Rep. Roy Pushes for American Energy Independence as Biden EO Further Empowers China

I sent a letter to President Biden Tuesday in opposition to a recent executive order that forces the federal government to adopt radical environmental policies that harm our domestic energy producers and bolster our enemies.  

“This order poses serious threats to the reliability of our electrical grid and will empower our enemies at the expense of American energy producers,” the letter reads.  “Unfortunately, your administration is trying to force the grid to shed this baseload energy source in favor of intermittent wind and solar power.” 

On December 8, 2021, President Biden issued an executive order titled “Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability.” This order requires federal agencies to procure 100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2030 and 100% zero-emission vehicles by 2035. Adhering to these policies will make the federal government dependent on China, threaten reliable American energy production, and harm the environment.  

“The U.S. produces more oil than any other nation in the world, and almost all of the gasoline that is consumed in the U.S. is produced domestically. 5 It is imperative that the federal fleet is powered by fuel that is produced in America, not Chinese-manufactured batteries,” I explained. “Abdicating American energy leadership to China runs counter to the environmental goals your administration seeks to achieve. I urge you to rescind this order and work with our domestic energy producers, not against them,” I concluded. 

Full text of the letter is available below: 

The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

President of the United States

The White House

Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear President Biden,

I write today in opposition to your executive order titled “Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability.” This order poses serious threats to the reliability of our electrical grid and will empower our enemies at the expense of American energy producers.

The executive order mandates that the federal government procure 100 percent carbon pollution-free electricity by 2030. However, this mandate blatantly ignores the benefits associated with expanding natural gas electricity generation. The natural gas boom caused by the fracking revolution is one of the primary reasons the U.S. leads the world in emissions reductions. [1] Unfortunately, your administration is trying to force the grid to shed this baseload energy source in favor of intermittent wind and solar power.

In addition to compromising grid reliability, this policy would increase dependence on our enemies. Over 90 percent of the natural gas consumed in the U.S. is produced domestically. [2] On the other hand, about 80 percent of the solar panels installed in the U.S. are manufactured in China – the world’s leading emitter. [3] Instead of funneling federal dollars to Chinese manufactures, your administration should foster an environment that ensures we can produce, transport, and consume America’s vast energy resources well into the future.

Your executive order also requires the federal government to acquire 100 percent zero-emission vehicles by 2035, which will increase the federal government’s reliance on an electric vehicle supply chain that is also dominated by China. Electric vehicles make up less than one percent of the federal government’s 657,000 vehicle fleet, meaning the vast majority of the fleet is powered by liquid fuels. [4] The U.S. produces more oil than any other nation in the world, and almost all of the gasoline that is consumed in the U.S. is produced domestically. [5] It is imperative that the federal fleet is powered by fuel that is produced in America, not Chinese-manufactured batteries.

Abdicating American energy leadership to China runs counter to the environmental goals your administration seeks to achieve. I urge you to rescind this order and work with our domestic energy producers, not against them.

Sincerely,

Chip Roy

Member of Congress