Wicker: Backs energy independence agenda
By U. S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.)
New Administration and Congress Boost American Industry
In the White House and on Capitol Hill, the administration and Congress have been wasting no time making the United States energy independent. Minutes after he took the oath of office, President Trump vowed to lower energy prices, refill our strategic reserves, and power the world with American energy. The U.S. Senate will soon confirm Chris Wright, President Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Energy. Republican senators have introduced a bill to increase offshore drilling lease sales and have scheduled a hearing on ways to reform the permitting process.
Energy Independence Advances Peace and Prosperity
Two trends make domestic production an urgent priority. The first is the high cost of energy, which is burdening all of us. In the last four years, gasoline, electricity, and natural gas prices have risen by nearly a third. Removing restrictions on our energy companies can bring down these ballooning costs.
China and Russia’s aggression also increases the need for energy independence. China controls much of the critical minerals supply chain, and Russia relies on energy exports to keep its war economy afloat. In our volatile world, we can protect America by fueling our own power.
Democrats have regularly poured cold water on the vital American energy industry. The Biden administration stunted domestic drilling and mining and denied new liquified natural gas (LNG) export permits. Officials even slapped extreme efficiency standards not only on vehicles but also household appliances like gas stoves and dishwashers. They did it all in the name of a “Green New Deal” agenda that the American people have rejected. Under Republican leadership, we are reversing both these trends.
President Trump’s Cabinet Supports Energy Security
The Senate has the constitutional obligation to give the president “advice and consent” on his cabinet nominees. I am glad to offer my enthusiastic support for President Trump’s pick for Secretary of Energy, Mr. Chris Wright. He has a demonstrated track record of innovation and business leadership, and he will champion the American energy sector. Crucially, Mr. Wright will help modernize our nuclear defense capabilities and deterrent – a key task of his department.
Once confirmed, Mr. Wright will help implement a number of President Trump’s executive orders. On day one, the president began lifting the weighty restrictions Biden officials had placed on energy development projects. He withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Accords and opened parts of the Alaska wilderness to oil and gas drilling. President Trump also declared the first national energy emergency in history. The announcement underlines the president’s commitment to this issue and can allow him to accelerate mining permits and end green rules.
Making the Most of America’s Assets
The sky is the limit for America’s energy opportunities. We simply need to unleash the assets we already have. We can fuel the world with our LNG exports, a product which will strengthen our economy while weakening Russia’s. The United States leads in technology innovation, and we will need much more energy to maintain our edge. We must make the most of our critical mineral mines, vast oil fields, and other natural resources to generate this power. American companies are ready to use nuclear power to run the data centers we need to beat China in the artificial intelligence race. The federal government should expedite approvals for these nuclear projects. As the 119th Congress begins its work, I look forward to partnering with the Trump administration to unleash our energy resources.
Note: This article is the weekly Wicker Report from U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, written by the Senator and provided by his office. Any opinions expressed here are that of the author and not necessarily that of this publication.
