national security."

Representative Pete Stauber (R-Minn.):"At a time when energy prices are skyrocketing, President Biden's appointees are making it harder for Americans to access natural gas. This is just yet another example of what happens when unelected bureaucrats have too much power. Instead of punishing American energy, FERC should make it easier for Americans to access affordable natural gas supplies, especially in the middle of a brutal Minnesota winter."

Representative Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.):"The decision by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission continues the reckless anti-energy policies of this Administration. With the ongoing foreign crisis in Ukraine, American energy independence is more vital than ever. We should not be adding additional burdens and roadblocks that delay building new energy infrastructure."

Representative Michael Burgess (R-Texas):"It is time to end this war against American energy. Since day one, the Biden Administration has taken every action it can to take away America's energy independence. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's policy update for permitting new interstate natural gas and liquid natural gas infrastructure is just the latest attack on our energy producers who produce cleaner energy than OPEC or Russia. This rule has the potential to lead to the Administration once again asking OPEC to produce more. We should not have to rely on foreign producers for our energy."

Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif):"An energy-independent nation is an economically strong and powerful nation. We need to reverse these disastrous new guidelines and pursue a full domestic oil production policy, including new pipelines. Our national security and ability to ensure Russia and the middle east cannot leverage our European allies is dependent on America's ability to reliably produce and export energy."

Representative Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho):"This announcement is yet another example of the Biden Administration making US energy production increasingly difficult—- while they continue to show support for Russia's Nordstream II Pipeline. President Biden's determination to make the US dependent on our adversaries is dangerous and must be avoided."

Representative Greg Pence (R-Ind.):"Hoosiers and hardworking Americans across the country rely on critical energy infrastructure for every part of their life — from heating their homes to getting to work. Instead of strengthening and preserving our American energy independence, FERC Democrat Commissioners and President Biden continue to play political games by enacting left-wing activist policies that will make the energy crisis our constituents are already facing exponentially more difficult."

Representative Ron Estes (R-Kan.):"Now is the wrong time to discourage American energy production while Kansans are paying more to fill up their vehicles and heat their homes. For a little more than a year, bad policies have taken us from energy independence to energy dependence, and hardworking families and small businesses will continue to suffer if this unprecedented, incompetent guidance moves forward."

Representative Jodey Arrington (R-Texas):"This is another example of how President Biden's obsession with the Left and their crazy climate agenda is effectively surrendering America's energy independence and economic dominance to Russia and China. Europe already let the climate alarmist take them down this ruinous road and now their people are paying a steep price. America leads the world in greenhouse gas reductions, but Biden's radical climate agenda will only cede fossil production to the biggest polluters while weakening America's ability to defend freedom around the world."

Representative Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.): "The Biden administration has been waging a war on American energy from the very beginning. They have consistently worked to cripple domestic production while simultaneously begging foreign governments to increase supplies. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's new policy doubles down on putting our country's interests last, and will make it even harder to build critical infrastructure needed to provide reliable and affordable energy for North Dakotans and all Americans."

Representative Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.):"FERC's guidance to delay and prevent new natural gas pipeline projects is just the latest attack in President Biden's war on American energy, and it is families and senior citizens in Pennsylvania and throughout the country who will pay the price. Thanks to Democrats' radical Green New Deal agenda, Pennsylvanians are already paying as much as 50% more to heat their homes this winter. As Americans continue to suffer under Biden's disastrous economic policies and our nation faces security threats from Russia and China, we should take advantage of our vast natural gas resources, including Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale. We should not handcuff domestic energy producers and destroy the good-paying, family-sustaining jobs they support."

Representative Tim Walberg (R-Mich.):"It is disappointing to see the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission join the extreme chorus of those who want to play politics with America's energy security. These repeated efforts to restrict pipelines and the supply of affordable energy will only drive up prices for consumers even higher. The President and his party need to stop undermining our nation's energy infrastructure."

Representative John Joyce (R-Pa.): "The FERC's new guidance is a grave mistake that could have lasting consequences, not only for our energy producers but for the people that rely on them. Simply put, this new policy will raise the cost to heat your home and fill your gas tank. It will not make our energy industry safer, but it will make life harder on American families."

Representative Jake LaTurner (R-Kan.):"As energy prices continue to rise, President Biden and his Administration remain committed to sidelining American energy producers and keeping Kansans from having increased access to affordable and reliable natural gas. The new policy update by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will make it even more difficult to grow our energy infrastructure and become an energy independent nation once again."

Representative Fred Keller (R-Pa.):"President Joe Biden has sought to dismantle our domestic energy infrastructure since his first day in office. This administration's shortsighted policies have sent gas prices skyrocketing, and Biden's latest action will hamper the development of new natural gas pipelines—further limiting American energy development, independence, and security at a time when the United States should be producing and exporting energy to our allies."

Representative August Pfluger (R-Texas):"At a time when our nation needs more natural gas infrastructure, the Democrat Commissioners at FERC are pushing their radical Green New Deal agenda. Natural gas is critical to our nation's prosperity. This administration should be promoting American natural gas rather than hamstringing the industry at every turn."

Representative Adrian Smith (R-Neb.):"As the American people face historic inflation and Democrats attempt to paper over the problem with gimmicks like gas tax holidays, it is disconcerting to see FERC raising new barriers to hard infrastructure investments which would strengthen our economy and enhance our energy independence. This decision is another example of how the Biden administration has turned a blind eye to the needs of American families to push its out-of-touch agenda."

Representative Chip Roy (R-Texas): "FERC's decision to incorporate climate change and environmental justice considerations into its approval process will only further hamstring our ability to build the natural gas infrastructure critical to ensuring reliability, decreasing consumer costs, and securing American energy independence. Strategically, this move could not come at a worse time. American LNG is crucial to countering Russia's weaponization of energy exports to Europe. Unfortunately, the Biden administration has once again decided to hand more power to Vladimir Putin at the expense of the American people's security and prosperity."

Representative Darrell Issa (R-Calif.):"I'm disappointed but not surprised that the Biden Administration' FERC continues to slow down domestic energy production and disincentivize new infrastructure and essential innovation. This is a signature failing of this White House — and my colleagues and I will work to see it reversed."

Representative French Hill (R-Ark.):"At every turn, the Biden Administration continues to undermine domestic energy production while simultaneously weakening the U.S. geopolitically. Energy prices are up 10% domestically, Europe relies on Russia for as much as 40% of their natural gas, and FERC's labyrinth of red-tape will only further fuel these problems. I call on the Biden Administration to stop pandering to those that seek to undermine American energy and instead greenlight domestic energy production and ramp-up liquefied natural gas exports to our allies around the globe."