<[link removed]>

I hope you saw my latest weekly column.



ROGER WICKER: The Lower Energy Costs Would Lower Prices and Promote Energy
Independence
<[link removed]>



After more than two years of President Biden's disastrous war on American
energy, it is encouraging to see that a far better approach may soon be passed
by the U.S. House of Representatives. The new Republican majority there is
putting forward an alternative that would end the administration's handouts to
the climate lobby and replace them with policies that work – incentivizing
domestic production and energy independence. The Lower Energy Costs Act,
designated H.R. 1 to show it is a top priority, is exactly the change of
direction we need for our economy and for national security.


Republican Plan Would Lower Costs and Create Jobs


It is no surprise that Americans today are needlessly paying too much for gas
and electricity. The President’s green agenda was designed to do just that.
Conservatives understand that we can pursue clean energy and low prices at the
same time. The Democrats’ policies rely on corporate fees and spending, while
Republicans want to incentivize innovative energy companies to invest in
America.

The Lower Energy Costs Act would increase the national production of oil and
coal, raising supply and reducing costs. It would roll back provisions in
President Biden’s absurdly-named Inflation Reduction Act by eliminating costly
methane fees, which primarily hurt small businesses, and by ending a $27
billion fund for green energy projects. Additionally, a seemingly endless
bureaucratic process drives producers elsewhere to avoid years in permitting
limbo. H.R. 1 would expedite that process and also cap environmental reviews at
two years so more companies will want to build at home.

Permit reform could garner bipartisan support in the Senate. Unfortunately,
Senator Schumer has no interest in discussions, declaring the bill “dead on
arrival.”


Energy Independence Would Make Us Safer


Producing our own oil, gas, and minerals protects us from volatile situations
in other energy-producing countries. But President Biden has made us more
dependent on foreign — sometimes hostile — nations. The administration has
blocked gas and coal leases on federal lands, decreasing American production
and forcing us to buy abroad. They have also blocked access to critical mineral
mines, unwisely allowing China to strengthen its position in that supply chain.
These minerals power our batteries, compose hip and knee replacements, and
become medicine ingredients, among other uses. As Xi Jinping increases his
hostility toward the United States, relying on China for critical minerals is
increasingly risky.

The Lower Energy Costs Act encourages domestic critical mineral mining so that
we can make use of our own vast mineral resources. If Beijing decides to stop
selling to us one day, we would be able to continue production of vital,
everyday technologies. Becoming energy independent makes us more secure in an
increasingly insecure world.


H.R. 1 Would Boost Investment in Mississippi


H.R. 1 would also bring more funds home to Mississippi. Today, Gulf Coast
states get 37.5 percent of the oil and gas revenues generated in federal waters
off their coasts. If the bill becomes law, that percentage would increase to 50
percent and would be guaranteed in the event of a congressional sequestration.
By investing in the Gulf Coast, the Lower Energy Costs Act boosts our local
economies.

I have long opposed President Biden’s energy programs, which make us look weak
on the global stage as a U.S. president fist bumps the Saudi Crown Prince
<[link removed]>
and begs OPEC for oil
<[link removed]>
.His policies eliminate jobs, like the 11,000 potential Keystone XL pipeline
roles
<[link removed]>
. The United States has the resources, infrastructure, and people to be a
leader in energy production and even green innovation – if the president will
unleash the marketplace.



You can click here to share my Op-Ed with your friends on Facebook!
<[link removed]>



Thank you for your support,



Senator Roger Wicker


 
Donate to Roger Wicker Here.
<[link removed]>

 

Please mail contributions to P.O. Box 64, Jackson, MS 39205. Paid for by
Wicker for Senate.



You can also keep up with Roger Wicker on Twitter
<[link removed]> or Facebook <[link removed]>.


Don't want to receive our emails anymore? Unsubscribe
<[link removed]>