Article Summary –
House Republican Leader Steve Scalise remains a supporter of fossil fuels, promoting legislation that makes it easier to drill oil and gas on federal lands and opposing progressive climate policies. During an interview, he disputed the idea that human-made climate change is a threat, justifying fossil fuel usage by arguing that if the US doesn’t produce it, other countries with lower environmental standards will. He also criticized President Biden’s energy and climate policies, including the cancellation of the Keystone pipeline and leases for oil and gas production in the US, arguing that these decisions make the US more dependent on foreign energy sources.
Republican Leader Steve Scalise Unyielding on Fossil Fuels and Climate Change
Long-standing defender of fossil fuel production, Republican Leader Steve Scalise from Louisiana, remains unmoved by mainstream climate science. Scalise championed “energy week” bills aimed at reducing regulations and costs for oil and gas drilling on federal lands. The proposed legislation contradicts climate policies supported by some oil companies and undermines Democrats’ clean energy initiatives.
Although met with criticism from Democrats due to the looming issue of climate change, Scalise remains indifferent. “They want to get people worked up, and their answer is always to raise your taxes and kill American energy,” he said during an interview last Thursday.
Scalise highlighted past Republican policies such as their significant energy legislation, H.R. 1 and hinted at the potential for future energy and climate policies under Republican control.
Scalise’s Stance on Climate Change
Unfazed by claims that humans are causing climate change, Scalise argued that the earth’s temperature has always fluctuated. He also expressed his disagreement with the idea that climate change poses an existential threat.
Scalise criticized President Joe Biden’s policies that limit energy production in America while relying on oil production from Saudi Arabia. He maintained that American ingenuity and clean energy production is preferable to importing from states with lower environmental standards.
Energy Policies Under Future Republican Control
If Republicans regain control of the White House and Congress, Scalise promised a continuation of their energy policies, like H.R. 1. He also criticized Biden’s push for electric vehicles and the corresponding Clean Car rules, arguing that the resources required to manufacture EVs and solar panels cause significant environmental damage.
Discussion on Inflation Reduction Act
The GOP energy package H.R. 1 intends to repeal parts of the Inflation Reduction Act. However, Scalise didn’t commit to a complete rollback, stating they will review all aspects of the act. He also expressed hope that former President Donald Trump can reverse much of the legislation’s impact through executive action.
Scalise further argued that Biden’s policies, such as the ban on LNG exports, support foreign energy suppliers at the expense of American energy producers. He insisted that the U.S.’s current oil and gas production levels are the result of decisions made before Biden’s presidency, and Biden’s current policies will negatively affect future production.
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